During a recent address in Moscow, Putin indicated that discussions could advance, citing Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s assertion that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is open to a personal meeting. Putin emphasized that any such meeting should occur in Moscow, unless a long-term peace agreement is established beforehand. He also remarked that it is the responsibility of European governments to initiate dialogue, given their withdrawal from communications with Moscow following the onset of the conflict in 2022.