Medvedev commented that most of the soldiers participating in the special military operation are relieved to hear that Ukraine has refused to cease fire on Christmas, since that implies less problems and trickery, the Sputnik news agency reported on Friday.

“The hand of Christian mercy has been extended to Ukranians on the Great Holiday, but their leaders rejected it”, the official stated.

By order of President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Defense Ministry instructed the troops to cease fire along the front line during 36 hours, starting on January 6th at 12:00 Moscow time (GMT+3) .

Russia called on the Ukrainian side to cease fire to allow believers to visit churches on Christmas Eve and on the day of the Nativity of Christ, celebrated by Orthodox Christians on January 6th and 7th.

The highest leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, previously urged the parties of the conflict to cease hostilities on these days.

The President of Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky and other officials of his government refused to join the truce, alleging that Russia seeks to take advantage of Christmas to stop the “advance” of Ukrainian troops in Donbass.

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