The temporary ceasefire in Ukraine decreed unilaterally by the russian presidentVladimir Putin, during Orthodox Christmas should have started this Friday at 12:00 (time in the conflict zones).
Under the terms of this truce, announced the day before, the Russian troops will lay down their arms until midnight on Saturday.
Russia announced the start of a temporary ceasefire, but Ukraine responds with skepticism, considering the move pure hypocrisy and propaganda. https://t.co/XAtc1M4X7N
— CNN in Spanish (@CNNEE) January 6, 2023
Putin made the announcement after Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill called for an end to fighting over Orthodox Christmas, which falls on Saturday.
“Taking into account the call of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, I have instructed the Defense Minister to order a ceasefire regime along the entire line of contact between the sides in Ukraine,” the Kremlin announced in a statement.
A report from RT argues that Moscow urged kyiv to also declare a truce on the occasion of Orthodox Christmas.
“Given the large number of Orthodox citizens living in the conflict zones, we call on the Ukrainian side to declare a ceasefire and allow them to attend services, both on Christmas Eve and Christmas,” reads the statement published by the Kremlin. .
Putin’s announcement was met with skepticism by the Ukrainian authorities.
Volodimir Zelenski, the Ukrainian president, estimated that it was an “excuse to stop the advance” of the kyiv troops in Donbas and bring “equipment, ammunition and bring men closer to our positions.”
“President Zelensky has made Ukraine’s position on this self-styled ceasefire clear. This war was started by Russia and President Putin can stop it today by pulling his troops out of the Ukraine. Instead, we have seen Russian forces launch missile and drone attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure for many months,” NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said.
Ukraine calls for expelling Russia from the UN Security Council
The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, praised the Russian initiative, according to RT.
“The possibility for the parties to show respect and cease hostilities during this sacred period is always welcomed by the Secretary General,” according to spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.
With information from Afp and Rt.
