Hungary's Orban calls for Christmas truce in Ukraine war

By Bakir Tiro, Talha Ozturk

SARAJEVO, Bosnia Herzegovina (AA) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called for a Christmas truce in the Ukraine war and exchange of prisoners of war between Moscow and Kyiv.

"We often talk about European values. But I believe the most important value which is inherently European is life itself. The most important thing we can do is to save lives. Christmas is near. I see no reason why at least for two or three days during orthodox Christmas we shouldn't avoid losing human lives on the front lines," Orban told a press conference after the European Council meeting in Brussels, a video of which he shared on X on Friday. "I have taken steps in this direction."

"Similarly, I see no reason why the parties involved could not agree to exchange a few hundred prisoners, say 700 from each side, allowing them to return home," he added.

"This might seem insignificant compared to geopolitical objectives, but still, if a few thousand, fewer people die during Christmas and a few hundred or thousand fathers can go home to their families, that is a European value," said Orban, adding that he believes his proposal is "achievable."

Russian President Vladimir Putin, at his annual press conference and call-in show in Moscow on Thursday, confirmed Orban's proposal, saying he was open to it but was rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022.