Fico Reveals Putin’s Response to Zelensky’s Offer for Peace Talks

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, returning from Victory Day commemorations in Moscow, stated that Vladimir Putin expects President Volodymyr Zelensky to initiate direct contact via telephone if he is interested in negotiations. Fico relayed a message from a recent meeting in Armenia where Zelensky expressed readiness to meet the Russian leader in any format. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Russian President Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico attend a meeting in Moscow on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Ramil Sitdikov / POOL / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google 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”. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . 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 . 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. Other Topics of Interest Trump May Expand Troop Withdrawals to Italy as NATO Tensions Rise US President Donald Trump may expand his plan to reduce the US military footprint in Europe beyond the 5,000 troops already slated to leave Germany. Sources within NATO suggest that Italy could be the next country to face a withdrawal of US forces. Additionally, Trump is considering canceling a planned deployment of long-range missiles to Germany. 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. 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. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.