Russia says it will honor self-declared ceasefire in Ukraine until midnight

Russia’s defense ministry said on Saturday its forces in Ukraine would maintain a ceasefire it unilaterally declared in honor of Orthodox Christmas until midnight, despite Ukraine rejecting the truce offer.

In its daily briefing, the defense ministry said its troops had only returned artillery fire when fired upon by Ukrainian forces, whom it accused of shelling civilian areas - something Kyiv often accuses Russian forces of.

For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Ukraine rejected Moscow’s ceasefire offer as a cynical trick designed to give Russian forces the chance to rest and re-arm and said it would continue to try to recapture territory seized by Moscow.

Read more:

Head of Ukraine’s church conducts Christmas service at historic monastery

Russia-installed official says drone shot down over Crimea’s Sevastopol

UAE sends second shipment of household generators to Ukraine