Former United States President Donald Trump made a significant announcement on Thursday, revealing that Russian President Vladimir Putin has consented to a temporary halt in targeting Kyiv and other Ukrainian urban centers. This pause is scheduled to last for one week, coinciding with an anticipated period of extreme cold weather across the region.
Direct Appeal During Severe Winter Conditions
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump disclosed that he personally made the request to Putin, motivated by the harsh winter conditions currently affecting Ukraine. "I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this … extraordinary cold," Trump stated, confirming that Putin has "agreed to that."
Context of Russia's Infrastructure Attacks
This development comes against a backdrop where Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's power and heating infrastructure throughout the ongoing conflict. Such attacks have frequently left civilians without essential electricity and heating during winter months, a strategy that Ukrainian officials have criticized as "weaponising winter."
Trump expressed satisfaction with Putin's response, noting, "A lot of people said, 'Don't waste the call. You're not going to get that.' And he did it. And we're very happy that they did it."
Impending Extreme Weather in Ukraine
According to emergency services, Ukraine is bracing for extremely low temperatures starting Friday, with forecasts predicting drops to as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius in some areas. This severe cold amplifies the humanitarian concerns associated with infrastructure damage.
Ongoing Conflict Despite Announcement
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Russian attacks continue in other regions. Ukrainian officials confirmed that a drone strike overnight killed three people in the Zaporizhzhia region, while two others were injured in the Dnipropetrovsk region. These incidents highlight the persistent volatility of the conflict, even as temporary measures are discussed.
The announcement by Trump underscores the complex diplomatic and humanitarian dimensions of the Ukraine war, particularly as environmental factors like extreme weather intersect with military strategies. Observers are closely monitoring whether this reported agreement will translate into tangible relief for affected Ukrainian populations during the critical winter period.
