Putin orders Ukraine truce for Orthodox Christmas

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu to introduce a ceasefire regime from 12:00 (GMT+3) on January 6 till 24:00 on January 7 along the entire line of contact in Ukraine.

“Taking into account the appeal of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, I instruct the Russian defence minister to introduce a ceasefire regime along the entire line of contact between the sides in Ukraine from 12:00 on January 6, 2023, till 24:00 on January 7, 2023,” Gazeta.Ru reports, citing the Kremlin.

The Kremlin also called on Ukraine to declare a ceasefire regime and give citizens the opportunity to attend Christmas services, as "numerous citizens who profess Orthodoxy live in the areas covered by hostilities".