«No phone calls for such talks»: Budanov on potential Zelenskyy-Putin dialogue

Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov says that a conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will not happen suddenly. At the same time, Kyiv is ready for dialogue if Moscow’s intentions are genuine.
He said this during a visit to Lithuania, reports LRT.

Responding to journalists' questions about potential contact between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, Budanov first joked that interstate communication lines between warring countries are «disconnected,» and «such calls are not made by mobile phone.»

However, he later said that Ukraine is open to serious talks on ending the war.
«If Russia is truly ready for a serious conversation, Ukraine would also be ready. Ukraine has repeatedly emphasized and proven with its actions — we stand for ending the war, for peace,» Budanov declared.

He underscored that the position on the necessity of peace is supported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and that ceasing hostilities is not a display of weakness.

«Making peace is not weakness, but proof of common sense,» the Head of the Office of the President added.