German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn't changed his thinking on invading Ukraine.
"Sadly, I cannot tell you that the impression has grown that it was a mistake to begin this war. And there was no indication that new attitudes are emerging," Scholz told a press conference on September 14, a day after he held a 90-minute phone call with Putin.
A readout of the call said Scholz urged Putin "to find a diplomatic solution as soon as possible, based on a cease-fire, a complete withdrawal of Russian troops, and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine."
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring safety around Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which Russia currently controls. Shelling near the plant has raised fears of a major accident at Europe's largest nuclear station.
Scholz told the September 14 press conference that while he and Putin aren't on the same page when it comes to the war in Ukraine, among other issues, "it's correct to speak with each other and to say what there is to say on this subject."
