RT reported that in response to some Western countries' somewhat hesitant response to Russia's proposal to negotiate with Ukraine, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said this was proof that they wanted the conflict in Eastern Europe to continue.
Speaking at a press conference on May 12 after a visit to Moscow on the occasion of Victory Day, Prime Minister Fico said: "I was shocked" to see President Vladimir Putin's UK and France declare their disagreement with his wish for dialogue with Ukraine in Istanbul (Türkiye) on May 15.
Mr. Fico asked: "What does it have to do with them? Is this not Ukraine's business?", and warned that the conflict would last for many more years if the West continued to intervene and did not "respect the basics", including the right of Russia and Ukraine to resolve the issue themselves.
The Slovakian leader also said that Western intervention was the reason for the breakup of the previous peace talks between Moscow and Kiev in Istanbul in 2022.
However, he expressed hope that the situation would change when Russia and Ukraine sat at the negotiation table, while emphasizing: "This is above all a matter of Ukraine and Russia. If there is goodwill, they will act together.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Mr. Putin's proposal a "positive signal" and said he was ready to meet for negotiations. However, he insists a ceasefire is needed first, suggesting starting on May 12.
For its part, Russia has been cautious about suspending fighting without a formal agreement, warning that this could help Kiev reorganize and rearmail. Ukraine has previously rejected a 72-hour ceasefire proposal on the occasion of Victory Day and has repeatedly violated short-term ceasefire orders, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
