Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized on Friday that Russia seeks a definitive end to the Ukraine conflict rather than temporary measures like truces or ceasefires. Speaking in Moscow after a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Putin reiterated his demand for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Putin stated, “Russia is committed to the complete and definitive resolution of the conflict. The conditions for this are outlined in my speech – the withdrawal of all troops from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. There are other conditions which are a subject for consideration in the course of possible joint work.”
Regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s stance, Putin claimed that Zelenskyy avoids peace talks because doing so would require lifting martial law and holding a presidential election, which Putin suggested Zelenskyy’s chances of winning are slim.
Putin also addressed Russia’s strained relations with the European Union (EU), describing them as “at the lowest ebb.” He discussed future security arrangements in Europe with Orban, noting that the Hungarian leader primarily conveyed Western viewpoints during their talks on Ukraine.
In response, Orban expressed Hungary’s commitment to promoting peace in Europe during its EU Council presidency. He highlighted Hungary’s unique role in maintaining dialogue with both Russia and Ukraine, aiming to facilitate peace initiatives and ceasefire negotiations.
Orban stated, “There are still a lot of steps to be taken to get closer to the end of the war. We have made the most important step today by establishing contacts and will continue to work in this direction.”
The meeting between Putin and Orban signals ongoing diplomatic efforts amid the protracted conflict in Ukraine, with both leaders emphasising the importance of dialogue and international cooperation to achieve lasting peace in the region.
