Germany's Scholz To Hold Talks In Moscow With Putin on February 15

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 15 amid a flurry of intense diplomacy prompted by Moscow's buildup of troops in areas on the border with Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced the meeting during a press conference on February 4, saying the two leaders will hold "substantial" bilateral talks.

There was no immediate confirmation of the meeting by Scholz's office.

The German president is scheduled to hold talks in Washington with U.S. President Joe Biden.

Intelligence reports estimate Russia has massed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border in what the West suspects is a prelude for an invasion.

Moscow denies any incursion is planned, but has been demanding guarantees on European security, including a pledge that Kyiv will never be admitted into the NATO military alliance.

Based on reporting by TASS and AFP