Budanov: Ukraine ready for Zelensky-Putin talks if Kremlin is serious
According to Ukrinform, this was reported by LRT.
Talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin would not happen suddenly “like a bolt from the blue,” but if Russia’s signals about dialogue are sincere, Ukraine “would also be ready,” Budanov said.
It is noted that on Sunday, following his visit to Moscow, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that if Volodymyr Zelensky wanted to meet Vladimir Putin for negotiations, he should call the Kremlin leader directly. According to Fico, this was Putin’s response after the Slovak Prime Minister conveyed Zelensky’s willingness to meet with the Russian leader in any format.
Asked by journalists about the possibility of such a meeting, Budanov joked that interstate telephone lines between countries at war had been disconnected and that “such calls are not made on mobile phones.”
“Speaking seriously, if the Russian Federation is truly ready for a serious conversation, Ukraine would also be ready,” the Head of the Presidential Office said.
He added that Ukraine had repeatedly demonstrated through its actions that “we support ending the war and achieving peace.”
“This is Ukraine’s official position, supported by the President of Ukraine. We support ending hostilities. I want to emphasize once again: making peace is not weakness, but proof of common sense,” Budanov stressed.
He also noted that the situation on the battlefield remains “stable,” as does the Russian regime.
“But nothing in this world lasts forever,” the former Defense Intelligence Chief added.
As reported by Ukrinform, the Office of the President of Ukraine confirmed that Kyrylo Budanov is currently visiting Lithuania.
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
