ADDIS ABABA - The African Union (AU) on Tuesday called for dialogue and a peaceful solution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat made the appeal during a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"I stressed for the need to respect international law and urged for dialogue for a peaceful solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine," Mahamat tweeted.

According to the Russian Embassy in Ethiopia, Lavrov briefed Mahamat on the reasons and goals of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.

Formally established in July 2002, the 55-member pan-African bloc is headquartered in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa.