Hungarian PM Orbán suggests Zelensky consider ceasefire to speed up peace talks

On his first official visit to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán proposed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to consider a ceasefire to speed up peace negotiations with Russia.

Hungary, the most pro-Russian member of the European Union, has consistently opposed the bloc’s collective military aid to Ukraine. The country has refused to send weapons to kyiv and remains the only EU member state to maintain ties with the Kremlin since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

At a joint press conference during his visit to kyiv on July 2, Orbán expressed respect for Zelenskyy’s peace formula, but suggested that its implementation might take too long, and said,

“I asked the President to consider whether we could do it differently, whether we could pause, whether we could cease fire and then resume negotiations. After all, a ceasefire could help speed up the pace of these negotiations.”

Orbán assured that during the Hungarian presidency of the European Union, which began on July 1, they “help in whatever he can.”

Peace Summit and Cooperation with the EU

President Zelensky thanked Hungary for its participation in the first peace summit and for its support for its statement. He said:

“Hungary participated in the first peace summit and supported the summit communiqué, which demonstrates Hungary’s willingness to be effective in restoring long-term security in our country and in the entire region – Europe.”

Zelensky expressed hope for Budapest’s involvement in the preparation of the second summit, saying:

“We see an opportunity to hold a second summit this year. And we can do all the preparatory work for that in the coming months.”

The Ukrainian leader welcomed Orbán’s decision to visit kyiv immediately after Hungary took over the rotating EU presidency, seeing it as an indication of European priorities.

Bilateral relations and comprehensive cooperation agreement

The leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral relations, including trade, cross-border cooperation, infrastructure and energy issues. Orbán proposed signing a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Ukraine, similar to the agreements Hungary has concluded with other neighboring countries. He said:

“We are trying to resolve all past differences and focus on the future. We want to build relations between our countries.”

Zelenskyy suggested that a future bilateral document could be based on a mirror approach, allowing the two nations to “benefit from all the advantages of unity in Europe.“The leaders agreed that their teams would continue to work on the details of joint decisions.

As Hungary assumes the six-month rotating EU presidency, both leaders expressed hope for effective cooperation and progress in resolving existing difficulties. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of an effective Hungarian presidency for the whole of Europe.

Ukrainian school in Hungary

Ukrainian and Hungarian leaders have agreed to open the first Ukrainian-language school in Hungary. Viktor Orbán confirmed his support for this initiative, recognizing the educational needs of Ukrainian refugees in Hungary. He said:

“There were already Ukrainians in Hungary, but now there is a whole range of additional needs, we need to take care of these people. That is why I am very happy to support the president’s initiative to open a Ukrainian school in Hungary.”

Security issues and peace formula

The meeting focused on security issues, international law and the peace formula, said Andrii Yermak, head of the presidential office. Yermak said:

“A lot has been done for this visit. An important conversation about the future of Europe, security, international law and the peace formula.”

Related: