MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

"I hope we will have the opportunity to exchange views on our bilateral relations in this difficult situation, and also, talk about the prospects for the biggest European crisis - I’m talking about Ukraine," the Russian leader said.

Hungary currently holds the six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. On July 2, Orban visited Kiev where he met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelelnsky and suggested that Ukraine should announce a ceasefire. However, according to the Ukrainian presidential office, Kiev rejected the initiative. The Hungarian premier explained that he was representing the European continent, which is interested in peace that can only be achieved through talks with Russia. Earlier, Zelensky banned negotiations with Moscow.

The Hungarian government has repeatedly highlighted the need to keep channels for communication with Russia open, particularly in order to search for ways to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.