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During yesterday’s telephone conversation with President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban suggested carrying out a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine ahead of Christmas, as well as declaring a Christmas ceasefire.

Russia has never rejected peace talks and has stated many times its readiness to resume them based on the 2022 Istanbul agreements.

On the same day, Russia’s Federal Security Service forwarded our proposals regarding the exchange of prisoners to the Hungarian Embassy in Moscow. However, judging by the way Zelensky, as well as his entourage, responded on social media, Ukraine has rejected all of Viktor Orban’s proposals.

We proceed from the premise that consultations on ensuring peace will continue. Russia fully supports Viktor Orban’s efforts to bring about a peaceful settlement and resolve humanitarian issues dealing with the exchange of prisoners.