US, Germany react to Russia's claims of Christmas ceasefire

White House Correspondent Kethevane Gorjestani quoted US President Joe Biden. Biden said he doesn't want to react to what Putin says.

“I found it interesting. He was ready to bomb hospitals and nurseries and churches. I mean, I think he's trying to find some oxygen,” he said. 

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed a similar opinion on Twitter.

She noted that if Putin really wanted peace, he would withdraw his troops from the territory of Ukraine. However, in her opinion, he wants to continue the war after a short break.

"If Putin wanted peace, he would take his soldiers home and the war would be over.  But apparently he wants to continue the war after a short break,” Baerbock tweeted. 

The minister noted that the so-called ceasefire will not bring freedom or security to the people who live in daily fear under the Russian occupation. She emphasized that Germany will continue to support Ukrainians to live in peace and self-determination.

President of the European Council Charles Michel also reacted to the Kremlin leader’s statement.

He noted that there was an aggressor and a victim; Russia and Ukraine respectively. According to him, the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine is the only serious option to restore peace and security.

"Announcement of unilateral ceasefire is as bogus & hypocritical as the illegal & grotesque annexations and accompanying referenda," Michel wrote.

• In September 2022, Russian Patriarch Kirill called on the mobilized in Russia to go to war against Ukraine and not be afraid to die. "Christ is risen, and you will rise," he said.
• Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin ordered Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to cease fire on the front line in Ukraine on Orthodox  Christmas, January 6-7. Advisor to the Head of the Office of Ukraine’s President Mykhailo Podolyak and NSDC Secretary Oleksiш Danilov reacted to these statements.