Russia-Ukraine updates: Putin suspends key US-Russia nuclear treaty

President Vladimir Putin said he'd sought an "open dialogue" with the West.

ByMorgan Winsor, Emily Shapiro, Meredith Deliso, Nadine El-Bawab, Bill Hutchinson, Ivan Pereira, Patricio Chile, Kevin Shalvey, Julia Jacobo, Teddy Grant, Jon Haworth, and Mary Kekatos
Last Updated: February 24, 2023, 5:53 AM EST

Almost a year after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine, the two countries are engaged in a struggle for control of areas throughout the east and south.

Putin's forces pulled out of key positions in November, retreating from Kherson as Ukrainian troops led a counteroffensive targeting the southern port city. Russian drones have continued bombarding civilian targets throughout Ukraine, knocking out critical power infrastructure as winter sets in.

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Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Jan 05, 2023, 2:22 PM EST

Biden expresses skepticism of Putin Orthodox Chirstmas cease-fire proposal

President Joe Biden said Thursday that he is skeptical of Russian President Valdimir Putin's proposal for a cease-fire during the Orthodox Christmas holiday, suggesting it was a ploy to find some breathing room in the war with Ukraine.

"I'm reluctant to respond to anything Putin says," Biden said.

Biden made the comments in response to a reporter's question following unrelated remarks at the White House about the U.S.-Mexico border.

"I found it interesting. He was ready to bomb hospitals and nurseries and churches," said Biden, referring to Russian missile strikes on Ukraine on Dec. 25 and over the New Year's Day holiday. "I think he's trying to find some oxygen."

-ABC News' Ben Gittleson

Jan 05, 2023, 10:57 AM EST

Putin calls for Orthodox Christmas truce

Russian President Valdimir Putin has called for a temporary cease-fire in the war with Ukraine to observe Orthodox Christmas, according to the Kremlin.

Putin proposed a cease-fire beginning at noon on Friday and ending at midnight Saturday, according to the Kremlin. Orthodox Christmas Day is on Saturday.

Putin instructed his minister of defense, Sergei Shoigu, to introduce the ceasefire along the entire line of contact between the warring countries in Ukraine during the holiday.

The Kremlin said the truce is being called for with "Christian love, true faith and crystal truthfulness."

There was no immediate response from Ukraine on whether its forces would abide by the truce.

Jan 05, 2023, 4:31 AM EST

Moscow religious leader calls for Christmas truce

On the eve of the Orthodox Christmas, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia called for the establishment of a Christmas truce in the zone of military activities.

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill arrives to attend an expanded meeting of the Russian Defence Ministry Board at the National Defence Control Centre in Moscow, on Dec. 21, 2022.
Sergey Fadeichev/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images

"I, Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, appeal to all parties involved in the internecine conflict to cease fire and establish a Christmas truce from 12.00 on January 6 to 24.00 on January 7, so that Orthodox people can attend services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day," the patriarch said in a statement, published on Thursday on the website of the Russian Orthodox Church.

-ABC News' Tanya Stukalova

Jan 04, 2023, 5:29 PM EST

Biden confirms that US considering sending Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine

President Joe Biden told reporters Wednesday the U.S. is considering giving Ukrainian troops Bradley Fighting Vehicles, confirming earlier reports that such a deal was in the works.

A Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle is the U.S. Army’s main armored fighting vehicle for transporting troops into combat.

It is a light armored vehicle equipped with a 25mm gun that can push through enemy lines and can take on tanks.

Ukrainian officials have been asking for the vehicle to bolster their forces.

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

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