Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian presidential administration and former military intelligence chief, said Monday that a phone call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin would not happen “out of the blue”, but Kyiv would be prepared for serious talks if Moscow was genuinely willing to engage.
“I do not think such a call would be possible without any warning,” Budanov told reporters during a visit to Lithuania.
“As far as I know, our official interstate communication channels have been cut off, and such calls are not conducted on mobile phones,” he added.
“Seriously speaking, if Russia is ready – truly ready – for a serious discussion, then Ukraine would also be ready,” Budanov said.
He was responding to comments by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who said Zelensky should call Putin if he wants to meet with him.
Asked about the situation on the battlefield, Budanov described it briefly as stable.
Meanwhile, Putin said Saturday that the war in Ukraine was easing.
“We support ending the war and achieving peace afterward,” Budanov said. “This is the official position of Ukraine, supported by the Ukrainian president. We support ending hostilities.”
“I would like to repeat once again that striving for peace is not weakness, but common sense,” he added.
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