Putin states that he does not want a truce with Ukraine
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (kremlin.ru)
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he does not want a ceasefire with Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán previously promoted this idea, according to the so-called Year-End Summary.
Putin was asked about the proposal to establish a ceasefire along the front line. He replied that he does not want a truce, as it would give the Ukrainian Armed Forces "a break" for alleged regrouping.
"We don't need a truce, we need peace. Long-term, strong, and guaranteed peace for Russia and its citizens. It’s a complex issue — how to ensure these guarantees," said the Kremlin leader.
Regarding the short-term Christmas ceasefire proposed by Orbán, Putin stated that he directed the Hungarian prime minister to discuss it with the Ukrainian side.
What preceded this
Earlier this month, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called Russian President Vladimir Putin. Additionally, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Orban stated that he proposed to Putin the idea of a "Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange." However, the Office of the President of Ukraine noted that Hungary had not discussed any such proposals with Ukraine. Moreover, Hungary did not inform Ukraine about its contacts with Moscow.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó also complained that Ukraine had rejected a proposed conversation between Orbán and Zelenskyy.
