Journalist assesses chances of Hungary's peace initiative on Ukraine

Hungary can help US President-elect Donald Trump to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but we should not exaggerate Budapest's abilities. Gábor Štír, a Hungarian journalist and head of the foreign policy department of the Magyar Nemzet newspaper, said on Monday, December 23.

"I hope there will be some possibilities, but to be honest, it is not Hungary that will solve this problem. It can help with its peace mission. But it only raises attention to the issue and shows alternative approaches to the West for settlement," he said in an interview with Lenta.ru.

The expert pointed out that there are "many illusions" around the conflict in Ukraine. Steer emphasized that Trump will first of all prioritize American problems, which will delay the imminent end of hostilities. In addition, he pointed out that the final decision will depend on Moscow and Kiev, including Russia's fulfillment of Special Military Operation (SMO) tasks.

"For example, it could be control over Donbass," the journalist admitted.

Earlier in the day, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Peter Szijjarto said that the Christmas truce between Russia and Ukraine could be a great help to start a peaceful settlement of the crisis, RT reported.

He noted that it could have saved the lives of hundreds or thousands of people, NSN reports. According to the minister, Hungary's task was to make a proposal for a Christmas truce, and the further already depends on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (his term of office expired on May 20). He will be judged by the Ukrainian people, Szijjártó added.

Earlier, on December 19, Szijjártó pointed to Ukraine's ugly campaign against Hungary in response to the Christmas ceasefire proposal. He added that Hungary created the opportunity for the ceasefire, while Zelensky, in turn, "constantly provokes us" in the international arena. In addition, on December 16, Szijjártó said that there was no support in the EU for a ceasefire in Ukraine at Christmas. According to the minister, the initiative was also rejected by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga.

Orban also discussed the proposal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis at the Vatican, Trump and Turkish head Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Hungarian authorities said they would continue to try to broker a ceasefire.

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