Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia supported Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s initiative for a Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. However, according to Peskov, Ukraine rejected the proposals.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Peskov explained that Orbán, during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin the previous day, suggested both a significant prisoner exchange and a Christmas truce.
“On the same day, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) conveyed our proposals regarding the prisoner exchange to the Hungarian Embassy in Moscow. However, judging by the reaction of [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky on social media and statements from his associates, the Ukrainian side rejected all of Orbán’s proposals,” Peskov said.
He added that Russia has never refused peace negotiations and remains willing to resume them based on the “Istanbul agreements” of 2022.
On December 11, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Hungary had proposed a Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner swap to Ukraine. However, according to Orbán, President Zelensky allegedly dismissed the idea.
