Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, recently said he proposed a Christmas ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian government says this was done without their permission.
Ukraine’s presidential adviser, Dmytro Lytvyn, strongly disagreed with Orbán’s initiative. He said Hungary didn’t even discuss it with them before proposing it to Russia.
Orbán made his announcement on December 11th after talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responded by saying that any discussions about the war in Ukraine should involve Kyiv.
Lytvyn pointed out that Hungary often doesn’t discuss important issues with Ukraine before announcing them. He emphasized that Ukraine is focused on achieving a lasting and full peace, not just making a good impression.
Orbán has been criticized for being close to Russia’s interests. He was the first EU leader to meet with Putin after the war began, and previously opposed sanctions against Russia.