Zelensky Rejects Orban’s Mediation, Slams Putin’s 'High-Tech Duel' Challenge as 'Crazy| global pulse скачать в хорошем качестве

Zelensky Rejects Orban’s Mediation, Slams Putin’s 'High-Tech Duel' Challenge as 'Crazy| global pulse

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted he hadn't spoken with Viktor Orban - claiming the Hungarian leader was 'too warm' with Vladimir Putin - during a press briefing following the European Council in Brussels on Thursday. It came after Zelensky again rejected Orban's overtures to 'mediate' between the two countries earlier this week. The PM has previously led his own 'peace mission' initiative, visiting both Kiev and Moscow, while drawing condemnation from the EU's leadership. "With all respect, the prime minister doesn’t have a personal mandate to organise negotiations and his relationship with Putin is a bit too warm in order to actually put Putin in his place," Zelensky said. Commenting on Putin's own Direct Line Q&A phone-in and press conference - in which the Russian leader challenged the West to a 'high-tech duel' pitting Kiev against his new Oreshnik missiles - Zelensky reacted: "do you believe a reasonable person could say that? Scumbags!" He added that he thought Putin was 'crazy'. Meanwhile, on Donald Trump's inauguration, Zelensky described him as a 'strong man' and "I want very much to have him on our side". Zelensky also touched on the latest suggestions - led by French President Emmanuel Macron - of Western peacekeepers from the EU and UK in Ukraine. "There are no decisions about it, just some will," he said. "I can’t share some details until the decisions will be made, and again, common decisions, the United States and the EU." The concept has divided EU and NATO allies. Poland's Donald Tusk has said he has 'no plans', while Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz also downplayed the possibility, even after his own foreign minister suggested the government could do so in the event of a peace deal. During the Direct Line briefing in Moscow, Putin was asked to comment on claims by Western 'experts' that Russia's latest system could be 'intercepted and destroyed'. "Let them make a proposal to us, and also to those in the West and the United States who finance their analyses, to conduct some kind of technological experiment," he replied. "Let's say they organise a high-tech duel of the 21st century: they could choose a target in Kiev, concentrate all their air and missile defence capabilities there, and we'll strike with our Oreshnik system to see what unfolds." "Are we ready for such an experiment? Is the other side ready? We are certainly not dismissing the idea, especially considering that all their missile and air defence systems are still operational. It would certainly be interesting for us," Putin added. Russia announced the test of the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile late last month, striking a military facility in Ukraine. Putin said at the time that the strike was carried out in response to the 'aggressive actions of NATO countries', after the US green-lit the use of long-range strikes by Ukraine inside Russia. Welcome to Global Pulse – Your Source for Global News and Insights Stay informed with the latest updates from around the world on Global Pulse, where we bring you comprehensive coverage of global affairs, breaking news, and key international events. Our channel offers in-depth analysis of world news, global trends, and the most pressing issues shaping our world today. From international politics to climate change, from world health to global economy – we cover it all. Whether you’re interested in Asia news, Africa news, North America news, or global sports, Global Pulse delivers timely and relevant content that matters to you. At Global Pulse, we provide expert perspectives on international relations, sustainable development, and human rights. Join our growing community of global citizens who care about the impact of news across continents. Our mission is to connect people through information, fostering a deeper understanding of the world’s most critical issues. Subscribe now to stay up-to-date with live news updates, breaking news stories, and trending global topics. Stay ahead of the curve with real-time news and gain a global perspective on the events that matter. Global Pulse – Around the World, All in One Place.