What does Frank do after they leave the Defense Ministry that apparently prompts Volodya to suggest they forgive each other, and how does Frank initially respond?

As they depart the Defense Ministry, Frank buys pussy-willow branches and rolls, a Palm Sunday custom, for Volodya. This apparently prompts Volodya to suggest that they forgive each other. Frank responds that he is doing his best. He points out that his own well being depends to a certain extent upon Volodya's behavior.