Zelensky has made no public comment on Orban’s proposal.
The idea of an immediate ceasefire is not new; Orban, who is seen as Russia’s closest ally within the EU after repeatedly thwarting efforts to support Kiev, has supported the idea since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. But Zelensky has previously publicly denounced the idea, saying “a pause on the Ukrainian battlefield will not mean a pause in the war.”
“A pause will play into (Russia’s) hands. It could later collapse us,” the president said in January. Zelensky said he would only talk to Russia if Vladimir Putin withdraws troops from occupied areas of Ukraine.
Prime Minister Orban’s visit to Kiev comes a day after Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the EU Council.
“The war you are waging now has very strong implications for the security of Europe,” Orban said, adding that he had accepted Zelensky’s argument rather than insisting on his own initiative.
“I very much appreciate the President’s candid comments on this matter,” the prime minister said, adding that Hungary “highly values all initiatives for peace.”
