Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been advised to personally contact Russian President Vladimir Putin if he is interested in negotiating an end to the ongoing conflict.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico conveyed a message from Zelensky to Putin during a recent visit to Moscow. Fico stated, “He (Zelensky) told me in Armenia, during our personal meeting, that he is ready to meet with Vladimir Putin in any format.”
Fico publicly shared Putin’s response to Zelensky’s overture, indicating that the Ukrainian leader should reach out directly to his Russian counterpart. “If the Ukrainian president is interested in a meeting, he should contact his Russian colleague by phone,” Fico remarked.
Additionally, Fico expressed support for the extension of the ceasefire until May 11, emphasizing its importance for facilitating diplomatic efforts. He stated, “I called the ceasefire absolutely necessary to provide space for what is essential—diplomatic efforts, dialogue, and negotiations, which are a thousand times more beneficial than mutual killing.”
Fico also rejected the notion of a new iron curtain between the European Union and Russia, expressing a desire for standard, friendly, and mutually beneficial relations with the Russian state.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to initiate direct contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin for peace negotiations. Fico emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire to enable diplomatic dialogue while advocating for constructive relations between the EU and Russia.