German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday he saw scope for more diplomacy to avert a war between Russia and Ukraine.

Mr. Scholz’s one-day trip following a visit to Kyiv on Monday is part of a Western effort to try to prevent a possible attack as more than 100,000 Russian troops mass on Ukraine’s borders.

The diplomatic possibilities are far from being exhausted, Mr. Scholz said at a joint news conference with Putin.

Striking a more positive note than some other Western leaders, Mr. Scholz said it was a good sign that some Russian troops were returning to base after excercises near Ukraine, but added that he wanted more to follow.

It should be possible to find a solution. No matter how difficult and serious the situation seems to be, I refuse to say it is hopeless, he said.

Long-term security in Europe could only be achieved with Russia, he added.

To my generation, war in Europe has become unimaginable. We must ensure it stays that way, said Mr. Scholz, who took office in December. It is our responsibility as state and government leaders to prevent military escalation in Europe, he concluded.