This blog is now closed, thanks for joining us. These were the updates on the Russia-Ukraine war on Friday, January 6.
- United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced about $3.75bn in military assistance to Ukraine and countries affected by the Russian invasion.
- A 36-hour Russian ceasefire ordered by President Vladimir Putin for Orthodox Christmas has begun.
- Ukraine has rejected the move, saying Russia wants to use Christmas as a cover, a sentiment echoed by Washington.
- Moments after it began, Moscow said Ukraine was continuing to shell military positions despite Russian troops observing the ceasefire.
- But Ukrainian officials have said attacks from the Russian side were continuing.
- Fighting between both sides was also reported in the hours leading up to the Russian-ordered ceasefire.