Hungarian PM Orban calls on EU to start direct talks with Russia on Ukraine

Viktor Orban Photo: European Council

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has demanded that the European Union start «direct talks with Russia on a ceasefire».

This was reported by the Financial Times.

It is noted that the head of the Hungarian government outlined his demands in a letter addressed to EU Council President Antonio Costa.

Viktor Orban's letter came after Brussels circulated draft conclusions for the upcoming summit of EU leaders, which include additional military support for Ukraine and a rapid increase in defence spending by European capitals. Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also invited to the summit.

«"It has become clear that there are strategic differences in our approach to Ukraine that cannot be overcome by drafting bills or communicating», Viktor Orban wrote.

According to the newspaper's sources, the Hungarian ambassador to the EU expressed similar views at a meeting of colleagues in Brussels this week.

Earlier it was reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan would repeat the proposal to hold peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at a meeting of European leaders in London on 2 March.