Putin Orders Temporary Ceasefire to Observe Orthodox Christmas

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a 36-hour ceasefire for Russian troops in observation of Orthodox Christmas after Patriarch Kirill of Moscow called on both sides to lay down their weapons for the holiday.

The Details: Putin asked Ukrainian forces to abide by the ceasefire as well, to allow citizens professing Orthodoxy in the war zone to safely attend holiday ceremonies. The Zelenskyy administration rejected the truce, describing the proposal as "hypocrisy" and the Patriarch’s pleas as "propaganda" and a "trap." Ukraine also said there will be no ceasefire until Russian forces leave occupied territories. Meanwhile, Putin reportedly told Turkey's president that Russia will not entertain peace talks until Ukraine recognizes the loss of territories claimed by Russia. Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov also recently said that the Kremlin is in "no hurry" to compromise with Ukraine.

For Context: The call for a ceasefire comes after Ukraine killed dozens of Russian troops in a New Year's Eve strike, and as each side's conditions for potential peace talks begin to emerge.

How the Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum covered the ceasefire similarly, highlighting Ukraine's response and context about recent developments in the conflict.