Kyiv Refutes Orbán’s Claims on Ukraine Rejecting Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange With Russia

The Office of the Ukrainian President responded to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy allegedly rejected a proposed Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange with Russia.

“As always, the Hungarian side did not inform us about its contacts with Moscow. As always, Ukraine did not authorize Hungary for anything. As always, Ukraine is working daily to secure the release of prisoners, and relevant negotiations for a significant exchange by the end of the year have been ongoing for two weeks now,” said Presidential Advisor Dmytro Lytvyn.

“As always, we are committed to achieving a comprehensive peace and are working in full coordination with our partners to make this a reality—together with the United States, Europe, and other global allies. As always, what is needed is not publicity stunts, but a just peace; not empty talk, but reliable security guarantees,” Lytvyn added.

Zelenskyy criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s phone call with Vladimir Putin on December 11, calling it counterproductive to efforts toward achieving genuine peace in Ukraine.

“No one should boost personal image at the expense of unity; everyone should focus on shared success. Unity in Europe has always been key to achieving it. There can be no discussions about the war that Russia wages against Ukraine without Ukraine,“ wrote Zelenskyy on his official account on X.