Costa responds to Orban's call for talks with Russia: We want a fair and lasting peace

He made this statement during his visit to Moldova, commenting on the call of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for the EU to hold “direct negotiations” with Russia to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine, Ukrinform reports with reference to The Guardian.

“The European Union is a project for peace, and this project implies that security and defence must be a priority, because peace without defence is only an illusion,” Costa said.

According to the President of the European Council, no one wants peace more than the Ukrainians, and the EU certainly supports their aspirations for sustainable peace.

Read also: Possible ceasefire must be based on reliable security guarantees – results of leaders' summit in London

“[However] peace is not just a ceasefire that gives Russia time to recuperate. We seek a just and sustainable peace,” Costa added.

According to Hungarian journalists, Orban sent a letter to the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, demanding that he immediately begin direct negotiations with Russia on a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Together with another Russia supporter, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, Orban also said he was prepared to veto the conclusions of the Eurasian Council at its March 6 summit on issues related to Ukraine.

Read also: Slovakia will not provide financial or military aid to Ukraine – Fico

Orban and Fico have repeatedly repeated the Kremlin's statements and expressed support for Ukraine.

As reported by Ukrinform, the EU Council at a special meeting on March 6 will consider issues of strengthening the defense capability of the ERA, as well as strengthening Ukraine's positions on the battlefield and during the upcoming peace talks.