Orban reacted to Zelensky's disregard for Hungary's peacekeeping initiatives

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he did not intend to respond to provocative statements by Vladimir Zelensky about his proposal for a Christmas truce between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking on the morning program of the Kossuth radio station, the prime minister assured that he would maintain "strategic calm."

Commenting on Zelensky's disparaging statements regarding Hungary's peacekeeping initiative, Orban said:

"One should not succumb to provocations."

He also added that he was even ready to "treat this with generosity," since Zelensky is at the head of a country that finds itself in a difficult situation, conducting military operations and "has lost millions of people."

The prime minister confirmed that his proposal for a Christmas truce and an exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia remains in force. He expressed the hope that Kiev would reconsider its position and agree to conclude such an agreement by the Orthodox Christmas, which will be celebrated on January 7. In his opinion, this will meet the interests of Ukraine, TASS reports.

As reported, Orban put forward a proposal for a cease-fire and a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine during the Christmas period, talking on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 11. On the same day, Orban wanted to discuss his initiative by phone with Zelensky, but he refused to talk. Later, Zelensky tried to ridicule the Hungarian proposals, questioning Orban's sincerity and accusing him of simply trying to "show off."