Zelensky: Orbán is on somewhat too friendly terms with Putin
“I think it is not very serious when we talk about various initiatives related to the life of Ukrainians and find out about them from the mass media. With all due respect to the Hungarian people, the prime minister does not have a personal mandate to organize the negotiations, and His relations with Putin are a little too cordial” to be able to “put him back in his place”. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the European Council meeting, responding to a question on the hypothesis of a “Christmas ceasefire”, raised by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. “We must preserve the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine”, continues Zelensky, explaining that Ukrainian soldiers are also protecting Europe with their lives, which is why the circumstances of the Hungarian prime minister’s proposal seem to him to be “a public relations”. The same skepticism applies to the hostage exchange, he continues: “I really don’t understand what Christmas exchange we’re talking about. It’s a very important challenge to organize the return of our people. They’re not in the mood for holidays.”
The problem with such a ceasefire, he continues, is that it risks simply freezing the conflict and providing no clarity on what comes next. “This is why Ukraine needs security guarantees. Of course we want to end the war, we want a stable peace, but it goes without saying that Russia is not interested in this”, explains the Ukrainian president, underlining the importance of not arguing any plan regarding Ukraine without its participation.
(Otl/Adnkronos)
ISSN 2465 – 1222
19-DIC-24 15:44
