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Home World Live International Crisis Orbán of Hungary insists European leaders need a new approach regarding Ukraine.

Orbán of Hungary insists European leaders need a new approach regarding Ukraine.

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Orbán of Hungary insists European leaders need a new approach regarding Ukraine.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed on Friday the view that European leaders must recognize the necessity to modify their approach toward Ukraine.
In an interview with Hungary’s state broadcaster, he asserted that the existing strategy is failing, given the advancing position of Russian forces on the frontlines. Orbán also remarked that the recent election of U.S. President Donald Trump has altered the dynamics of the conflict.
A staunch nationalist, Orbán has been a prominent supporter of Trump and has consistently worked to weaken the European Union’s backing for Ukraine. His actions have included obstructing or diluting the EU’s initiatives aimed at supplying weapons, financial aid, and imposing sanctions on Moscow following its invasion.
Though he did not detail the specific steps he thinks Europe should undertake regarding Ukraine, Orbán reiterated his advocacy for a temporary ceasefire during the Christmas period in the ongoing conflict. He proposed the potential exchange of up to 1,000 prisoners of war between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
Orbán suggested that this ceasefire could commence on January 7, coinciding with Orthodox Christmas. This proposal might be perceived as controversial, as Ukraine has recently shifted from the Orthodox calendar and now celebrates Christmas on December 25.
Historically, Orbán has insisted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to his ceasefire initiative. However, in his latest remarks, he tempered his earlier statements, indicating that he has only been able to persuade Putin to consider the idea, without providing further information.