Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Kyiv on Tuesday. AP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Kyiv on Tuesday. AP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Kyiv on Tuesday. AP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Kyiv on Tuesday. AP

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Hungary's Orban proposes Ukraine-Russia ceasefire to speed up peace talks

A truce connected to a deadline could be a path to peace, Hungarian PM says during his first trip to Kyiv in more than a decade

Soraya Ebrahimi
Soraya Ebrahimi

July 02, 2024

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made his first trip to Ukraine in more than a decade on Tuesday and urged President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to consider a ceasefire as a way to end the war with Russia.

Mr Orban, who has a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and is a critic of western military aid to Ukraine, held talks with Mr Zelenskyy in the capital Kyiv.

Mr Orban said he asked Mr Zelenskyy to think about a ceasefire before the follow-up international summit Kyiv hopes to hold later this year.

"A ceasefire connected to a deadline would give a chance to speed up peace talks," he said. "I explored this possibility with the President and I am grateful for his honest answers and negotiation."

Mr Zelenskyy, who spoke before Mr Orban, did not respond to those comments.

But his foreign policy adviser, Ihor Zhovkva, later said in televised remarks that it was not the first such proposal and that Mr Zelenskyy had responded to Mr Orban with his publicly known stance. "We say that Ukraine really wants peace for itself, this is logical ... for this, we have a tool – the peace summit," Mr Zhovkva said, referring to Kyiv's push to build a global coalition to support its vision of peace.

Weapons wanted by Ukraine - in pictures

Air defence: Ukraine’s air defence largely depends on the Patriot system. AFP
Air defence: Ukraine’s air defence largely depends on the Patriot system. AFP
Air: Stinger short-range surface-to-air missile. Reuters
Air: Stinger short-range surface-to-air missile. Reuters
Air: Aim-120 air-to-air missiles. More than 14,000 of the missiles, that have a range exceeding 120km, have been produced with their accuracy so good that they have been nicknamed “Slammer”. Getty Images
Air: Aim-120 air-to-air missiles. More than 14,000 of the missiles, that have a range exceeding 120km, have been produced with their accuracy so good that they have been nicknamed “Slammer”. Getty Images
Air: F-16s will provide greater surveillance and the ability to attack high-value targets behind Russian lines in occupied Ukraine. EPA
Air: F-16s will provide greater surveillance and the ability to attack high-value targets behind Russian lines in occupied Ukraine. EPA
Armour: Bradley IFV. The Ukrainians have found the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, with its 25mm cannon, very useful in protecting troops and providing decent firepower. Bloomberg
Armour: Bradley IFV. The Ukrainians have found the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, with its 25mm cannon, very useful in protecting troops and providing decent firepower. Bloomberg
Armour: M113. The 1960s-designed versatile M113 armoured personnel carrier has proven effective in protecting troops against minefields. Getty Images
Armour: M113. The 1960s-designed versatile M113 armoured personnel carrier has proven effective in protecting troops against minefields. Getty Images
Artillery: 155mm artillery rounds. A massive delivery of 155mm rounds could prove crucial in preventing further Russian advances, particularly in its expected summer offensive. AFP
Artillery: 155mm artillery rounds. A massive delivery of 155mm rounds could prove crucial in preventing further Russian advances, particularly in its expected summer offensive. AFP
Artillery: ATACMs long-range precision missiles. The ATACMS have a range of 300km with the ability to land within a few metres of a target. Getty Images
Artillery: ATACMs long-range precision missiles. The ATACMS have a range of 300km with the ability to land within a few metres of a target. Getty Images
Artillery: Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB). It can be fired from the HIMARS system. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Artillery: Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB). It can be fired from the HIMARS system. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Artillery: M777 guns and replacement barrels. The Ukrainians need many M777 howitzer barrels to replace those worn down by extensive use. Getty Images
Artillery: M777 guns and replacement barrels. The Ukrainians need many M777 howitzer barrels to replace those worn down by extensive use. Getty Images

After hosting dozens of world leaders at a summit in Switzerland last month to advance that blueprint, Kyiv has said it hopes to hold a second international summit this year to which a Russian representative could be invited.

Officials in Kyiv have often said Russia would use any let-up in fighting to regroup and strengthen itself for another, even larger attack on Ukraine.

In his statement to reporters, Mr Zelenskyy touted the possibility of a broad bilateral co-operation agreement between Ukraine and Hungary.

