Putin Open to Slovakian Proposal for Peace Talks with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia is open to a Slovakian proposal to host peace talks with Ukraine to end a conflict he said Russia was determined to bring to a conclusion.

Putin, who this week hosted Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico in the Kremlin, said that Fico, an outspoken opponent of European Union support for Ukraine, had offered his country as a platform for negotiations. “We are not opposed, if it comes to that. Why not? Since Slovakia takes such a neutral position,” Putin said.

Slovakia is seen as one of a growing camp of central and eastern European EU member states that are skeptical of support for Ukraine, and supportive of negotiations with Russia.

Video: Putin says Russia not defeated in Syria, plans to meet with Assad

1:36
Putin says Russia not defeated in Syria, plans to meet with Assad

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly criticized Slovakia, which borders Ukraine, for the friendly tone Fico has struck towards Russia since his return to power after an election in 2023.

Story continues below advertisement

Putin has repeatedly said that Russia is open to talks to end the conflict with Kyiv, but that it would nevertheless achieve its goals in Ukraine.

Trending Now

OPP close part of Hwy. 401 given ‘significant’ Boxing Day congestion
Here are the best Boxing Day deals in Canada

Get daily National news

Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Putin said on Thursday that Russia could use the new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile known as Oreshnik again but was in no hurry to do so.

2:15
Putin says Russia should have invaded Ukraine ‘earlier’

“We do not exclude the possibility of using it both today and tomorrow, if necessary,” Putin said. If necessary, Putin said, Russia could use more powerful intermediate-range weapons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Putin’s statement on the possibility of using the Oreshnik missile is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Slovakian proposal for peace talks is a welcome development, and it remains to be seen whether it will lead to a resolution.

FAQs

Q: What is the current situation between Russia and Ukraine?
A: The situation remains tense, with both sides exchanging accusations and threats.

Q: What is the Slovakian proposal for peace talks?
A: The Slovakian proposal involves hosting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with the aim of ending the conflict.

Q: What is the current position of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on the situation?
A: Zelenskiy has repeatedly criticized Slovakia’s friendly tone towards Russia and has expressed concerns about the impact of the conflict on Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Q: What is the current position of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on the situation?
A: Putin has repeatedly said that Russia is open to talks to end the conflict, but that it would nevertheless achieve its goals in Ukraine.