For now, links to reports from National Public Radio, the Associated Press, Reuters, and Tass; other reports are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. And, for at least several more hours, a photo from Agence France-Presse taken in Cyprus. Then, from AP, links to two articles on fresh Western weaponry on its way to Ukraine. — MCM

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Russian President Putin orders a temporary cease-fire in Ukraine. Reported by A Martínez and Tim Mak | NPR  Putin instructed his defense minister to order a temporary cease-fire in Ukraine over Orthodox Christmas. Ukraine accuses Russia of trying to buy time to replenish its stocks along the front lines. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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Kremlin-ordered truce is uncertain amid mutual mistrust, by Andrew Meldrum | AP  KYIV — An uneasy calm in Kyiv toiday was broken by air raid sirens that also blared out across the rest of Ukraine despite a Russian cease-fire declaration for the Orthodox Church Christmas that Ukrainian officials scorned. With no degree of certainty whether the truce was holding or not, hours after it was due to have started, residents of Kyiv ventured out . . . READ MORE . . .

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Signs of fighting after Russia says unilateral truce comes into force in Ukraine, by Olena Harmash and Herbert Villarraga | Reuters * Russia shells Ukraine’s Kramatorsk, mayor says * Ukraine: Putin order for Orthodox Christmas truce is a trick * Russia-backed officials say Ukraine shelled Donetsk | KYIV/KRAMATORSK, Ukraine — A unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin was due to come into force on Friday but the hours leading up to the temporary truce saw renewed fighting, with Kyiv rejecting the move as a trick. Russia’s defence ministry said its troops . . . READ MORE . . .

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Medvedev says Kiev’s refusal to cease fire on Christmas Day is ‘less trouble’ for Moscow. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev believes that Kiev has rejected ‘the hand of Christian mercy’ by refusing Moscow’s proposed Christmas truce. However, according to him, this situation will pose ‘less trouble and slyness’ to the Russian armed forces. “A hand . . . READ MORE . . .

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Photo: Greek Orthodox worshippers attend a religious Epiphany Day ceremony in Zygi, Cyprus. Photograph by Iakovos Hatzistavrou | AFP 

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Germany to supply around 40 armored carriers to Ukraine. From AP. Click HERE for it.

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Ukraine to get French combat vehicles in key move by West, by Sylvie Corbet | AP  Click HERE for it.

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MAY BE CONTINUED