Zelenskyy explains whether he had spoken with Orbán about 'Christmas ceasefire'
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (GettyImages)
The statements of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán about a "Christmas ceasefire" are not serious. They resemble more of a political PR stunt, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference.
According to Zelenskyy, he has not spoken with Orbán. He also pointed out that the Hungarian Prime Minister has no mandate for negotiations.
"I haven't had a conversation with the Prime Minister of Hungary. I think it’s very unserious when we talk about initiatives related to the lives of Ukrainians and learn about them from the media," the president said.
He also believes that Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin have too close a relationship for the former to be able to put Putin in his place.
"All of this looks more like political PR. What the Hungarian side is proposing is unknown to me, except that it just sounds 'festive' – 'Christmas exchange.' But we are not amused. Nothing about Ukraine can be discussed or decided without us. That’s why we are skeptical about this," Zelenskyy added.
'Christmas ceasefire'
Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban claimed that Ukraine allegedly rejected his proposal for a so-called "Christmas ceasefire." Orban explained that the initiative was offered to both the Ukrainian and Russian sides.
Later, Ukrainian Presidential Advisor on Communications, Dmytro Lytvyn, pointed out that Russia used this statement to prepare for another strike on Ukraine.
At the same time, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Hungarian side to stop manipulating the issue of the "Christmas ceasefire."
Zelenskyy has already responded to Orbán's statement, noting that Orbán cannot act as a mediator in peace talks.
Meanwhile, Orbán himself stated that he is ready to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels, where both are currently located.
