President Vladimir Putin suggested on Saturday night that Russia and Ukraine resume direct talks without any preconditions in Istanbul on May 15.
“It is extremely important for many Western countries to keep this war going,” the Slovak prime minister said at a press conference upon completing his visit to Russia.
Still, he remained cautiously optimistic, saying: “I believe that this point of view will change, I will remind you again that this is a matter for Ukraine and Russia, if they are interested in negotiating, let them do so.”
But don’t forget who sabotaged such talks back in 2022, he noted, in an apparent reference to Ukraine and its handlers.
🇷🇺🇸🇰 PUTIN THANKS SLOVAK PM FICO FOR ATTENDING VICTORY DAY DESPITE ‘LOGISTICAL OBSTACLES’
Slovak PM Robert Fico called attending the celebration in Moscow “an honor,” adding: “I had no dilemma.”
Key statements by Fico:
👎 Sanctions on Russia don’t work — they hurt the EU
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 9, 2025
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin proposed peace talks with Ukraine on May 15 without any preconditions. He did not rule out the possibility of reaching a ceasefire during such talks, adding that it was up to Ukraine and its Western backers to respond.
While US President Donald Trump called Putin’s offer «potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine,» and promised to continue working with both sides, Emmanuel Macron was not at all enthusiastic.
«An unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations,» the French president told reporters on his return from Ukraine.
