Unilateral cease-fire is attempt by Russia to buy time: EU foreign policy chief

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Russia is trying to buy time to recover by declaring a unilateral cease-fire in the Ukraine war due to Orthodox Christmas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief said Friday.

Josep Borrell made the remarks in a phone call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

"I spoke to Dmytro Kuleba by phone and informed him of the EU's resolve to continue supporting Ukraine in 2023. Condemned repeated, barbaric attacks by Russia. Cynical, unilaterally announced ceasefire is neither serious nor honest. Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine," he said on Twitter.

"Unless such concrete steps are taken, the unilateral ceasefire appears only to be an effort for Russia to buy time to regroup, regroup its troops or repair its damaged international reputation," he said.

In a written statement, Borrell also conveyed to Kuleba the EU’s determination to continue political, military, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

On Thursday, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church called for a truce in Ukraine for Christmas Day, celebrated by most Orthodox Christians on Jan. 7 and this year falling on Saturday.

In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a cease-fire along the entire line of contact in Ukraine from noon Friday local time until midnight Saturday.