Putin Orders 36-Hour Ceasefire In Ukraine For Orthodox Christmas

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin today ordered a 36-hour ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox Christmas.

Such a step was taken by Putin after an appeal from the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.

According to reports, Ukraine had earlier dismissed this step as a cynical trap.

Putin ordered the ceasefire would begin at 1200 on January 6, the Kremlin said.

Many Orthodox Christians, including those living in Russia and Ukraine, celebrate Christmas on January 6-7.