Zelensky, Orban discuss Hungary's participation in preparing second Peace Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Hungary for participating in the first Peace Summit and expressed hope for Budapest's involvement in preparing the second summit.

The Ukrainian leader said this after negotiations with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Kyiv on Tuesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Hungary took part in the first Peace Summit and supported the communique of the summit, and this speaks of Hungary's readiness to be effective in order to return long-term security to our country and the entire region - Europe," Zelensky said.

He said that during the talks with Orban, they discussed in detail how Hungary could show its leadership in preparing the second summit.

"We see an opportunity to organize a second summit this year. And we can do all the preparatory work for this in the coming months. We will be grateful to Hungary for its support and activity," Zelensky added.

In addition, Zelensky said that Ukraine appreciates Orban's decision to make his first visit to Kyiv after Budapest took over the EU presidency.

"We appreciate the fact that your visit begins immediately after the start of the Hungarian presidency in the European Union. This is a clear indication of our European priorities, how important it is to return a just peace to Ukraine and all of Europe, how important it is to resolve existing difficulties and provide new foundations for strengthening Europe, for economic and social growth," Zelensky said.

According to him, all these issues were discussed during negotiations in the face-to-face format and later with Ukrainian and Hungarian teams.

"It is important that Hungary's presidency of the EU be effective. All over Europe, people have differences in political views, they all want to see European politics to be effective, aimed at strengthening Europe, at creating new opportunities for people and social development, for the growth of European companies. This is exactly what we must ensure together," Zelensky said.

The first Peace Summit was held in Switzerland on June 15-16. Three points of Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula were discussed at the summit - nuclear security, food security and the humanitarian dimension, including the exchange of prisoners and the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children. A joint communique was signed after the summit, which is open for accession. The results of the summit will be handed over to Russia.