Orbán hopes Ukraine may still agree to a “Christmas ceasefire”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, speaking on Kossuth radio, has expressed the opinion that Ukraine could still change its decision regarding the "Christmas ceasefire". Source: European Pravda, citing Magyar Nemzet Details: Speaking about his "peacekeeping mission", Orban explained that he had held talks with the leaders of several countries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, emphasising that Erdogan was the only successful mediator between the two sides when the agreement on grain supplies was reached.

Quote: "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."

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," Orban 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.

Background:

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised Orban'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 Orban called Russian President Vladimir Putin last week. 
• Following this, Orban 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 Orban "won't call Assad in Moscow to listen to his hour-long lectures as well".

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