Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban convened in Moscow to discuss pressing international issues, notably the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, reports Lenta.
The meeting, officially framed around conflict resolution, quickly took a provocative turn in Putin’s remarks aimed at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During their dialogue, Putin emphasized the significance of their exchange, characterizing it as timely and mutually beneficial for Russia and Hungary. “There was a thorough, direct, and honest exchange of views on the current international agenda, including the Ukrainian crisis,” Putin stated. However, his comments soon turned taunting towards Zelensky and his administration.
Orban, visiting Moscow on a peace mission, relayed insights from his recent trip to Kyiv, where he engaged with Ukrainian leadership, including Zelensky, proposing a ceasefire to facilitate peace talks.
Putin, in response, highlighted Kyiv’s reluctance to entertain a ceasefire, attributing it to political apprehensions.
“If Ukraine lifts martial law, they’ll be compelled to hold presidential elections, and the current authorities stand little chance,” Putin remarked, questioning the stability and popularity of Zelensky’s government.
The discussion also addressed broader paths to peace in Ukraine, with Orban acknowledging substantial disparities between Moscow and Kyiv’s stances.
“Much groundwork is needed to bring an end to the conflict closer,” Orban commented. Despite the peace focus, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s stringent terms for negotiations, advocating for a conclusive resolution of the conflict rather than a temporary ceasefire.
“There can be no truce or pause for the Kyiv regime to rearm. Moscow stands for a complete and final resolution of the conflict,” Putin asserted.
