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Serious dialogue with Russia is EU’s responsibility — Slovak PM

Robert Fico called the belief held by some European politicians that the conflict in Ukraine could be resolved by military means an illusion

BRATISLAVA, May 15. /TASS/. The EU needs to engage in dialogue with Russia, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico told reporters.

"I believe it is our duty to engage in serious dialogue with Russia, showing equal respect to our Russian and Ukrainian partners. President [Vladimir] Putin always conducts such a dialogue with me," he said, commenting on his visit to Moscow for the celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of the Victory Day.

According to the prime minister, dialogue with the Russian leader is very important to him. Fico noted that he was the first person in the EU to learn of the impending ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev. "I knew this because he (Putin - TASS) told me so," he clarified. The prime minister called the belief held by some European politicians that the conflict in Ukraine could be resolved by military means an illusion.

"President Putin is very clear about his position when it comes to the possibility of peace. I think this information received in Moscow must be conveyed to our EU partners, and that is exactly what will happen. When I meet with them, I will discuss the conclusions drawn during [my] trip [to Moscow]," Fico emphasized.

When asked about the Russian president’s proposal to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder with leading negotiations with Russia on behalf of the EU, the prime minister said: "Putin wants someone [at the negotiating table] who understands the 'Russian soul' even a little." "You can’t just pick someone and send them to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine if you understand absolutely nothing about that country," he concluded.

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