Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he is ready to start peace talks with Ukraine in Slovakia. According to him, the initiative to hold negotiations in this country came from the prime minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico.
"We don't mind if it comes to that. Why not? This is an acceptable option for us," Putin said, commenting on the possibility of negotiations.
Putin also noted that he considers Fico a politician who takes a "neutral position" regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and emphasized that the Slovak prime minister is in favor of ending the war as soon as possible.
"First of all, he spoke about a peaceful settlement in the Ukrainian direction... He, as it's called, both "subdued" and "drowned", Putin added, recalling his meeting with Fico.
Despite the declared readiness for negotiations, Putin admitted that Robert Fico may have difficulties in reaching an understanding with the leadership of the European Union and Ukraine.
The Slovak prime minister, who has repeatedly expressed doubts about the EU's policy on aid to Ukraine, risks becoming a mediator whose proposals could cause controversy both in Brussels and in Kyiv.
