BUDAPEST, December 19. /TASS/. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is ready to meet with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky during the ongoing European Union summit in Brussels to discuss his proposal for a Christmas ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

"I work in standby mode; even in my sleep, I’m on standby. I am always ready for any meaningful discussion," the Prime Minister said, answering a question about whether he would discuss his peace initiative with Zelensky.

Orban was asked about this during his speech to the Patriots for Europe faction of Members of the European Parliament, which took place before the EU leaders' meeting. According to the MTI news agency, the Prime Minister commented on his peace initiative, stating, "In politics, you have to navigate some complex situations, but sometimes simple, convincing proposals deserve a chance as well."