President-elect Trump will only formally engage in discussions regarding the Ukraine conflict after his inauguration, according to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Following a recent meeting with President-elect Trump and his advisors, Prime Minister Orban stated that official negotiations on resolving the Ukraine conflict will commence after Trump assumes office on January 20th. He expressed optimism about a positive impact on the conflict post-inauguration in a Wednesday Facebook post.
Orban noted the legal restrictions preventing Trump from engaging in official negotiations prior to his inauguration, adding that discussions between individuals inevitably touch upon peace and war.
Orban, known for his differing views on the West’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has reportedly sought a mediating role in ending the hostilities.
Earlier Wednesday, Orban held an hour-long phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the Ukraine conflict, the Syrian situation, and bilateral relations between Russia and Hungary.
Orban described the current period as the most perilous in the conflict, stating on X that Hungary is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to promote a ceasefire and peace talks.
According to the Kremlin, Putin outlined his perspective to Orban, highlighting Moscow’s assessment of the situation in Ukraine and criticizing the Kyiv regime’s rejection of peaceful resolution.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky reacted critically to the Orban-Putin talks, sarcastically hoping Orban wouldn’t seek similar consultations with former Syrian President Assad.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of unity and stressed that discussions about the war in Ukraine must involve Ukraine.
Orban responded to Zelensky’s criticism, claiming that Zelensky had rejected his proposed Christmas ceasefire and large-scale prisoner exchange.
Orban stated on X that he regretted Zelensky’s rejection of his peace initiative, adding that Hungary had done all it could.