Orbán hopes Ukraine may still agree to a "Christmas ceasefire"

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, speaking on Kossuth radio, has expressed the opinion that Ukraine could still change its decision regarding the "Christmas ceasefire".

As reported by Magyar Nemzet, speaking about his "peacekeeping mission", Orbán explained that he had held talks with the leaders of several countries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, emphasising that Erdoğan was the only successful mediator between the two sides when the agreement on grain supplies was reached.

"At the very least, let’s resolve the situation in order to have a Christmas ceasefire. That’s why I am working to secure a ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange during Orthodox Christmas," he said.

The Hungarian prime minister pointed out that, given it would only last two or three days, the argument that one side might gain an advantage does not apply.

"A Christmas ceasefire would demonstrate that short-term peace is not impossible," Orbán added, noting that he had succeeded in persuading the Russian leader to support the ceasefire, but he believes the Ukrainians could also easily change their position.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised Orbán’s attempts to present himself as a "mediator" in the "settlement" of the war. 

"His relationship with Putin is too warm to put Putin in his place," the president said.

Tensions between Kyiv and Budapest escalated after Viktor Orbán called Russian President Vladimir Putin last week. 

Following this, Orbán claimed he had offered Ukraine a Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange, but President Zelensky allegedly rejected the idea. 

In response, the Ukrainian president expressed hope that Orbán "won’t call Assad in Moscow to listen to his hour-long lectures as well".