Trump Announces Putin's Agreement to Pause Attacks on Kyiv During Extreme Cold Snap
In a significant development amid the ongoing conflict, US President Donald Trump has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to temporarily suspend military strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. This pause, set to last for one week, comes as Ukraine grapples with extreme winter conditions that have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn nation.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Freezing Temperatures Strain Infrastructure
Russian attacks on Ukraine's power facilities have severely disrupted electricity, heating, and water supplies for millions of residents. With temperatures forecast to plummet to as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius in the coming days, the situation is pushing the country toward a deepening emergency. Ukrainian authorities are scrambling to restore basic services, even as President Volodymyr Zelensky warns of potential fresh assaults on energy infrastructure.
Trump's Personal Appeal Leads to Temporary Ceasefire Agreement
During a cabinet meeting at the White House, President Trump described making a direct request to Putin, citing the "record-setting cold" weather. He compared the severe conditions in Ukraine to a current cold snap in Washington, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the freeze. "They've never experienced cold like that," Trump stated, adding that he personally asked Putin not to fire on Kyiv and surrounding towns for a week, to which the Russian leader agreed.
Trump expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that many had doubted the possibility of such an agreement. "I have to tell you, people said, 'don't waste the call. You're not going to get that.' And he did it," he remarked. The US president highlighted the importance of this pause, stating that amidst the cold, the last thing Ukrainians need is missiles targeting their urban areas.
Kremlin Response and Ongoing Conflict Dynamics
As of the announcement, there has been no immediate response from the Kremlin regarding the alleged agreement. However, Trump expressed trust in Putin to honor the temporary ceasefire, despite past diplomatic efforts, including a summit in Alaska last August, failing to yield a breakthrough in the nearly five-year-long invasion.
Trump also indicated that there has been "a lot of progress" in US-brokered talks between Kyiv and Moscow aimed at ending the conflict. This comes as the war approaches its fifth year, with no permanent resolution in sight.
Contradictions and Continued Violence Despite Reported Pause
Despite the reported agreement for a one-week pause, regional authorities and emergency services in Ukraine reported that Russian attacks on Thursday resulted in the deaths of six people in central and southern parts of the country. This highlights the ongoing volatility and challenges in achieving a sustained ceasefire, even as temporary measures are discussed.
The situation remains fluid, with Ukrainian weather agencies forecasting continued extreme cold, further straining the nation's already damaged infrastructure and humanitarian response capabilities.
