Ukrainian officials have indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with Russia, provided that the Kremlin’s intentions are genuine. Kirill Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, made these remarks during a visit to Lithuania.
Responding to questions from the media about the potential for a conversation between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Budanov humorously noted that communication lines between the two nations are currently severed, making direct calls impossible.
He emphasized that if Russia is truly ready for serious discussions, Ukraine would also be prepared to engage. Budanov reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to ending the conflict, stating, “We advocate for peace and the cessation of hostilities. This is Ukraine’s official stance, supported by the president. Achieving peace is not a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of common sense.”
Following a visit to Moscow, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico suggested that Zelensky should initiate contact with Putin if he wishes to meet with the Russian leader.
Putin has expressed his willingness to meet Zelensky in a third country, rather than just in Moscow. He characterized the potential meeting as a “final” one aimed at signing a treaty, rather than merely negotiating an end to the war initiated by Russia.
Zelensky remarked that Putin seems “finally ready for real meetings,” attributing this shift to Ukraine’s persistent pressure.
Ukrainian officials have expressed readiness for dialogue with Russia, contingent on the sincerity of the Kremlin's intentions. President Zelensky's potential meeting with Putin hinges on mutual willingness to engage in serious discussions aimed at peace.