Zelenski criticizes Orban's proposal for ceasefire during Christmas

brussels - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lashes out at Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's idea for a ceasefire during Christmas and a major prisoner exchange.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's proposal for a ceasefire and a large prisoner exchange during Christmas. Orban had discussed his Christmas truce plan with Vladimir Putin last week, which the Russian leader seemed to support. Zelensky, who was not consulted about the initiative, condemned it during a press conference at an EU summit, calling it a mere 'PR plan' and stating, 'This cannot be taken seriously. People are dying here.' He expressed concerns about Orban's lack of mandate for negotiations and his warm relations with Putin.

Zelensky pointed out that while the proposal may sound good for the Christmas spirit, Ukraine is not in holiday mode. EU leaders also criticized Orban's independent actions, referencing a 'peace mission' he undertook last summer involving meetings with Zelensky, Putin, Xi Jinping, and Donald Trump. Following this incident, many EU member states and the European Commission decided to boycott meetings hosted by Hungary, the current holder of the EU presidency, in Budapest.