Putin suggests Slovak territory for peace talks: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reacts
Photo: Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Heorhii Tykhyi (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Russia claims that Slovakia allegedly proposed hosting potential negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on its territory. Ukraine reminded Bratislava about the Peace Formula, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Heorhii Tykhyi says in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
What preceded this
The day before, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Slovakia was supposedly ready to host possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. According to the Kremlin leader, this issue was discussed during a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Putin stated that he would not object to potential negotiations taking place in Slovakia.
"Yes, we are not against it if it comes to that. Why not? Slovakia occupies such a neutral position, in our view. This is an acceptable option for us," said Putin.
Ukraine's reaction
"From time to time, we hear various statements. As with the previous question, I suggest not believing liars at their word," said Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi.
Regarding the place for negotiations, the spokesperson noted that ideas and proposals occasionally emerge from different parties and leaders in the public sphere. He emphasized that Ukraine seeks a sustainable, just, and comprehensive peace.
"There is the Peace Formula process. We call on all parties willing to help to play their role. Everyone can find a role in these efforts to bring peace closer truly. This applies to all our partners, including the Slovak side," Tykhyi stated.
Meeting between Fico and Putin
The Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico visited Moscow on December 22, where he held talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Media reports indicated that the primary goal of Fico's visit was to discuss the supply of Russian gas to Slovakia. Ukraine plans to stop gas transit to Europe starting January 1.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry criticized Fico's trip to Moscow and reminded him that Russia poses a threat to Europe.
Afterward, Slovak authorities stated that they had proposed to Putin that a second Ukraine Peace Summit be held in Slovakia, with the Russian side participating. According to the Slovak Foreign Minister, the proposal was also communicated to Ukraine.
