Status: 05.01.2023 4:46 p.m
Shortly before the Orthodox Christmas, Russian President Putin announced a ceasefire in Ukraine. According to the Kremlin, Russian soldiers should stop firing from Friday afternoon until late at night.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a 36-hour ceasefire in Ukraine for the Orthodox Christmas. Putin has instructed the defense minister that Russian troops cease fire between January 6, 12 noon (local time) and January 7, midnight, the Kremlin said.
Orthodox leader had proposed ceasefire
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, had called for a ceasefire over the Orthodox Christmas celebrations – in the same period from Friday noon until nightfall. There was no comment on Kirill’s proposal from the ranks of the Russian government.
The Patriarch had repeatedly justified Russia’s attack on Ukraine in the past, arguing that this was a way to prevent Western ideological encroachment.
Podoliak: Kiril’s proposal is a cynical trap
Ukrainian Presidential Advisor Mykhailo Podoliak responded to the Orthodox leader’s appeal, describing it as a cynical trap and a propaganda tool.
The Russian Orthodox Church, which uses the old Julian calendar, celebrates Christmas on January 7 – 13 days later than according to the Gregorian calendar.