Ukraine’s unilateral ceasefire for Orthodox Christmas, announced by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, came into effect on Friday afternoon Moscow time (10:00 CET). However, the likelihood that the ceasefire will last the ordered 36 hours is considered slim. Ukraine spoke of a “propaganda gesture”.
The Kremlin justified the ceasefire by wanting to allow believers to participate in church services. The Ukrainian leadership has already rejected the request to lay down arms during the run-up. Peace can only come after the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, Kiev sources said.
At the same time, Moscow-appointed politicians in the occupied territories of Ukraine have made it clear that they are ready to shoot when in doubt. Putin’s order only applies to offensive actions by the Russian side. “That does not mean that we will not respond to provocations from the enemy! Or even give the enemy the opportunity to improve their positions on the frontline during these holiday hours,” Moscow-appointed governor in Donetsk Denis Puschilin wrote in his statement on Thursday. Telegram channel.
Shortly after the ceasefire came into effect, representatives of the Russian occupation forces in eastern Ukraine stated: “Ukrainian forces shelled Donetsk with artillery weapons at exactly noon, when the ceasefire came into effect.” shelling is still unclear.
Selenskyj sees “pure propaganda gesture”
From the start, Ukraine rejected the offer as a “pure propaganda gesture”. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow is pursuing a ceasefire only to halt the Ukrainian advance in Donbass and bring more troops and equipment to the front lines. In his daily video address, speaking clearly in Russian instead of Ukrainian, he stressed that the war will only end “when their soldiers leave or we kick them out”. “What will that bring? Another increase in the death toll. Everyone in the world knows how the Kremlin uses the lulls in the war to continue the war with renewed vigor,” Zelenskyy said (see video above).
US President Joe Biden viewed the ceasefire ordered by Putin as an attempt by Moscow to gain some breathing space. On December 25 and New Year’s Day, Putin was prepared to “bomb hospitals, kindergartens and churches,” Biden said in Washington on Thursday. “I think he’s just trying to get some air,” Biden said.
Expert: “tactically smart move”
Russia expert Wolfgang Mueller spoke in ORF’s “ZiB 2” on Thursday evening about a “tactically smart move” by Putin. On the one hand, the head of the Kremlin shows that he is “the master of action”, on the other hand, “he is putting pressure on Ukraine,” said the professor at the Institute of Eastern European History at the University of Vienna . In addition, it could be an attempt to break the closed front against Russia in Ukraine, but also in the West, according to the expert.
Putin responded to Patriarch Kirill’s call
It is the first time since the beginning of the Russian offensive in Ukraine that Moscow has declared a full ceasefire in the country. Putin thus responded to a call from the 76-year-old Russian patriarch Kirill for such a ceasefire during the Orthodox Christmas that is celebrated in both countries. Kirill is a staunch supporter of Putin and his policies and preaches against Kiev and the West.
In September, Moscow declared annexation of the four Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson. Large parts of the international community do not recognize the annexations. Heavy fighting is currently taking place around these areas in eastern Ukraine and in the south.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
