Russian President Vladimir Putin stood alone at a midnight service at a Kremlin church as he marked Orthodox Christmas darkened by Moscow's assault on Ukraine
Mr Putin attended the service at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, originally designed as a church for the Russian tsars.
He also praised the Orthodox Church, whose influential head Patriarch Kirill has fully backed Mr Putin's offensive in Ukraine. Mikhail Razvozhaev, the Russian-backed governor of the city, made the accusation on the Telegram messaging service, alleging that the incident had occurred in the early hours of 7 January, Orthodox Christmas.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russian ceasefire set to come into effect in Ukraine this morning despite Kyiv dismissalA 36-hour Russian ceasefire ordered by President Vladimir Putin is set to come into effect in Ukraine this morning.
Read more »
Kremlin calls 36-hour ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox ChristmasRussian Orthodox Church a ‘war propagandist’ that had incited ‘mass murder’ of Ukrainians, says Zelenskiy aide
Read more »
Putin orders Ukraine ceasefire for Orthodox ChristmasRussian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine on Orthodox Christmas, celebrated this week by both countries, according to the Kremlin.
Read more »
Ukraine rejects Russian call for Christmas truceThe Kremlin said Putin had ordered a ceasefire from midday on Friday after a call for a Christmas truce from the head of the Russian Orthodox Church
Read more »
Kelsey Parker opens up about first Christmas without Tom | Her.ieKelsey Parker has told her fans about how she found the first Christmas time without her late husband Tom Parker by her side.
Read more »