Orban suggests Russia accepted Christmas ceasefire proposal
Hungary's Orban is advocating for a Christmas ceasefire, asserting that Russia agreed to his proposal for a truce and a prisoner exchange; however, Ukraine has reportedly rejected the offer. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has indicated that there remains an opportunity to explore his proposal for a Christmas ceasefire and a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
During an interview with Kossuth Radio on Friday, Orban discussed the offer he presented to both Moscow and Kiev earlier this week, stating, “one side accepted it, the other rejected it.” His remarks suggest that Ukraine is currently hesitant to back Budapest’s initiative based on statements originating from the Ukrainian side.
“However, there are still a few days until Christmas [December 25], and this may change,” he emphasized.
The Hungarian proposal aims to ensure that “no one should die, at least, on Christmas. If the parties can come to an agreement, there could be a ceasefire on Christmas – as was the case in the First World War,” Orban elaborated. He added, “And if a large prisoner exchange could be agreed, then hundreds… of families could be made happy.”
On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Orban had proposed this offer to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call the previous day. While Peskov refrained from confirming whether Russia would accept a truce during the holiday, he noted that Moscow had sent a document to the Hungarian embassy outlining its suggestions for the prisoner exchange shortly after their conversation.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky dismissed Orban's diplomatic efforts, accusing the Hungarian leader of attempting to “boost personal image at the expense of unity” within the EU regarding support for Kiev. Zelensky stated on X, “There can be no discussions about the war that Russia wages against Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Following this, an aide to Zelensky, Dmitry Litvin, asserted that no discussions had occurred between Kiev and Budapest regarding the proposed Christmas ceasefire or prisoner swap.
Peskov remarked that, in contrast to Ukraine, Russia “fully supports Orban’s efforts aimed at finding a peaceful settlement and resolving humanitarian issues related to the exchange of prisoners.” He also stated, “Russia has never refused peace talks and has repeatedly stated its readiness to resume them on the basis of the Istanbul agreements of 2022. We proceed from the assumption that consultations on establishing peace will continue.”
Earlier this year, Vladimir Putin pointed out that, during talks in Türkiye’s largest city, Ukraine had expressed willingness to declare military neutrality, limit its armed forces, and assure that ethnic Russians would not face discrimination. In exchange, Moscow would agree to collaborate with other prominent nations to provide security guarantees to Kiev.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
During an interview with Kossuth Radio on Friday, Orban discussed the offer he presented to both Moscow and Kiev earlier this week, stating, “one side accepted it, the other rejected it.” His remarks suggest that Ukraine is currently hesitant to back Budapest’s initiative based on statements originating from the Ukrainian side.
“However, there are still a few days until Christmas [December 25], and this may change,” he emphasized.
The Hungarian proposal aims to ensure that “no one should die, at least, on Christmas. If the parties can come to an agreement, there could be a ceasefire on Christmas – as was the case in the First World War,” Orban elaborated. He added, “And if a large prisoner exchange could be agreed, then hundreds… of families could be made happy.”
On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Orban had proposed this offer to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call the previous day. While Peskov refrained from confirming whether Russia would accept a truce during the holiday, he noted that Moscow had sent a document to the Hungarian embassy outlining its suggestions for the prisoner exchange shortly after their conversation.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky dismissed Orban's diplomatic efforts, accusing the Hungarian leader of attempting to “boost personal image at the expense of unity” within the EU regarding support for Kiev. Zelensky stated on X, “There can be no discussions about the war that Russia wages against Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Following this, an aide to Zelensky, Dmitry Litvin, asserted that no discussions had occurred between Kiev and Budapest regarding the proposed Christmas ceasefire or prisoner swap.
Peskov remarked that, in contrast to Ukraine, Russia “fully supports Orban’s efforts aimed at finding a peaceful settlement and resolving humanitarian issues related to the exchange of prisoners.” He also stated, “Russia has never refused peace talks and has repeatedly stated its readiness to resume them on the basis of the Istanbul agreements of 2022. We proceed from the assumption that consultations on establishing peace will continue.”
Earlier this year, Vladimir Putin pointed out that, during talks in Türkiye’s largest city, Ukraine had expressed willingness to declare military neutrality, limit its armed forces, and assure that ethnic Russians would not face discrimination. In exchange, Moscow would agree to collaborate with other prominent nations to provide security guarantees to Kiev.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
