Orban's office says efforts to hold a ceasefire in Ukraine will continue

Hungary is not giving up its attempts to achieve a cease-fire in Ukraine despite Kiev's uncertain position. This was stated by the head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, Gergay Guillas, at a briefing on December 12.

"Prime Minister [Hungary's Viktor Orban] has done everything possible to make sure that at least during the Christmas period there will be a ceasefire <...> This is a reality, <...> even if the current Ukrainian administration is clearly uncertain on the issue of <conflict> and peace," he was quoted as saying on the Hungarian government's website.

Guillas said Orban had held talks on the issue with Pope Francis at the Vatican, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and is discussing it with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday.

On the eve, Orban said that Hungary had proposed that Ukraine establish a Christmas Day ceasefire with Russia and make a prisoner exchange, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (whose term expired on May 20) rejected the initiative. The Hungarian prime minister called Kiev's decision sad. After that it became known about his upcoming talks in Ankara.

Earlier in the day, the Hungarian Prime Minister discussed the situation in Ukraine with Putin by phone. Orban promised that Hungary will use all diplomatic means that will help to cease fire and establish peace.

Before that, on December 6, the politician called it a mistake for Kiev to refuse to negotiate with Moscow in 2022. He pointed out that over the past time Russia has become stronger and Ukraine weakened, and recalled the role of the United States in fueling the Ukrainian conflict.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the backdrop of the worsening situation in the region.