Hungary's prime minister has urged the European Union to start direct discussions with Russia on a ceasefire in Ukraine and drop plans for a joint declaration at an extraordinary EU summit next week,

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called on the European Union to begin direct talks with Russia on ending the conflict in Ukraine, a move that highlights growing divisions within the bloc over its approach to the war.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reiterated his opposition to Ukraine's accession to the European Union on Feb. 28, warning that it would "destroy" Hungary, the country's public broadcaster Hirado reported.