Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia was open to Slovakia’s proposal to host peace talks with Ukraine to end a conflict that he said Russia was determined to bring to a conclusion.

Putin, who hosted Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in the Kremlin this week, said Fico, an outspoken opponent of European Union support for Ukraine, had offered his country to host talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Putin said that the Slovak authorities “…would be happy to give their own country as a platform for negotiations.” We are not against it, if it comes to that. Why not? Since Slovakia takes such a neutral position.”

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Slovakia is considered one of a growing camp of Central and Eastern European EU member states that are skeptical of supporting Ukraine and support negotiations with Russia.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly criticized Slovakia, which borders Ukraine, for the friendly tone Fico has shown towards Russia since he returned to power after the 2023 elections.

Putin has repeatedly said that Russia is open to negotiations on ending the conflict with Kiev, but that it will still achieve its goals in Ukraine.

Putin said on Thursday that Russia may use a new medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile known as the Oreshnik again, but that it is in no rush to do so.

“We do not rule out the possibility of using it today and tomorrow, if necessary,” Putin said.

If necessary, Putin said, Russia could use more powerful medium-range weapons.