Russia Declines Christmas Truce in Ukraine—Again |
Earlier this month, the Kremlin rejected calls for a Christmas truce, even as peace talks continue. It is just the most recent case of one side rejecting even a temporary ceasefire.
“We want peace. We do not want a truce just to give Ukraine a breather and prepare for continuing the war,” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov told Interfax.
Although fighting hasn’t been as intense during the holiday season, the ongoing war hasn’t seen any past truces or ceasefires, and this year isn’t likely to be different.
One factor that may play a small role in the failure of a Christmas truce is that Russia would disagree with Ukraine on the dates. Christmas is typically celebrated on December 25 in the West, but the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates it on January 7, according to the Julian calendar.
Although Ukraine is predominantly Orthodox as well, it changed its