Hungary criticizes EU rejection of potential peace talks for Ukraine

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A ceasefire in Ukraine has been declared as the EU's red line when the bloc refused to discuss the proposals for peace talks, Hungarian Foreign Ministry Secretary of State Tamas Menczer told Kossuth Radio on Wednesday. The Foreign Minister further added that the bloc is insisting that Ukraine must win.

"Even knowing that Brussels represents the position of the 'party of war', we were still shocked... when we, the Hungarians, suggested that the documents on the occasion of the anniversary of the start... [of Russia's special military operation] contain calls for an immediate ceasefire and the start of talks, they were rejected in each case," Menczer told Kossuth Radio.

The official explained that Brussels has often made it clear, behind closed doors and in public, that the "immediate cessation of the war" not only "is a red line," but that the bloc believed that the war in eastern Europe "must be continued until Ukraine wins."

Hungary, on the other hand, has maintained its position of neutrality throughout the war in Ukraine and has continued to voice its concerns. Menсzer said Budapest supported the return to peace talks and insisted that there can be no winner in this war.

Hungary considers China's peace plan for Ukraine

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said, on February 27, that Budapest is supportive of China's peace strategy for Ukraine and considers its relevance. 

"We need a ceasefire and the beginning of peace negotiations. Hungary calls for peace in all international forums, I see that most of the states support peace. Hungary cannot isolate itself from most of the world," Orban said, speaking in parliament before the start of the spring session. "Therefore, we consider China's peace plan important and support it."   

On February 24, China issued a 12-point position paper on Ukraine that highlighted all the steps required to reach a "political settlement". 

These include respecting the sovereignty of all countries, abandoning the Cold War mentality, ceasing hostilities, resuming peace talks, resolving the humanitarian crisis, protecting civilians and POWs, keeping nuclear power plants safe, reducing strategic risks, facilitating grain exports, stopping unilateral sanctions, keeping industrial and supply chains stable, and promoting post-conflict reconstruction.

Because the plan did not specify that Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine, the West accused China of an attempt to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty at the expense of Russia's.

Beijing has already dismissed these claims as false, with top diplomat Wang Yi saying China will continue to stand firmly on the side of dialogue and peace, and will not seek to fuel escalations nor remain a bystander.

"Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis," the document reads, adding that China will play a "constructive role," without offering details.

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