Former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a temporary cessation of fire on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week, citing severe winter cold, according to reporting by quews.news. Trump informed reporters at the Oval Office that he personally requested the pause from Putin, noting the harsh freezing conditions impacting both sides.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the initiative, specifically thanking Washington for facilitating a halt on strikes targeting energy infrastructure. These strikes had been responsible for leaving hundreds of residential buildings in Kyiv without heating during rapidly dropping temperatures. Zelenskiy noted that de-escalation steps are necessary for tangible progress toward ending the ongoing conflict.
Emergency services in Kyiv were actively working to restore essential services after Russian air assaults last Saturday crippled energy facilities. Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko reported that 454 apartment complexes remained without heat as overnight temperatures dipped to -10 degrees Celsius. The Ukrainian leader stated that implementation of these agreements would be closely monitored in the coming days.
This reported development follows recent diplomatic activity involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, including trilateral contacts in the United Arab Emirates last weekend. Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, reportedly indicated that progress was being made on security guarantees and post-war recovery accords.
However, significant hurdles remain, particularly concerning territorial concessions demanded by Moscow regarding Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov suggested that land issues were not the sole remaining obstacle to a broader settlement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov previously cast doubt on the durability of any security guarantees provided by Washington.
Moscow has not offered immediate public confirmation regarding the alleged week-long truce. Earlier, the Kremlin had extended an invitation for direct talks with Zelenskiy in Moscow, an offer the Ukrainian leader has consistently rejected. Observers note the need for verifiable action to substantiate any diplomatic breakthrough.
