MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Russia is open to a Slovakian proposal to host peace talks with Ukraine to finish a battle he stated Russia was decided to carry to a conclusion.
Putin, who this week hosted Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico within the Kremlin, stated that Fico, an outspoken opponent of European Union army help for Ukraine, had provided his nation as a number to talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Putin stated the Slovakian authorities “…could be glad to supply their very own nation as a platform for negotiations. We aren’t opposed, if it involves that. Why not? Since Slovakia takes such a impartial place.”
Slovakia is seen as one among a rising camp of central and jap European EU member states which are sceptical of help for Ukraine, and supportive of negotiations with Russia.
Slovak Overseas Minister Juraj Blanar stated Slovakia has lengthy sought a peaceable answer to the battle and that Putin’s feedback had been a “constructive sign” for an finish to the warfare.
“Slovak diplomacy is ready to actively contribute to the peace course of on this method and we have now additionally communicated this feature to the Ukrainian companions,” at a joint cupboard assembly in October, Blanar stated in a press release launched late on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly criticised Slovakia, which borders Ukraine, for the pleasant tone Fico has struck in direction of Russia since his return to energy after an election in 2023.
Putin has repeatedly stated that Russia is open to talks to finish the battle with Kyiv, however that it might nonetheless obtain its objectives in Ukraine.
Putin stated on Thursday that Russia may use the brand new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile often known as Oreshnik once more however was in no hurry to take action.
“We don’t exclude the potential for utilizing it each at present and tomorrow, if needed,” Putin stated.
If needed, Putin stated, Russia may use extra highly effective intermediate-range weapons.
