Kyiv declined a call from Orbán, which Hungary described as a tense gesture.
The Hungarian Prime Minister proposed a Christmas truce to Ukraine following a conversation with Putin, but Kyiv responded with a rejection. Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Ukraine's reaction was "unusual for diplomacy," yet it clearly reflected the stance of official Kyiv.
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto mentioned that the Ukrainian side declined to arrange a phone call between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Szijjarto, after Orban's discussion with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on December 11, he reached out to the head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak and Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga to request coordination of the call.
"Ukraine responded quite tensely, albeit diplomatically restrained," Szijjarto said in an interview with VEOL.
The Hungarian diplomat also noted that Orban's so-called peacekeeping mission has, in his words, reached the limits of its capabilities over the past six months. President Zelensky, commenting on Hungary's actions, stated that "one should not create an image at the expense of unity," emphasizing the importance of collective efforts.
What Putin Really Understands by "Truce"
Meanwhile, Ukraine faced one of the most extensive waves of attacks: on December 12 and 13, Russian occupiers launched nearly 300 missiles and drones, of which 161 were shot down. The massive strikes caused additional power outages, which, according to Zelensky, posed a new challenge for the country's energy system.
At the same time, the European Union and NATO distanced themselves from Orban's activities. The leadership of the EU and the Alliance made a series of categorical statements that the Hungarian Prime Minister does not represent them at meetings he conducts solely on his own initiative. In particular, European Council President Charles Michel warned that Orban has no right to represent the European Union during his visit to Moscow.