Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has wrapped up his "peace mission" in Moscow with a press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called the overture  "an attempt to restore dialogue." Writing in Newsweek, Orbán said that "The Point of NATO is Peace, Not Endless War".

"I have concluded my talks in Moscow with President Putin", Orbán wrote on X. "My goal was to open the channels of direct communication and start a dialogue on the shortest road to peace. Mission accomplished! To be continued on Monday…"

During the joint press conference, Orbán "pointed out that past European progress was built on peace, and the current war has severely affected the continent's sense of security and economic stability", spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said. "Orbán also discussed several key issues with President Putin, including the evaluation of existing peace plans, the possibility of a ceasefire and subsequent peace talks, and the future European security structure post-war. He highlighted the necessity of dialogue and diplomatic channels, underscoring Hungary's rare position of being able to communicate with both warring parties."

Vladimir Putin called his talks with Orbán a "substantive, direct and honest discussion", noting "It is important that we maintain a dialogue even in the current difficult geopolitical situation."

Orbán had told him about his recent meetings in Kiev, Putin said, where he advanced a ceasefire proposal "to create conditions for peace negotiations with Moscow."

Putin said Russia "remains open for a discussion on a political and diplomatic settlement. However, the opposite side only makes clear its reluctance to resolve this issue in this manner. Ukraine's sponsors continue using this country and its people as a ram, making it a victim in the confrontation with Russia."