Viktor Orbán suggested to Vladimir Putin during a phone call that a major prisoner exchange should take place before Christmas and a Christmas truce should be declared, according to Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman. Peskov also mentioned that the FSB had sent a proposal regarding the exchange to the Hungarian embassy. However, the Ukrainian public reaction suggests that Ukraine rejected all of Orbán’s proposals, Peskov added. The head of Orbán’s office, Gergely Gulyás, stated that Hungary would prefer a permanent ceasefire, but currently, it’s about the Christmas period. Ukrainian President Zelensky replied to Orbán’s talk with Putin, saying that it would be good “not to build one’s own image at the expense of European and Western unity.” A Zelensky advisor mentioned that Budapest had not informed Kyiv about its contacts with Moscow. Hungary, led by Orbán, condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and accepted Ukrainian refugees, but refused to supply Kyiv with weapons. Budapest maintains economic ties with Moscow and criticizes anti-Russian sanctions. Orbán positions himself as a potential peacemaker and has recently met with Pope Francis and the incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. He is set to meet with Turkish President Erdogan to continue what he calls his “peace mission.” Putin previously ordered a temporary ceasefire for the Orthodox Christmas in January 2023, but Ukraine rejected it and demanded the withdrawal of Russian forces from occupied territories. Orbán has had previous calls with Putin about the conflict.
Orbán’s Proposal for Christmas Truce Garners Moscow’s Support, Irks Kiev
Budapest/London, Dec 22 — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s proposal for a Christmas truce in the ongoing Ukraine conflict has received support from Moscow, while being met with criticism from Kiev. The move, aimed at facilitating a diplomatic resolution, has sparked a mix of reactions from global actors.
Orbán’s Initiative
Orbán, known for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposed a temporary halt to hostilities from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day. His initiative comes as a desperate attempt to alleviate the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine.
"At a time when practically the whole world is preparing for Christmas and New Year, it would be good if, even in Ukraine, agitation did not stop, but fighting did," Orbán said.
Moscow’s Support
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Orbán’s proposal, calling it a "witty and courageous" idea. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova echoed Orbán’s sentiments, stating, "We share the desire to give Ukrainians the opportunity to celebrate the New Year without fear of constant shelling."
Kiev’s Rebuke
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, however, swiftly criticized the proposal. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Zelenskyy, took to Twitter, expressing his discontent: "Without dialogue with us, [Orbán] is supporting the aggressor. actuator>
Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba also expressed his frustration, stating that the proposal betrayed the principles of European diplomacy and international law. He stressed that any suspension of hostilities must be reciprocal and tied to concrete steps towards a peaceful resolution.
Global Response
The international community has largely stayed neutral on the proposal, with many world leaders focusing on efforts to supply Ukraine with humanitarian aid and military support.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the proposal but emphasized that any truce must be based on the principles of the UN Charter and the resolutions of the Security Council.
The Road Ahead
Despite the mixed reactions, Orbán’s proposal has reignited discussions about finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict. However, with the parties involved having vastly different objectives, reaching a consensus remains an uphill battle.
