The Kremlin announced its support for Orbán's proposals regarding prisoner exchanges and a Christmas ceasefire.

The Kremlin shared details about the phone conversation between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin. They stated that the Hungarian Prime Minister proposed a "large prisoner exchange ahead of Christmas" for both Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, the Kremlin claims that he allegedly initiated the idea of a "Christmas truce," meaning a ceasefire.

This was announced by Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian president. According to him, the Russian side conveyed Orban's proposal to the Ukrainian authorities.

Peskov stated that Russia "has never rejected peace talks and has repeatedly expressed its desire to resume them based on the Istanbul agreements of 2022." However, he noted that judging by the reactions of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on social media and his inner circle, Kyiv has rejected these proposals. He also added that work on the peace negotiations will continue and stated that Russia fully supports what Orban is proposing.

Meanwhile, Russian ombudsman Tatyana Moskalkova, according to TACC, announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed on an exchange of parcels for prisoners of war before the New Year. Kyiv has not yet commented on this information.

What Ukraine Says About the Orban-Putin Conversation

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also claimed that he initiated the proposal for a Christmas truce and prisoner exchange; however, he stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected this initiative.

Nevertheless, the Office of the President of Ukraine denied this. Presidential advisor Dmitry Litvin stated that in recent days, the Hungarian side has not conducted any negotiations with Kyiv regarding a ceasefire or prisoner exchange. According to him, Budapest did not even inform Ukraine about its contacts with Moscow.

Litvin added that Ukraine is actively working on issues related to prisoner exchanges and is negotiating a large-scale prisoner exchange ahead of the holidays. Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding the cessation of the war.

Recall that earlier, Orban explained what Zelensky and Putin need to do to end the war. It was also reported that Orban met with Trump in Florida.