In Lithuania, Budanov stated that Ukraine was ready for serious dialogue with Russia
Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, stated during his visit to Lithuania that Ukraine is ready for talks with Russia if the Russian side is genuinely committed to dialogue, according to LRT.
Commenting on the possibility of talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Budanov noted that such contact would not happen suddenly.
The day before, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, following a visit to Moscow, stated that if Volodymyr Zelenskyy wishes to meet with Vladimir Putin, he should telephone the Kremlin. According to Fico, this was Putin’s response to Zelenskyy’s desire, conveyed via the Slovak Prime Minister, to hold a meeting in any format.
Responding to journalists’ questions about possible contact between the leaders, Budanov joked that international telephone lines between countries at war are disconnected, and “such calls are not made on mobile phones”.
“Speaking seriously, if the Russian Federation is truly ready for a serious conversation, Ukraine would also be ready,” said Budanov.
He emphasised that Ukraine has repeatedly confirmed through its actions its readiness to end the war and achieve peace.
“Ukraine has repeatedly emphasised and demonstrated through its actions that we are in favour of ending the war and achieving peace. This is Ukraine’s official position, supported by the President of Ukraine. We are in favour of a cessation of hostilities. I would like to reiterate: making peace is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of common sense,” said the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
Budanov also stated that the situation on the front line remains “stable”, as does the Russian regime.
“But nothing lasts forever in this world,” he added.
