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Ukraine condemns Hungary’s ‘peacekeeping’ proposals, calls them manipulative

1 min read
Ukraine condemns Hungary’s ‘peacekeeping’ proposals, calls them manipulative
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reacts during a conference with Baden-Wuerttemberg's State Premier in the New Castle in Stuttgart, south-western Germany, on June 19, 2024, ahead of attending the UEFA Euro 2024 football match between Germany and Hungary. (Silas Stein /AFP via Getty Images)

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has criticized Hungary's "peacekeeping" statements as unrealistic and manipulative, calling on Hungarian officials on Dec. 16 to stop distorting the realities of Russia's war against Ukraine for political gain.

The ministry accused Hungary of effectively advocating for Ukraine to surrender to Russian aggression while obstructing international efforts to support Kyiv.

“Hungarian officials once again claim that they can stop the war. However, these statements do not reflect reality. Following Hungary's 'peacekeeping' calls to Moscow, deadly missiles and drones are striking Ukrainian cities and communities,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Hungary’s actual proposals are even further from peacemaking than its statements,” it added, noting that Budapest’s continued unilateral contacts with Moscow undermine collective efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace.

The response came after Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto claimed on Dec. 15 that President Volodymyr Zelensky had “forcefully but politely” declined Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s proposal for a Christmas ceasefire.

Hungary, which maintains close ties with Moscow despite Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has consistently criticized EU sanctions against Russia and blocked initiatives to provide military aid to Kyiv.

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Tim Zadorozhnyy

Reporter

Tim Zadorozhnyy is the reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in foreign policy, U.S.-Ukraine relations, and political developments across Europe and Russia. Based in Warsaw, he is pursuing studies in International Relations and the European Studies program at Lazarski University, offered in partnership with Coventry University. Tim began his career at a local television channel in Odesa in 2022. After relocating to Warsaw, he spent a year and a half with the Belarusian independent media outlet NEXTA, initially as a news anchor and later as managing editor. Tim is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian.

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