German Foreign Minister criticizes Moscow's push for a ceasefire

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) has criticized Russia's push for a ceasefire over the Orthodox Christmas celebrations on Friday and Saturday this week.

Berlin - "If Putin wanted peace, he would bring his soldiers home and the war would be over. But apparently he wants to continue the war after a short break," said Baerbock on Thursday. "A so-called ceasefire will bring neither freedom nor security to the people who live in daily fear under Russian occupation," said the minister.

That is why Germany will continue to support the Ukrainians "so that they can live in peace and self-determination again," said Baerbock. Ukraine had previously rejected the ceasefire announced by Moscow. Russia must first leave the occupied territories, only then will there be a "temporary ceasefire," said an adviser to the Ukrainian president on Thursday.

According to media reports, Russia's President Vladimir Putin wants to announce a ceasefire for the period from Friday 12 noon local time to Saturday midnight. Eastern churches traditionally place January 6th at the center of Christmas celebrations, but December 25th is also becoming increasingly popular in Ukraine.

Source: Der Newsticker

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