Zelensky refuses Christmas ceasefire offer amid rising tensions
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out a Christmas ceasefire with Russia. There will be no peaceful holiday break or prisoner exchange.
8:02 AM EST, December 12, 2024
Orban revealed that Zelensky did not agree to a Christmas ceasefire between the warring parties on the Ukrainian front and turned down an offer for a broad prisoner exchange with Russia.
Orban made this announcement on platform X. He emphasized that Hungary has undertaken new peace efforts at the conclusion of its EU presidency.
No Christmas ceasefire: Zelensky rejects proposal
Earlier, Orban mentioned on Facebook that he had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussion focused on 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 Orban in a statement. The Russian leader reportedly stated that Kyiv's policies still rule out the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The Polish Press Agency highlights that the situation in Ukraine remains tense.
Orban expressed disappointment over Zelensky's rejection of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal. "We did everything in our power!" wrote the Hungarian Prime Minister on platform X, emphasizing Hungary's dedication to peace.
The Hungarian Prime Minister reiterated that, despite the challenges, his country will continue its peace efforts.
