Putin orders a 24-hour cease-fire in Ukraine

Baghdad-INA 

Russian President Vladimir Putin, today, Thursday, ordered his country's forces to cease fire with Ukraine as part of a truce that will last for 24 hours.

The Kremlin said in a statement that "Putin ordered the Minister of Defense to cease fire with Ukraine for one day, starting from midday tomorrow, Friday.".

He added, "Russia calls on Ukraine to declare a ceasefire and allow citizens to attend the rituals on Christmas Eve and Day.".

Russia and Ukraine celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ on January 7, according to the Orthodox calendar.