Hungary upset by Zelensky’s ‘unprecedented gesture in diplomacy’
Budapest sought a phone call with Kiev to discuss a ceasefire proposal, but this request was declined, as revealed by Hungary’s foreign minister, Szijjarto. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Budapest has sought a phone conversation with Kiev regarding a ceasefire proposal, according to top diplomat Peter Szijjarto.
The Ukrainian leadership rejected Prime Minister Viktor Orban's request for a phone call in a manner that was described as “unprecedented,” as shared by Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. This response followed a discussion lasting an hour between Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a conversation with public broadcaster Kossuth Radio on Sunday, Szijjarto mentioned that he had reached out to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga and President Vladimir Zelensky’s chief adviser, Andrey Yermak, to obtain approval for a phone call between Orban and Zelensky.
Szijjarto stated, “In a gesture that was quite unprecedented in diplomacy,” the request was denied in “a somewhat strained” manner, as reported by the Magyar Nemzet newspaper. He did not provide specifics on the language used by Ukrainian officials.
Over the past six months, Hungary has made numerous efforts during its EU presidency to advocate for a ceasefire and initiate peace negotiations, Szijjarto noted. Hungary has held the rotating presidency of the EU Council during the second half of this year.
Earlier in the week, Orban announced a proposal for a Christmas ceasefire and a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. “One side accepted it, the other rejected it,” the Premier stated during his appearance on Kossuth Radio on Friday.
In response, Zelensky accused the Hungarian leader of attempting to “boost personal image at the expense of unity” within the EU regarding support for Ukraine.
Kiev has conveyed mixed signals about its willingness to negotiate with Russia. On Wednesday, Zelensky’s senior adviser Mikhail Podoliak indicated that Ukraine could engage in talks with Moscow only if they are not based on Russian terms. However, Yermak expressed on Friday that Ukraine is not prepared to begin any negotiations with Russia due to a lack of sufficient support from the West to conduct talks from a position of strength.
Moscow has consistently stated its readiness to resume negotiations, urging Kiev to acknowledge the new realities “on the ground.” President Vladimir Putin emphasized that the complete withdrawal of all Ukrainian forces from all Russian territories is a fundamental condition for peace talks.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
The Ukrainian leadership rejected Prime Minister Viktor Orban's request for a phone call in a manner that was described as “unprecedented,” as shared by Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. This response followed a discussion lasting an hour between Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a conversation with public broadcaster Kossuth Radio on Sunday, Szijjarto mentioned that he had reached out to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga and President Vladimir Zelensky’s chief adviser, Andrey Yermak, to obtain approval for a phone call between Orban and Zelensky.
Szijjarto stated, “In a gesture that was quite unprecedented in diplomacy,” the request was denied in “a somewhat strained” manner, as reported by the Magyar Nemzet newspaper. He did not provide specifics on the language used by Ukrainian officials.
Over the past six months, Hungary has made numerous efforts during its EU presidency to advocate for a ceasefire and initiate peace negotiations, Szijjarto noted. Hungary has held the rotating presidency of the EU Council during the second half of this year.
Earlier in the week, Orban announced a proposal for a Christmas ceasefire and a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. “One side accepted it, the other rejected it,” the Premier stated during his appearance on Kossuth Radio on Friday.
In response, Zelensky accused the Hungarian leader of attempting to “boost personal image at the expense of unity” within the EU regarding support for Ukraine.
Kiev has conveyed mixed signals about its willingness to negotiate with Russia. On Wednesday, Zelensky’s senior adviser Mikhail Podoliak indicated that Ukraine could engage in talks with Moscow only if they are not based on Russian terms. However, Yermak expressed on Friday that Ukraine is not prepared to begin any negotiations with Russia due to a lack of sufficient support from the West to conduct talks from a position of strength.
Moscow has consistently stated its readiness to resume negotiations, urging Kiev to acknowledge the new realities “on the ground.” President Vladimir Putin emphasized that the complete withdrawal of all Ukrainian forces from all Russian territories is a fundamental condition for peace talks.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
