Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted he “of course” does not want a war in Europe amid conflicting claims he had withdrawn some his country’s forces from Ukraine’s borders.

Speaking at a news conference following talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Mr Putin stressed he was not keen on a military confrontation.

He also suggested that there was the opportunity for further talks between Moscow and the West in a bid to ease current tensions.

“Of course we don’t want it [war],” Mr Putin said after his discussions with Mr Scholz in Moscow.

“This is exactly why we put forward the proposal to start the negotiation process where the result should be an agreement of ensuring equal security of everyone, including our country.

“Unfortunately there was no constructive response to this proposal.

“Nevertheless we come from a position that even in the documents that were forwarded to us from NATO and Washington there are elements that can be discussed.

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“But these need to be discussed comprehensively with all basic issues that we have highlighted today.”

Mr Scholz had told the news conference that “war in Europe is inconceivable” and said a deescalation of Russia’s military build-up along Ukraine’s borders was “essential”.

He also welcomed Moscow’s announcement earlier on Tuesday that some units participating in military exercises would begin returning to their bases.

“We have not yet exhausted diplomatic solutions,” Mr Scholz said. “We need to make sure to work towards a peaceful solution of the conflict.

“We have heard that some troops are being withdrawn – that is a good sign and we hope more troops will be withdrawn.

“We are prepared to talk about very concrete steps in order to ensure peace and security.”

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