**Ukraine President Zelensky Criticizes Hungary’s Orban After Putin Call**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban after he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call occurred on December 11, and Orban said it lasted an hour.
**Diplomatic Efforts Fail to Impress Zelensky**
Zelensky was not impressed by Orban’s efforts to promote a ceasefire and peace talks. He called for unity among Ukraine’s partners, saying that “achieving real peace and guaranteed security requires American determination, European unity, and the commitment of all partners to uphold the goals and principles of the U.N. Charter.”
**Zelensky References Assad**
Zelensky also referenced Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, saying that Orban should not be giving lectures on peace. He joked that Orban might next call Assad in Moscow for advice.
**Hungary Proposes Ceasefire, Ukraine Rejects**
Orban claimed that Hungary had proposed a Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange to Zelensky, but that the Ukrainian president had rejected it. The Hungarian government has not commented on the claim.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that “non-standard decisions” are needed near the embattled city of Pokrovsk after Russia destroyed two Ukrainian positions in the area.
The European Commission announced 170 million euros ($178 million) in financial support for six countries bordering Russia and Belarus to bolster their border protection efforts.
Austrian oil and gas company OMV has terminated its long-term gas supply contract with Russia’s Gazprom Export.
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