Talks between Zelenskyy and Putin will not come as a surprise – Budanov

Ukraine is ready for dialogue with Russia provided that Moscow is genuinely committed to serious talks; however, such meetings require careful preparation. Any direct contacts between the leaders of the warring parties do not occur spontaneously or via ordinary telephone calls. 

This is stated in a statement by the head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, to the Lithuanian broadcaster LRT.

The official noted that the Ukrainian government consistently advocates for an end to hostilities and the achievement of peace, which is a sign of common sense, not weakness. Commenting on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s remarks about the alleged readiness of the parties to meet, Budanov emphasized that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s position remains unchanged—Ukraine advocates for ending the war and achieving peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he is ready to hold a summit with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, and the search for an appropriate format is currently underway.

The Kremlin stated that Putin is ready to meet with Zelenskyy in Moscow.

At the May 9 parade, Putin called Ukraine “aggressive” and complained about NATO.