Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a 36-hour cease-fire for soldiers fighting in Ukraine from noon on the 6th.
The ceasefire order comes in response to calls from Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, for a ceasefire and to celebrate the Christmas holiday.
The Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7, 13 days later than Protestant and Catholic Christmas.
“Putin, taking into account the appeal of Patriarch Kirill, has instructed the Minister of Defense to introduce a cease-fire for Russian forces in Ukraine within a set period,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
Ukraine reacted hypocritically to Russia's message of a temporary ceasefire in the form of an order for its forces.
"Stop being hypocritical," tweeted Ukrainian presidential aide Mikhailo Podolyak after the Kremlin's announcement.
"There is such a thing as a 'temporary truce' only if Russia leaves the occupied territories of Ukraine," he said.