Hungary's ceasefire proposal snubbed by Ukraine ahead of talks
Hungary's Foreign Minister lamented that the Ukrainian side refused to allow a phone conversation between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and President Volodymyr Zelensky. On Sunday, Péter Szijjártó stated that Budapest wanted to propose a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia and a prisoner exchange for the Christmas holidays.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó informed the Kossuth Radio program on Sunday that Ukraine declined to organize a phone conversation between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The conversation was intended to discuss Hungary's proposal for a ceasefire - reports the Hungarian portal MTI.
Szijjártó explained that Budapest wanted to propose a ceasefire and a mass prisoner exchange to Ukraine and Russia for the Christmas holidays. This initiative was discussed during Orban's conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which took place this week.
According to Szijjártó, Budapest requested a phone conversation between Orban and Zelensky but was met with an "unprecedented diplomatic gesture" of refusal. He stated that the Head of the President's Office of Ukraine "refused somewhat firmly and courteously."
The Ukrainian portal European Pravda notes that the minister did not explain why Hungary informed Ukraine of its proposal until after the conversation with Putin.
Szijjártó emphasized that one side considered the proposal acceptable, while the other adopted an "unacceptable stance."
An offer has remained unaccepted for the past thousand days. Hungary does not have the authority to decide whether both parties will consider or accept this proposal. One party has reviewed it and deemed it acceptable, while the other has chosen to reject it, according to Péter Szijjártó.
The European Pravda portal recalls that in the summer of 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed an "Olympic ceasefire," which Russia rejected.
