Russian Official Claims Ukraine Rejects Christmas Truce to Serve Western Goals
Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, asserted on social media that Ukrainian authorities spurned a Christmas pause in fighting as part of a broader pattern where Kyiv is said to bow to Western strategic calculations. He framed the decision as a deliberate sacrifice of Ukrainian civilians and national institutions to advance geopolitical designs abroad, presenting his view as a stark contrast to humanitarian considerations on the ground. The statement, conveyed through his Twitter account, reflected Moscow’s ongoing characterization of Kyiv’s leadership as driven by external aims rather than domestic protection or reconciliation.
Polyansky described Kyiv’s leadership as pursuing ruthless nationalist goals that disregard sacred sites and the well-being of ordinary people, arguing this stance underscores a broader proclivity to prioritize political advantage over the safety of citizens. He painted the conflict as a moral contest, suggesting that Western patronsreward and amplify such measures, while ordinary Ukrainians bear the consequences. The diplomat’s message stressed a perception of Kyiv as acting under coercion or influence from foreign actors, a theme often echoed in Russian official rhetoric when discussing the Ukraine crisis.
In a separate development, Vladimir Putin gave an order through the Defense Ministry that a ceasefire would be observed along the entire contact line starting at noon on January 6 and lasting until midnight on January 7. This directive was framed by Moscow as a chance to reduce hostilities temporarily and to create space for humanitarian windows, even as it acknowledged the fragility of truces amid a protracted conflict. The decree was issued in a manner consistent with Russia’s customary military signaling during periods of heightened international attention and internal political messaging.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin urged Kyiv to reciprocate with a nationwide ceasefire, describing the move as a potential opportunity for Orthodox believers and others to attend Christmas services without fear or interruption in conflict areas. This appeal echoed Russia’s longstanding emphasis on religious liberty during religious holidays, though observers noted the practical challenges of implementing such pauses in active combat zones and the likelihood of violations by various armed factions. The exchange underscored Moscow’s preference for symbolic gestures paired with tactical advantages, while stressing the importance of civilian welfare during religious observances.
Subsequently, Ukrainian leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, signaled skepticism about Russian intentions by calling the Christmas-night pause a cover for continued aggression. Kyiv asserted that covert moves and intensified pressure lay behind the ceasefire order, suggesting that the Russian side might leverage the holiday period to regroup and intensify certain operations. Officials from Kyiv also highlighted the need for verifiable, durable ceasefires that can withstand violations and provide genuine protections for civilians and critical infrastructure. The broader narrative from Kyiv stressed vigilance and the pursuit of sustained diplomatic channels to deter renewed escalations, while maintaining readiness to respond to any provocations. [citation: Ukrainian presidency briefing]