Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call for a 36-hour cease-fire in his war in Ukraine on January 7 — Christmas in the Russian Orthodox tradition — is a cynical ploy to allow his battered forces time to rest, rearm and regroup for continued fighting, Biden administration officials said Thursday.
In a White House briefing on U.S. border security, President Joe Biden said he is “reluctant” to respond to anything Mr. Putin says, but called the proposal “interesting.”
“He was ready to bomb hospitals and nurseries and churches on [December 25] and New Year’s,” Mr. Biden told reporters. “I think he’s trying to find some oxygen.