Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s offer to mediate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine does not require intermediaries like Orbán for negotiations with Russia and intends to directly engage with US President-elect Donald Trump on the matter. Orbán had proposed a Christmas ceasefire and prisoner exchange, a suggestion he conveyed to both Kyiv and Moscow, as well as to Trump during a meeting at Mar-a-Lago. Zelensky publicly dismissed this offer in Lviv, declaring, “We do not need countries … like Hungary, like Prime Minister Orban [to be a mediator]. It will not work, I will not let him in, and people like him.”
Zelensky anticipates “direct contacts” with Washington following Trump’s inauguration to discuss his peace plan. He questioned Orbán’s suitability as a mediator, highlighting Ukraine’s military strength and contrasting it with Hungary’s capabilities. “We are a strong country; we have shown this on the battlefield … Who else in Europe has such an example? No one. Does Orban have such an army? No. How will he put pressure on [Russian President] Putin – a joke, a smile? “ Zelensky asked.
Orbán’s meeting with Trump preceded a phone call with Putin, after which the Kremlin announced Orbán’s proposal for a Christmas truce and prisoner exchange. The Kremlin subsequently sent its proposals for a POW exchange to the Hungarian embassy in Moscow.
Orbán reported that Zelensky “clearly rejected” his ceasefire proposal. Zelensky accused Orbán of attempting to “boost his personal image at the expense of [EU] unity” in supporting Kyiv.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted that Ukraine’s refusal of Orbán’s call was “quite unprecedented in diplomacy.”
Trump has pledged to resolve the Ukraine conflict swiftly upon assuming office. He recently met with Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss the crisis. Trump, reportedly hesitant to meet Zelensky initially, expressed a desire for a rapid end to the hostilities.
Moscow has repeatedly affirmed its readiness to resume negotiations, urging Kyiv to accept the current situation “on the ground.” Putin specified the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from all Russian territories as a precondition for peace talks.