Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken aim at Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his decision to discuss Ukraine during a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Mr. Orban, who has maintained closer relations with Mr. Putin than many other European leaders amid Russia’s ongoing 33-month conflict in Ukraine, stated on X that their call today lasted an hour and described these as “the most dangerous weeks” of the war.
“No one should enhance their personal image at the cost of unity,” Mr. Zelensky remarked on X, seemingly ridiculing Mr. Orban’s self-appointed efforts to initiate a “peace mission” for Ukraine.
“We all hope that Orban at least won’t call Assad in Moscow to listen to his hour-long lectures as well,” Mr. Zelensky commented, alluding to Russia’s choice to grant asylum to overthrown Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
We all hope that @PM_ViktorOrban at least won’t call Assad in Moscow to listen to his hour-long lectures as well.
It is abundantly clear that achieving genuine peace and assured security necessitates America’s resolve, Europe’s solidarity, and the steadfast commitment of all…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 11, 2024
As we concluded the Hungarian EU Presidency, new efforts for peace were initiated. We suggested a Christmas ceasefire and a comprehensive prisoner exchange. It’s unfortunate that President @ZelenskyyUa has clearly dismissed and ruled this out today. We did what we could!
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) December 11, 2024
Ukrainian officials have consistently expressed that a ceasefire would play into Russia’s interests, as it might solidify current front lines with Russia occupying approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
The Kremlin reported that Mr. Putin informed Mr. Orban during their conversation that Kyiv’s position precluded the possibility of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
This phone call occurred during a critical diplomatic juncture in the war in Ukraine, coinciding with US President-elect Donald Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire and a rapid conclusion to the conflict.
Mr. Zelensky utilized his first encounter with Mr. Trump following the election to articulate his country’s need for security guarantees in any negotiated resolution to the war with Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted the gathering in Paris, during which Mr. Zelensky aimed to foster a relationship with Mr. Trump, whose commitment to swiftly ending the conflict has raised concerns in Kyiv regarding the potential terms being heavily influenced by Moscow.
The previous meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump was in New York in September
The three leaders, who spoke for 35 minutes without aides in the Elysee Palace, reportedly did not delve into specific details regarding any peace proposals.
However, it was noted that Mr. Trump reiterated his desire for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to secure a rapid end to hostilities.
This meeting provided initial insights into how discussions surrounding the cessation of the conflict might unfold, though the process—which would involve Russian President Vladimir Putin—remains complex, and the role of the United States is still uncertain.
One adviser to the incoming US president mentioned that Mr. Zelensky might be “overplaying his hand” to some extent, considering Ukraine’s precarious situation on the battlefield.
Kyiv has been advocating for an invitation to join the NATO military alliance from the outgoing US administration, asserting the necessity of security guarantees to deter any further Russian invasions.
This consistent message has remained, even as President Zelensky acknowledged that a diplomatic resolution to the conflict would save lives, tempering his previous stance that all Russian forces must be expelled from Ukraine for peace to be established.
Several officials close to Mr. Trump have indicated that he is orienting his meetings towards cultivating a personal rapport, which is pivotal to his diplomatic style, and that he will ultimately determine the course of action.
The generally amicable nature of his direct interactions with President Zelensky contrasts with certain campaign trail statements about the Ukrainian leader, including labeling him “the greatest salesman on Earth” for successfully soliciting and receiving billions in US military aid.
President Macron and Mr. Zelensky aligned closely during the Paris discussions but were cautious not to appear as if cornering Mr. Trump, according to one official.
(L-R) Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron, and Donald Trump at a previous meeting in Paris on Saturday
The French leader, who has honed his personal relationships to further his diplomatic efforts over the years, and President Zelensky collaborated effectively to convey their perspectives, while emphasizing that without US backing, it would be exceedingly challenging for Kyiv, the official added.
Mr. Macron’s approach to Mr. Trump stressed that a defeat for Ukraine would reflect poorly on the US and be perceived as a sign of American weakness by its global rivals, including China, sources conveyed.
“There is no scenario in which Ukraine loses and America wins,” President Macron told Mr. Trump, adding, “The world is watching,” according to the sources.
Ukraine hits Russian facilities with missiles and drones
Ukraine targeted a southern Russian port on the Azov Sea with missiles and ignited a fire at an oil depot in the Bryansk region of western Russia using drones, according to officials and media reports.
The extent of the damage and the specific weapons employed in the attack remain unclear, although Moscow has repeatedly warned that Ukraine using US missiles to strike its territory risks escalating the conflict further.
Russia’s defense ministry announced that its air defense units intercepted and destroyed 14 Ukrainian drones overnight in the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. They did not specify which targets were hit.
Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz reported that a production facility was briefly ignited as a result of the assault but did not disclose what facility was affected.
A residential building damaged by shelling in the eastern Donetsk region
Ukraine’s military claimed responsibility for a “massive fire” at an oil depot following its strike in the Bryansk region.
The Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, which transports oil from western Siberia and the Caspian Sea to European markets, as well as the Baltic Pipeline System (BPS) that connects to the Baltic Sea, traverse the Bryansk region.
Approximately 750 kilometers to the south, the Russian port of Taganrog suffered missile strikes from Ukraine, damaging an industrial facility and several vehicles, according to the acting governor of the Rostov region.
“Preliminary reports indicate that no injuries were sustained,” Yuri Slyusar added.