Ukraine-Russia conflict latest - in pictures

Ukrainian rescuers at the site of a rocket attack on a residential building in Dnipro, south-eastern Ukraine. EPA
Ukrainian rescuers at the site of a rocket attack on a residential building in Dnipro, south-eastern Ukraine. EPA
Rescues carry a person wounded by a Russian missile strike in Dnipro. Reuters
Rescues carry a person wounded by a Russian missile strike in Dnipro. Reuters
Rescuers tackle a blaze at a building struck by Russian bombs, in Dnipro. AP
Rescuers tackle a blaze at a building struck by Russian bombs, in Dnipro. AP
An apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike in Dnipro. Reuters
An apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike in Dnipro. Reuters
Ukrainian soldiers fire at Russian positions near the town of Kupyansk, Kharkiv Region. AFP
Ukrainian soldiers fire at Russian positions near the town of Kupyansk, Kharkiv Region. AFP
A building destroyed by a Russian air strike in the front-line town of Orikhiv. AP
A building destroyed by a Russian air strike in the front-line town of Orikhiv. AP
A dog stands on the rubble as rescuers work at the site of a destroyed building during a Russian missile strike in Chernihiv. Reuters
A dog stands on the rubble as rescuers work at the site of a destroyed building during a Russian missile strike in Chernihiv. Reuters
A Ukrainian serviceman works on an FPV drone in a workshop in the Donetsk region. Reuters
A Ukrainian serviceman works on an FPV drone in a workshop in the Donetsk region. Reuters
Local resident Kateryna, 77-years-old, walks with a litter of puppies, which she feeds in the yard of her bomb-damaged apartment block in the town of Kurakhove. AFP
Local resident Kateryna, 77-years-old, walks with a litter of puppies, which she feeds in the yard of her bomb-damaged apartment block in the town of Kurakhove. AFP
Ukrainian rescuers at the scene of a missile strike near a residential building, in Zaporizhzhia. EPA
Ukrainian rescuers at the scene of a missile strike near a residential building, in Zaporizhzhia. EPA
A woman looks at the damage in her flat after debris from a missile strike hit nearby, in Kyiv. EPA
A woman looks at the damage in her flat after debris from a missile strike hit nearby, in Kyiv. EPA
Ukrainian firefighters at the scene of a missile strike in Kyiv. EPA
Ukrainian firefighters at the scene of a missile strike in Kyiv. EPA
Ukrainian servicemen take part in military training at an undisclosed location near the frontline. EPA
Ukrainian servicemen take part in military training at an undisclosed location near the frontline. EPA
Ukrainian troops run near the site of a rocket attack on an industrial building, in Kharkiv. EPA
Ukrainian troops run near the site of a rocket attack on an industrial building, in Kharkiv. EPA
A pilot operates a drone at a training ground in the Kyiv region. AFP
A pilot operates a drone at a training ground in the Kyiv region. AFP
Ukrainian and Russian soldiers are depicted in a tug-of-war on a memorial in Izium, Kharkiv region. AP
Ukrainian and Russian soldiers are depicted in a tug-of-war on a memorial in Izium, Kharkiv region. AP
A man looks at his home in a damaged apartment building in Izium, Kharkiv. AP
A man looks at his home in a damaged apartment building in Izium, Kharkiv. AP
Ukrainian civilian women are trained to use weapons, in Kyiv. AFP
Ukrainian civilian women are trained to use weapons, in Kyiv. AFP
A Ukrainian soldier mans a position as new recruits receive training at an undisclosed location in the Donetsk region. EPA
A Ukrainian soldier mans a position as new recruits receive training at an undisclosed location in the Donetsk region. EPA
A man pays tribute at a makeshift memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers, at the Independence Square in Kyiv. AFP
A man pays tribute at a makeshift memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers, at the Independence Square in Kyiv. AFP
An emergency worker at the scene of a Russian attack in Odesa. AP
An emergency worker at the scene of a Russian attack in Odesa. AP
Ukrainian recruits are trained by members of the Danish military, in the east of England. AP
Ukrainian recruits are trained by members of the Danish military, in the east of England. AP
Danylo, commander of an engineering and sapper company of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, inspects pyramidal anti-tank obstacles known as 'dragon's teeth' before installing them into a new fortification line in Zaporizhzhia region. Reuters
Danylo, commander of an engineering and sapper company of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, inspects pyramidal anti-tank obstacles known as 'dragon's teeth' before installing them into a new fortification line in Zaporizhzhia region. Reuters

"The content of our dialogue today on all issues can become the basis for a bilateral document between our states, a document that will regulate all our mutual relations," he said.

Welcoming Mr Zelenskyy's comments, Mr Orban said Hungary would like to help in modernising Ukraine's economy.

Ties between the neighbours came under heavy strain after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, with Budapest often opposing European Union efforts to support Kyiv.

Under Mr Orban, who upset western partners by holding talks with Mr Putin in October, Hungary has repeatedly accused Kyiv of curbing the rights of about 150,000 ethnic Hungarians living in the far west of Ukraine.

Ukraine has denied Budapest's assertion that it is restricting the rights of Hungarian speakers in its western reaches but says it is open to addressing any concerns.

Ukraine is keen to secure Hungary's backing as it relies heavily on financial and military support from the 27-member EU, where unanimity is needed for many decisions.

Final results:

Open men
Australia 94 (4) beat New Zealand 48 (0)

Plate men
England 85 (3) beat India 81 (1)

Open women
Australia 121 (4) beat South Africa 52 (0)

Under 22 men
Australia 68 (2) beat New Zealand 66 (2)

Under 22 women
Australia 92 (3) beat New Zealand 54 (1)

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Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.

One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases. 

The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery. 

On Women's Day
David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

'Of Love & War'
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Nov 04-05: v Western Australia XI, Perth
Nov 08-11: v Cricket Australia XI, Adelaide
Nov 15-18 v Cricket Australia XI, Townsville (d/n)
Nov 23-27: 1ST TEST v AUSTRALIA, Brisbane
Dec 02-06: 2ND TEST v AUSTRALIA, Adelaide (d/n)
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

The nine articles of the 50-Year Charter

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7.40pm Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,200m

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8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m

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Winner Equilateral, Frankie Dettori, Charles Hills.

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5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

Moral education needed in a 'rapidly changing world'

Moral education lessons for young people is needed in a rapidly changing world, the head of the programme said.

Alanood Al Kaabi, head of programmes at the Education Affairs Office of the Crown Price Court - Abu Dhabi, said: "The Crown Price Court is fully behind this initiative and have already seen the curriculum succeed in empowering young people and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed in building the future of the nation at all levels.

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Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?

The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.

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He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.

He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.

He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.

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Favourite Quote: “Real victories are those that protect human life, not those that result from its destruction emerge from its ashes,” by The late king Hussain of Jordan.

Favourite Hobby: Writing and cooking

Favourite Book: The Prophet by Gibran Khalil Gibran

Updated: July 02, 2024, 6:07 PM
UkraineVolodymyr ZelenskyyHungaryRussia