Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban has proposed to Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy to ensure a ceasefire in order to facilitate peace talks.
Speaking at a press conference after meeting with Zelenskyy, Orban disclosed, “I asked the President to consider whether… a quick ceasefire could speed up the peace talks,” adding that the ceasefire he envisions would be time-bound.
“Peace is an important issue. The war in which you are now living has a very intense impact on the security of Europe,” Orban stated.
“We highly appreciate all the initiatives of Mr. Zelenskyy to achieve peace. I told Zelenskyy that these initiatives take a lot of time. And it is the rules of international diplomacy that make them complicated.
“I asked Zelenskyy to think about whether it could be done differently: first, cease fire, and then negotiate peace. Because a ceasefire could speed up the pace of these negotiations.”
Viktor Orban
The leaders disclosed that they discussed cooperation at the EU level and expectations from the Hungarian presidency.
Special attention was paid to the most fundamental topics of neighborly relations; trade, cross-border cooperation, infrastructure and energy issues.
In particular, they agreed to open the first Ukrainian school in Hungary.
Orbán asserted that Hungary will take on the funding of this school.
“As many Ukrainian schools will be opened as needed. It is important for us that Ukrainians feel at home in Hungary,” he emphasized.
He also expressed hope for resolving issues concerning the Hungarian national minority and commended all the initiatives of the President of Ukraine aimed at achieving peace.
Additionally, the Hungarian Prime Minister thanked Zelenskyy for his candid stance and assured him of Hungary’s support.
“I wish all the best to Ukraine, and during the Hungarian presidency we will help you in any way we can,” Orban said.
Furthermore, Orban emphasized Hungary’s willingness to improve bilateral relations with Ukraine and sign a bilateral agreement in the future.
Zelenskyy Lauds Orban’s Visit
On his part, Zelenskyy hailed the fact that Orban’s visit took place right after the start of the Hungarian Presidency of the European Union.
“This is clear evidence of our common European priorities and the importance of returning a just peace to Ukraine and the whole of Europe, resolving the existing difficulties and providing new foundations for the strengthening of Europe, economic and social growth.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He told Orban that Ukraine needs a “just peace” after more than two years of fighting Russia’s full-scale invasion.
He added that it was important for Europe to maintain military support for Ukraine as the army struggles to resist Russian attacks.
“It is also very important for all of us in Europe that Europe’s support for Ukraine remains sufficient, including our defense against Russian terror,” Zelensky said during the press briefing with the Hungarian leader.
Zelenskyy thanked Hungary for supporting Ukrainians and providing humanitarian aid to our country.
He also noted the country’s participation in the first Peace Summit and support for the final communiqué.
“We have discussed in detail how Hungary can demonstrate its leadership in the preparation of the second Peace Summit. We see the possibility of organizing the second Peace Summit already this year, and we would very much like this to happen. We can complete all the preparatory work for this in the coming months.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Hailing Hungary’s willingness to sign a bilateral agreement in the future, Zelenskyy suggested, “The substance of our dialogue can become the basis for a new bilateral document between our countries that will regulate all our relations, based on a reciprocal approach to bilateral relations.”
“Our teams will continue to work on the details of our common decisions,” the President of Ukraine added.
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