Kirill Budanov, the head of the Ukrainian Presidential Administration (who is listed as a terrorist and extremist in Russia), stated that Kyiv does not rule out the possibility of negotiations with Moscow, but demands a serious approach from the Russian side. A conversation between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin, according to Budanov, cannot happen suddenly, "like a bolt from the blue."

"Seriously speaking, if the Russian Federation is truly ready for a serious conversation, Ukraine would be ready too," - said Budanov.

He emphasized that Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated through its actions its desire to end the war and achieve peace.

According to him, making peace is not a sign of weakness, but a proof of common sense.

Budanov's statement was a response to a comment by Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who, following his visit to Moscow, said that Zelenskyy should call Putin if he wanted to meet for talks. According to Fico, this is precisely the response he received from the Russian leader.