The Kremlin announced on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s proposal for a prisoner of war exchange with Ukraine, though Kyiv reportedly dismissed the idea.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov revealed that Orban made the proposal during a phone call with Putin, suggesting a major prisoner swap and a Christmas ceasefire. The gestures, aimed at fostering goodwill during the holiday season, were described as a pathway to peace amid the ongoing conflict.
On the same day, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) communicated the prisoner exchange proposal to the Hungarian embassy, Peskov said. However, Ukraine’s public response indicated a rejection of Orban’s overtures, Peskov added.
“The Russian side fully supports Orban’s efforts for a peaceful settlement and resolving humanitarian issues related to prisoners of war,” Peskov stated, underscoring Moscow’s readiness for dialogue.
He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to peace talks, referencing the Istanbul Agreements of 2022 as a potential framework for renewed negotiations. Despite setbacks, the Kremlin remains open to diplomatic solutions, Peskov emphasized.
Gergely Gulyás, Orban’s chief of staff, provided additional context on the discussions. He highlighted Hungary’s advocacy for a lasting ceasefire but noted that the current proposal centered around the Christmas period.
“President Putin expressed support for the prisoner swap proposal,” Gulyás said. The ceasefire suggestion, while deemed worthy of consideration, lacked immediate consensus.
