Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s proposal for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine and a significant exchange of prisoners of war, the Kremlin announced on Thursday.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia’s endorsement of Orban’s peace efforts, describing them as aligned with resolving humanitarian issues and advancing peace. Details of the proposed prisoner exchange were shared with Hungary’s embassy by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
According to Reuters, Orban presented the ideas during a Wednesday call with Putin, though specifics were not disclosed.
Zelenskiy criticized Orban’s initiative, viewing it as undermining Western solidarity. Ukraine has consistently opposed peace proposals that do not include full restoration of its territorial integrity and has rejected any ceasefire that could allow Russia to regroup.
The Hungarian leader expressed disappointment over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s rejection of the proposals, stating it was “sad” that they were dismissed outright.
In earlier remarks, Putin reiterated Russia’s readiness for peace talks based on the Istanbul Agreements of 2022. However, he emphasized conditions such as Ukraine renouncing its NATO membership ambitions and withdrawing troops from Russian-claimed regions.
Ukraine, on the other hand, insists on security guarantees, including NATO membership, to prevent future aggression.
