Hungary calls on Russia and Ukraine for a Christmas ceasefire

Volodymyr Zelensky and Viktor Orbán. Photo: Zerkalo Nedeli

Hungary has called on Russia and Ukraine to agree to a Christmas ceasefire, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on X.

"At the end of the Hungarian EU Presidency, we made new efforts for peace. We proposed a Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange," Orbán wrote.

Zelensky responded to this tweet, stating that "it’s absolutely clear that achieving real peace and guaranteed security requires America’s determination, Europe’s unity, and the unwavering commitment of all partners to the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter."

The President of Ukraine also reproached Orbán, emphasizing that "no one should boost personal image at the expense of unity; everyone should focus on shared success."

Meanwhile, Russia was prepared to support Hungary's proposal, according to TASS, citing Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Peskov noted that Russia had conveyed its proposals on prisoner exchange and a Christmas ceasefire to Hungary.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Pope had called for a ceasefire on all fronts before Christmas. However, the U.S. State Department criticized the Pope's initiative, stating that Ukraine has the right to defend itself.

Read also

His Beatitude Onuphry addresses the faithful on fourth anniversary of war

On the anniversary of the start of the full-scale hostilities, the Primate of the UOC called for prayer for peace, support for the defenders, and the preservation of the people’s spiritual unity.

Myltsi Monastery shows pictures of shrine's revival from ruins

Archive footage of the St. Nicholas Monastery in Myltsi dated 1994 and modern photos of the revived monastery have been published online.

Embassy of Ukraine holds "prayer for Ukraine" at Weiling Wall in Jerusalem

The Ukrainian Embassy performed a ceremony at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.

Founder of children's shelter in Athens asks for help to avoid prison

The Athens Court of Appeals sentenced the head of the Greek foundation to 9.5 years in prison with the right of redemption. 

In Butove, OCU supporters hold meeting on UOC parish "transfer"

In the House of Culture, residents of the village of Butove, Rivne region, decided the fate of St. John's Church of the UOC.

His Beatitude reads first part of Great Penitential Canon at Lavra

Metropolitan Onuphry led the Great Compline at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, with the reading of the Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete.