Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has publicly delivered Vladimir Putin’s response to a diplomatic overture from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that any future talks depend on Kyiv initiating a direct phone call to the Kremlin.
Returning from his trip to the Russian capital, Fico shared details of his discussions with the Russian leader. “He [Zelensky] told me in Armenia, during our personal meeting, that he is ready to meet with Vladimir Putin in any format,” Fico reported. According to the Slovak Prime Minister, Putin’s reply was blunt: “If the Ukrainian president is interested in a meeting, he must contact his Russian counterpart by phone”.
The “Black Sheep” of EU diplomacy
Fico’s visit to Moscow for the May 9 Victory Day parade made him the only EU head of government to attend, a move he defended by labeling himself the “black sheep” of the EU.
Fico emphasized that negotiations are “a thousand times more useful than mutual killing” and stated his opposition to a “new Iron Curtain” between the EU and Russia.
The trip caused significant diplomatic strain; Poland and the Baltic states refused to allow Fico’s aircraft to enter their airspace, forcing a detour through the Czech Republic.
Support for the ceasefire
The Slovak leader spoke highly of the US-brokered three-day ceasefire currently in place through May 11. He described the truce as “absolutely necessary” to provide space for the very diplomatic efforts he claims to be facilitating.
This support for a pause in hostilities coincides with a massive humanitarian prisoner exchange involving 2,000 personnel, which President Zelensky prioritized over striking military targets in Moscow during the holiday.
Stalled negotiations and future prospects
While Fico portrays himself as a bridge-builder, the path to a formal summit remains blocked by logistical and political hurdles. While Putin’s aides suggest a meeting in Moscow, Kyiv has flatly rejected this, with officials stating that “Moscow is the capital of the aggressor state” and negotiations must occur on neutral ground.
Putin has indicated he would only meet in a third country to sign a final, pre-negotiated agreement.
As the fragile ceasefire enters its final day, the international community remains watchful to see if Zelensky will take the step of calling Moscow or if the diplomatic “signals” will continue to hang in the air without a direct breakthrough.