Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he did not discuss Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s proposal for a «Christmas truce» and prisoner exchange during their meeting in Brussels on December 19. The press conference, which was broadcasted on Zelensky’s Facebook page, was part of his visit to the Belgian capital.
The proposal, which was put forward by Orban during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow earlier this month, suggested a ceasefire in the Donbass region of Ukraine and the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia. However, Zelensky made it clear that he did not discuss this proposal with Orban during their meeting.
«I want to clarify that we did not discuss this issue with Mr. Orban. We have our own position on the situation in Donbass and we will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution,» Zelensky said during the press conference.
The Ukrainian President also emphasized that he appreciated Orban’s efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution in the region, but reiterated that Ukraine’s stance on the issue remains unchanged.
«We are grateful for any support and efforts to bring peace to our country, but we have our own strategy and we will stick to it,» Zelensky stated.
The meeting between Zelensky and Orban was seen as a significant step towards improving relations between Ukraine and Hungary, which have been strained in recent years due to disagreements over language and minority rights. Zelensky’s visit to Brussels was also aimed at strengthening ties with the European Union and discussing the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.
During the press conference, Zelensky also addressed the issue of Russian aggression in the Donbass region and expressed his hope for a peaceful resolution.
«We are ready to do everything possible to end the war in Donbass and bring peace to our land. We are open to dialogue and negotiations, but we will not compromise on our sovereignty and territorial integrity,» Zelensky stated.
The Ukrainian President’s visit to Brussels was met with positive reactions from the EU leaders, who expressed their support for Ukraine’s efforts towards peace and stability in the region. European Council President Charles Michel stated that the EU stands in solidarity with Ukraine and will continue to support its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The press conference also touched upon the issue of Ukraine’s ongoing reforms and efforts towards European integration. Zelensky highlighted the progress made in areas such as anti-corruption measures, judicial reform, and economic development, and expressed his determination to continue on this path.
«We are committed to implementing reforms and modernizing our country. We want to become a fully-fledged member of the European family and we will continue to work towards this goal,» Zelensky stated.
The Ukrainian President’s visit to Brussels and his meeting with EU leaders have been seen as a positive step towards strengthening relations between Ukraine and the European Union. Zelensky’s firm stance on the conflict in eastern Ukraine and his commitment to reforms have been praised by the international community, and it is hoped that this visit will lead to further cooperation and support from the EU.
In conclusion, President Zelensky’s press conference in Brussels has shed light on the current situation in Ukraine and its efforts towards peace and stability. The meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was an important step towards improving relations between the two countries, and the Ukrainian President’s determination to continue on the path of reforms and European integration has been well received by the international community.
