Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to consider a ceasefire to accelerate an end to the war with Russia, and also said he wanted a big cooperation agreement with Kyiv.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Ukraine and held discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Orban suggested that initiating a ceasefire connected to a deadline could accelerate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. He expressed gratitude for the candid dialogue with Zelensky during his visit to Kiev.

Orban, known for his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussed the potential for collaboration aimed at modernizing Ukraine's economy. He mentioned the possibility of establishing a bilateral agreement similar to those Hungary has with neighboring countries. Orban also acknowledged Ukraine's efforts to promote Zelensky's peace vision at an international summit in June.

The visit comes amid strained relations between Hungary and Ukraine, especially since the Russian invasion began. Hungary has often opposed EU measures to support Ukraine, including a veto on a significant EU aid package. Tensions are further heightened by Hungary's accusations that Ukraine is curbing the rights of ethnic Hungarians, a claim Ukraine denies but is willing to discuss.



Putin supporter makes surprise Ukraine visit

In a surprise visit to Kiev on Tuesday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gave a clear message on how to end Russia's war in Ukraine. I asked the president to think about whether we could reverse the order and speed up peace talks by making a ceasefire first. A ceasefire connected to a deadline would give a chance to speed up peace talks. I explored this possibility with the president and I am grateful for his honest answers and negotiation. Orban has the warmest relations of any EU leader with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The outspoken critic of Western military aid to Ukraine held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky during his first trip to Kiev in more than a decade. We would like to make the relationship between the two countries better. We would like to make a broad bilateral agreement with Ukraine, similar to the ones we already have made with our neighbours. We would be happy to take part in the modernisation of Ukraine's economy. We would like an ordered framework for this. He also said he valued Kiev's push to promote Zelensky's vision of peace at an international summit in June. The Ukrainian president, who spoke before Orban, did not respond to those comments. Ties between the neighbours came under heavy strain after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Budapest has often opposed the European Union efforts to support Kiev. Earlier this year, it took EU leaders weeks to break Orban's veto to extend over 50 billion euros in new aid to the war-torn country. Under Orban, Hungary has repeatedly accused Ukraine of curbing the rights of roughly 150,000 ethnic Hungarians living in the far west of Ukraine. Ukraine denies this and says it is open to addressing any concerns. Kiev is keen to support Hungary's backing as it relies heavily on financial and military support from the 27-member EU, where unanimity is needed for many decisions.

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Ukraine Invasion