Luhansk’s governor, Serhiy Haidai, said Russian troops opened fire 14 times in the Ukrainian region during the first three hours of a unilateral ceasefire announced by Vladimir Putin to mark Orthodox Christmas.

Russian forces also tried to storm one of the liberated villages in Luhansk oblast during the “Chstrimas truce”, Haidai wrote on Telegram.

"Briefly on the three hours of Putin’s ‘Christmas truce’ in Luhansk region. From 12:00 to 15:00. The Ruscists fired artillery 14 times and stormed one of our settlements three times. People in de-occupied villages shelter in basements all day. Orthodox murderers greet you on Christmas." Haidai said.

It has not been possible to independently verify his claims.