On Friday afternoon at 10:00 CET, a unilateral, day and a half ceasefire of the Russian army, ordered by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in view of the Orthodox Christmas celebrations, will begin. For the first time since the start of the war in late February, a ceasefire would be enacted along the entire front line – if it is actually observed. However, this is extremely doubtful. In Kiev there is talk of “hypocrisy” and “propaganda”, and the federal government and other Western politicians have also reacted cautiously.
After months of hesitation, the German government – like the US – has now decided to supply armored personnel carriers to the attacked Ukraine for the first time. Kiev is grateful, but at the same time hopes for even more help in the fight against Russian aggression.
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Putin justifies ceasefire plan with Orthodox Christmas
Putin’s decree reads: “Taking into account the appeal of Patriarch Kirill, I order the Russian Ministry of Defense from January 6, 12:00 (10:00 CET) to January 7, 24:00 (22:00 CET) along the whole line of armed forces to carry out the conflict in Ukraine.” Earlier, Kirill, the influential leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, called for a ceasefire in Ukraine over Christmas. The Orthodox Churches in Russia and Ukraine traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on January 7 according to the Julian calendar.
Ukraine called announced ceasefire ‘hypocrisy’
The Kiev leadership described the ceasefire as “hypocrisy”. The adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podoliak, wrote on Twitter: “Russia must leave the occupied territories – only then will there be a ‘temporary ceasefire’.” Unlike its Russian adversary, Ukraine does not attack foreign territory or kill civilians. Observers in Kiev assumed the ceasefire could save Ukrainians from rocket and drone attacks during the Christmas season. On the other hand, the situation on the fronts in the east and south of the attacked country is unlikely to change.
EU Council President Charles Michel also accused Russia of hypocritical behaviour. “A withdrawal of Russian troops is the only serious option to restore peace and security,” he wrote on Twitter.
Crew chief: Will answer Ukrainian strikes despite ceasefire
An occupation chief has also said Russian troops will continue to respond to Ukrainian attacks despite Putin’s orders. “The decision concerns the cessation of initiation of fire and offensive actions on our part,” Denis Puschilin, who was deployed by Moscow to the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, wrote in the Telegram news service.
Puschilin added: “This does not mean that we will not respond to the opponent’s provocations! Or even give the enemy a chance to improve their positions on the front line during these holiday hours.”
Germany supplies Marder tanks and Patriot system to Ukraine
Germany and the US are now supplying Ukraine with infantry fighting vehicles for the first time in the fight against the Russian attackers. The federal government also provides Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and US President Joe Biden agreed on this in a telephone conversation, according to a joint statement.
Germany wants to supply the Ukrainian armed forces with several dozen Marder infantry fighting vehicles, which were developed for the Bundeswehr more than 50 years ago. The US is sending Bradley tanks. Both countries will also train Ukrainian forces on the tanks.
Zelenskyj thanks for new military aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Scholz and Biden for the announced arms deliveries. “We’re still getting a Patriot system and high-performance tank technology, that’s a really big win for our state,” Zelenskyj said in his video address on Friday night. At the same time, he stated that he was in constant contact with foreign heads of state and government to receive further military aid.
The Russian ambassador accuses the US of prolonging the war in Ukraine
Moscow’s ambassador to Washington accused the US of not wanting to end the war after announcing it would deliver infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. All recent actions by the US directly show that Washington has no appetite for a political solution in Ukraine, Russian ambassador Anatoly Antonov said in Washington on Thursday, according to the Russian state agency TASS. “There should be no doubt as to who is responsible for the continuation of the recent conflict.” The US government’s decision confirms “that the United States has not heeded repeated calls from the Russian side to consider the possible consequences of such a dangerous course by Washington.” (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
