Russian media reports say the Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on August 20 discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, along with other international issues. 

Addressing a news conference after at a meeting in Moscow on Friday, Vladimir Putin thanked Angela Merkel “for fruitful work,” saying the outgoing chancellor would always be “a dear guest” in Russia.

"The Taliban movement now controls almost the entire territory of the country (Afghanistan), including the capital. These are realities and it is from these realities that we must proceed, not allowing the collapse of the Afghan state," Putin said.

He noted that the Taliban have already announced an end to hostilities, begun to restore public order, and promised to guarantee the safety of local residents and foreign diplomatic missions.

“I hope all this will be implemented.  This process should be closely monitored by the international community with the coordinating role of the UN Security Council,” he said.

Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of preventing terrorists under the guise of refugees from infiltrating countries adjacent to Afghanistan, according to RIA Novosti.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Welle (DW) says Angela Merkel urged Russia to communicate with the Taliban the importance of evacuating civilians from Kabul.