MFA reacts to Orbán calls for Ukraine–Russia talks instead of counteroffensive

This is stated in the comment by Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleg Nikolenko regarding Orbán's statement on the need for a ceasefire and the start of peace talks with Russia before Ukraine starts its counteroffensive, Ukrinform reports.

Nikolenko noted that the Ukrainian side clearly outlined its position: peace negotiations are possible only after the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine.

"Ceasefire without fulfilling this condition will lead to freezing the status quo, will give Russia the opportunity to regroup, amass forces, and resort to a new wave of aggression. This is proven by the experience of 2014-2022. Moreover, daily Russian missile attacks and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities prove that Moscow considers no other scenario than to continue the war," the MFA spokesperson stressed.

At the same time, he noted that the Ukrainian side took note of Orbán's statement that it is difficult for him to be "the only prime minister in the EU who advocates peace."

"In order to alleviate this situation, we call on the head of the Government of Hungary to finally start acting. For example, to condemn Russian aggression, to demand that Moscow stop the war and return the Russian army to Russian territory, to join the measures of international isolation of Russia, not to undermine the unity of the EU," Nikolenko said.

Earlier, in an interview with state radio, Hungary’s PM Orbán advocated a ceasefire and peace talks between Ukraine and Russia before the start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, citing the fact that the attacking side suffers three times more casualties than the defending side.

Photo: hungarytoday.hu