
Russia’s forces have started a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine after it was unlilaterally ordered by Vladimir Putin to mark Orthodox Christmas – with Kyiv dismissing it as a ploy.
Air raid warnings sounded in several regions across Ukraine, including around the capital Kyiv, but no major air strikes were reported by Ukrainian officials after the ceasefire start time at Moscow-time (9am UK time). The pause is set to last for 36 hours.