The key facts

  • The Kremlin said it would consider Viktor Orbán's candidacy for UN Secretary-General if he is nominated
  • According to the WSJ, the Trump administration is encouraging Orbán's nomination, and the US, Russia and China could jointly back him
  • The dates for three-way talks on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi have not yet been set; the local ceasefire in Oleshky has not been violated

The Kremlin on Orbán's possible candidacy

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it would consider the candidacy of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for the post of UN Secretary-General if he is nominated. “If such a candidate emerges, he will also be considered,” said press secretary Dmitry Peskov at a briefing, commenting on media reports that the administration of US President Donald Trump is encouraging the former Hungarian prime minister to consider running for the post. According to Peskov, the topic was not raised during the October 9 phone call between Trump and Vladimir Putin.

What was reported about Washington's plans

On Sunday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration had encouraged Orbán to consider running for UN Secretary-General, and that, according to the outlet, Russia and China had reacted positively to the idea. According to the WSJ, officials from the three countries confirmed that Washington had raised the issue of Orbán's possible candidacy, which could become a joint candidate backed by the United States, Russia and China; the proposal, the outlet noted, awaits a final decision. A US State Department spokesman acknowledged that the idea might at first glance seem far-fetched, but said that the three countries could secure sufficient support in the UN Security Council.

Ukraine talks and the local ceasefire

Touching on the expected three-way talks on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi next month, Peskov said that the exact dates of the talks have not yet been determined. He also commented on the local ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv in the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky in Kherson region, noting that the Russian side has not reported any violations so far. The local pause, whose agreement was announced last week by US First Lady Melania Trump, came into force on Tuesday at 01:00 GMT to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of civilians.