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Russia’s spiritual leader Patriarch Kirill on Thursday called for a ceasefire in Ukraine on Orthodox Christmas, celebrated this week by both countries. The call came as NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned that it would be dangerous to underestimate Russia and President Vladimir Putin’s war ambitions in Ukraine. Follow our live blog for all the latest developments. All times are Paris time (GMT+1).
10:12am: NATO chief warns against underestimating Russia
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has warned that it would be dangerous to underestimate Russia and President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions amid the war in Ukraine.
“They have shown a great willingness to tolerate losses and suffering,” Stoltenberg told a business conference in Norway.
“We have no indication that President Putin has changed his plans and goals in Ukraine. So it’s dangerous to underestimate Russia.”
9:57am: Patriarch Kirill calls for Orthodox Christmas ceasefire
Patriarch Kirill, the head of Patriarch Kirill, the head of Russia’s Orthodox Church, has called for a ceasefire in Ukraine on Orthodox Christmas, celebrated this week by both countries.
“I, Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and of all Rus, appeal to all parties involved in the internecine conflict with a call to cease fire and establish a Christmas truce from 12:00 on January 6 to 00:00 on January 7 so that Orthodox people can attend services on Christmas Eve and on the day of the Nativity of Christ,” he said on the church’s official website.
A key pillar of President Putin’s ruling apparatus, the 75-year-old Kirill has championed conservative religious values and has supported the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)
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