Russia’s 36-hour cease-fire began at noon Moscow time, ordered by President Vladimir Putin for Russian Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the cease-fire, calling it a move designed to allow Russian soldiers time to rest and get reinforcements while preventing Ukrainian advances.
Multiple news outlets report that shelling is still continuing from Russian-occupied areas.
The think tank Institute for the Study of War said Putin’s move is likely an information operation to make Ukraine look aggressive and unwilling to negotiate.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is receiving more military aid from its U.S. and European allies, including artillery shells, light tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles.