Zelenskyy rejects Christmas ceasefire as war in Ukraine rages

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not agree to a ceasefire between the fighting parties on the Ukrainian front for Christmas. He also rejected an offer for a broad prisoner exchange with Russia.

Orbán reported this on platform X. He emphasised that Hungary has made new peace efforts at the end of its EU presidency.

Earlier, Orbán announced on Facebook that he had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conversation was about the situation in Ukraine.

The Hungarian Prime Minister noted that we are currently in "the most dangerous weeks of the war." He assured that Hungary will use all available diplomatic means to achieve a ceasefire.

The Kremlin confirmed the conversation between Putin and Orbán in its statement. The Russian leader reportedly stated that Kyiv's policies still exclude the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The Polish Press Agency emphasises that the situation in Ukraine remains tense.

Orbán expressed sadness over Zelenskyy’s rejection of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal. "We did everything in our power!" wrote the Hungarian Prime Minister on platform X, highlighting Hungary’s commitment to pursuing peace.

The Hungarian Prime Minister emphasised that despite the difficulties, his country will continue efforts towards peace.