ATHENS

The Hungarian premier said that “it's necessary” for the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to meet to end the war between the two countries, the Italian media reported Friday.

When asked if a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy was possible, Victor Orban said: “Of course. It's necessary! ... The first question is communication. If there is no communication, the war is getting worse and worse.”

Orban was at the European House – Ambrosetti, an annual international economic forum, in Cernobbio, northern Italy.

"There is a great literature in Europe on how to create peace through dialogue. When dialogue is not there at the right time, escalation grows and everything becomes more difficult,” Italy's ANSA news agency quoted Viktor Orban as saying.

The premier suggested that the priority ought to be securing a cease-fire between the parties.

This would be followed by dialogue and eventually a peace plan, he added.​​​​​​​