Moscow/Kyiv: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 36-hour ceasefire on Friday. During this period, Russia avoided major attacks on Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian Army launched major attacks on Russia without abiding by the ceasefire. Russia thereby started to respond to these attacks and began carrying out large and intense attacks after the ceasefire ended. Ukrainian agencies reported that Russia launched missile attacks in Kramatorsk and Kharkiv areas. Meanwhile, the US has announced a new $3.5 billion arms deal for Ukraine, which is said to include new anti-aircraft missiles.    

Christmas is celebrated on January 7 by Orthodox Christians living in Russia and Eastern Ukraine. Therefore, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 36-hour ceasefire on Friday, January 6. President Putin announced that the ceasefire would be effective from noon on Friday, January 6, to midnight on Saturday, Russian Standard Time. However, Ukraine and Western countries criticized it and indicated that they would not follow the ceasefire.  

Therefore, even during the ceasefire, the Ukrainian Army carried out large-scale attacks in many areas, including eastern Ukraine. Ukraine targeted power stations in Russian-controlled Donetsk and also attempted a drone strike in Crimea. However, Russia foiled it. Russia has also reported attacks in Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Even though Russia responded to these attacks during the ceasefire, it refrained from launching major attacks.  

After the ceasefire ended on Saturday night, Russia launched a series of massive strikes. Seven missiles were fired in the Kramatorsk area. Missile and rocket attacks were also carried out in Kharkiv. Besides, Bakhmut has been heavily attacked with artillery guns and rockets, and most of the city is claimed to have come under Russian control. In the wake of these attacks, a reaction has emerged from the US over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.  

‘Russia will continue its campaign in Ukraine for at least the next two months. During this period, Russia will not give up its territory, nor will it likely retreat in any way. Russia’s strategic plan is unknown, but aggressive attacks by them in many parts of Ukraine are ongoing and will continue,’ warned John Kirby, US National Security Council Coordinator.  

Meanwhile, the US has announced new arms supply worth three and a half billion dollars to Ukraine . It is said to include RIM 7 Sea Sparrow anti-aircraft missiles. These missiles have been planned to be used with the Buk Missile Launchers that Ukraine currently has. 

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