**Ukraine Doesn’t Need Hungary’s Help**
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban can’t influence Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky said this on December 17.
Zelensky thinks Ukraine is a strong country that has shown its power on the battlefield during Russia’s invasion. He doesn’t think Hungary or anyone else in Europe can put pressure on Putin. “Does Orban have such an army? No,” Zelensky said. “How will he put pressure on Putin? With a joke, a smile?”
Hungary has close ties with Moscow and often criticizes EU sanctions on Russia. They also blocked military aid to Ukraine.
**Zelensky Rejects Hungary’s Role**
Zelensky doesn’t want the United States to use Hungary as an intermediary in potential peace talks with Russia. “Prime Minister Orban… will not succeed,” he said. He clarified that his comments were aimed at Orban, not the Hungarian people who support Ukraine.
**Ukraine Stands Firm**
Ukrainian officials have dismissed claims that Zelensky rejected a Christmas ceasefire proposal from Hungary. They say they’re focused on achieving a just peace through strength.
Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, said negotiations will only start when Russia doesn’t have the resources to continue the war. Ukraine has created a “victory plan” to bolster its position.
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