Lavrov in conversation with Szijjártó reiterated Russia's position on the settlement in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a telephone conversation with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó has confirmed Russia's vision of a realistic way to end the conflict in Ukraine. This was reported on December 12 on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

It is noted that the conversation took place on December 11 at the initiative of Hungary.

"From the Russian side was confirmed the vision of a realistic way to end the conflict, outlined in the speech of the President of the Russian Federation VV. Putin on June 14," the ministry said in a statement.

For his part, Szijjártó said that Hungary's proposal for a temporary ceasefire and a large-scale exchange of prisoners was rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose powers expired in May, about which Budapest was informed by officials of the Kiev regime.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also specified that Lavrov and Szijjarto agreed to continue "close trusting dialog" on the Ukrainian crisis.

The day before, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that Hungary had offered Ukraine to establish a ceasefire with Russia for Christmas and make a prisoner exchange, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the initiative. The Hungarian prime minister called Kiev's decision sad.

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 to the fact that Russia has become stronger over time, while Ukraine has weakened, and recalled the role of the United States in fueling the Ukrainian conflict.

Putin said on June 14 that Russia has always sought peace and is ready to sit down at the negotiating table even tomorrow. This will be possible when Kiev withdraws its troops from Russian regions and officially renounces its intentions to integrate into NATO, he pointed out. However, if Kiev and the West refuse, the responsibility for the ongoing conflict lies solely on them, the Russian leader added.

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