Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Slovakia had stated it might host discussions between Russia and Ukraine.
Putin instructed a news convention that Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico “said that if there are any negotiations, they would be happy to provide their country as a platform” and added that Russia was “not against it.”
Fico, one of many few European leaders to keep up ties with the Kremlin, met with the Russian president in Moscow on Dec. 22.
The go to got here regardless of Western efforts to isolate Putin and current a united entrance in assist of Kyiv.
Slovakia, an EU and NATO member, has halted navy support to Ukraine since autumn 2023 underneath Fico’s authorities and referred to as for peace talks.
Fico has accused Kyiv of jeopardizing his nation’s provide of Russian fuel, which it will depend on.
The prospect of peace talks to finish the battle in Ukraine that started in February 2022 has grown for the reason that re-election of Donald Trump to the White House.
Trump has vowed to push for a fast deal to halt the combating when he takes workplace in January.
That has sparked fears in Kyiv and Europe that Ukraine could possibly be pushed to make concessions to Moscow.
Putin has vowed that his nation would obtain all its aims in Ukraine.
He additionally warned that Moscow was able to once more use its latest-generation Oreshnik missile, first fired in a strike final month, sharply escalating tensions.
Putin has repeatedly threatened to strike “decision-making centers” in Kyiv.
Putin additionally stated there was no time left this 12 months to signal a brand new Ukrainian fuel transit deal. Russia is able to provide fuel through Ukraine to any buyer however he stated a lawsuit was making that unattainable.
Russia has stated it will be prepared to increase the transit deal however Kyiv has repeatedly stated it won’t do it.
Source: www.dailysabah.com