Russia ready to continue talks with West on missiles, says President Putin

President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said Russia was prepared to continue dialogue on missiles and other security issues with the West, speaking in Moscow with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Tensions in Europe have run high in recent weeks on Western fears Russia may invade neighboring Ukraine, which Moscow denied is its intention.

Russia said on Tuesday some of its troops were returning to base after exercises near Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that he agreed with Russia’s assessment that there was still a chance to avert war over Ukraine through diplomatic negotiations.

“I expressly agree that the diplomatic options are far from exhausted,” he said after talks with President Putin in Moscow.

“That we are now hearing that some troops are being withdrawn is in any case a good sign,” he told reporters. “We hope that more follow.”