Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that Russia is receptive to a proposal from Slovakia to host peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict with Ukraine. He expressed Russia’s determination to achieve a conclusion to the ongoing war.
Putin made these remarks after hosting Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico in the Kremlin earlier this week. Fico is known for his strong opposition to the European Union’s military support for Ukraine. During their meeting, he offered Slovakia as a venue for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Putin stated that the Slovakian authorities would be eager to provide their country as a platform for discussions. He mentioned, “We are not opposed, if it comes to that. Why not?” He highlighted Slovakia’s neutral stance in the conflict.
Slovakia is regarded as part of a growing group of central and eastern European EU member states that are skeptical of support for Ukraine and favor negotiations with Russia.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar noted that Slovakia has long pursued a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He referred to Putin’s comments as a “positive signal” for ending the war.
Slovak diplomacy is ready to actively support the peace process, and this option has been communicated to Ukrainian partners, Blanar stated during a joint cabinet meeting in October.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has frequently criticized Slovakia for the friendly stance that Fico has taken toward Russia since his return to power following the 2023 elections.
Putin has consistently claimed that Russia is open to negotiations to resolve the conflict with Kyiv. However, he insists that Russia will achieve its objectives in Ukraine regardless.
On Thursday, Putin mentioned that Russia could potentially deploy the new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile known as Oreshnik again, but he emphasized that there is no rush to do so.
He stated, “We do not exclude the possibility of using it both today and tomorrow, if necessary.”
Putin also indicated that Russia could use more powerful intermediate-range weapons if needed.
Click here for more World news.