Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban renewed his insistence on a Christmas truce, urging Ukraine to consider the proposal once again. According to Orban, the proposal includes a large-scale prisoner exchange and a ceasefire between Kiev and Moscow, reports Focus.
"We will not respond to provocations. A truce proposal is on the table. Agree or refuse. The responsibility for this is yours," Orban said on the X social network on Wednesday, responding to criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Volodymyr Zelensky's reaction
According to media reports, Zelensky expressed dissatisfaction with Hungary's attempts to position itself as a mediator between the warring parties. The Ukrainian president rejected the proposal, stressing that a ceasefire at this time would give Russia the opportunity to consolidate its positions on the battlefield.
Context of the Hungarian initiative
Hungary's proposal comes at a time of heightened tension between Kiev and Budapest. Relations between the two countries are complicated by differences in geopolitical positions as well as Hungary's historical and cultural ties with Russia.
Hungary has long been criticized for its softer stance towards Moscow. Its proposal for a truce can be seen as part of Viktor Orbán’s efforts to emphasize his independent foreign policy.
Prospects for a truce
Zelensky and the Ukrainian government continue to reject any idea of an agreement that could legitimize the seizure of Ukrainian territory by Russia. Kiev insists that any dialogue must be based on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the complete withdrawal of Russian troops.
With the proposal for a Christmas truce, Hungary takes a unique but controversial position in the context of the war in Ukraine. While Kiev rejects the initiative as premature, Viktor Orbán emphasizes the need to stop the hostilities, leaving the ball in Ukraine’s court.