Former US President Donald Trump has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for a week, citing unusually harsh winter conditions across the region.
According to Trump, the understanding was reached after a direct request he made to Putin, asking Russia to avoid strikes during what he described as an “extraordinary cold” period. However, Moscow has not publicly confirmed that any formal pause is in place.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky responded cautiously but welcomed the possibility, saying such a move could help protect civilians as temperatures in Kyiv are expected to drop sharply, with forecasts reaching as low as −24°C in the coming days.
Mixed Signals on the Ground
Despite Trump’s claim, air raid alerts were reported overnight in several Ukrainian regions close to the front lines. Ukraine’s air force later said dozens of Russian drones and at least one ballistic missile had targeted those areas, underlining the uncertainty surrounding any ceasefire arrangement.
In recent weeks, Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure — a pattern seen during previous winters since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. These strikes have repeatedly left major cities without electricity and heating, worsening conditions for millions during freezing weather.
Diplomatic Efforts Behind the Scenes
Trump told a televised cabinet meeting in Washington that many had doubted Putin would agree to such a request, but claimed the Russian leader accepted it. He added that Ukrainians were relieved by the news, given the intense pressure caused by the cold and ongoing conflict.
Zelensky later said discussions involving Ukrainian and US teams had taken place in the United Arab Emirates, expressing hope that any commitments made would be honoured. Reports also suggest Ukraine may be prepared to mirror Russia’s actions by temporarily pausing strikes on Russian oil facilities, if Moscow follows through.
Last week, representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States held rare trilateral talks in the UAE — the first of their kind since the war began. While all sides described the discussions as constructive, no official announcement has been made confirming a nationwide pause in hostilities.
Why This Matters
If respected, even a short halt in attacks could provide critical relief for civilians facing extreme winter conditions. However, the lack of confirmation from Russia and continued strikes near the front lines highlight how fragile any informal agreement remains. For many Ukrainians, survival during winter now depends not just on diplomacy, but on whether words translate into real restraint on the battlefield.