At a press conference after a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Moscow, President Putin said that Russia is prepared to continue the dialogue on missiles and other security issues with the West. He added that of course Russia does not want war.

When it comes to the Ukraine crisis, Putin said he is greatly concerned about over what is happening in Donbass and urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and implement the stalled 2015 Minsk peace accords.

Chancellor Scholz said Russia is a crucial player in maintaining security in Europe, and it is clear that lasting security cannot be achieved against Russia, but only with Russia. “The diplomatic possibilities are far from being exhausted. No matter how difficult and serious the situation seems to be, I refuse to say it is hopeless,” Scholz said.

The same day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during which Blinken reiterated the US’s commitment to pursuing a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis.