The Kremlin has announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, in order to mark Orthodox Christmas which both countries celebrate.
Russian president, Vladimir Putin made the announcement on Thursday following a request for a ceasefire during the holiday from the Leader of the country’s Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill.
This is the first time Russia will announce a full ceasefire since the war started in February of 2022.
“I instruct the defence minister of the Russian Federation to introduce from 12:00 (0900 GMT) on January 6, 2023 until 24:00 (2100 GMT) on January 7, 2023 a ceasefire along the entire line of contact between the sides in Ukraine,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
“Given the fact that a large number of citizens professing Orthodoxy live in the areas of combat, we call on the Ukrainian side to declare a ceasefire and give them the opportunity to attend church services on Christmas Eve, as well as on the Day of the Nativity of Christ,” the statement added.
