Amid bone-chilling winter conditions, US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed, at Trump’s personal request, to suspend attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The announcement comes as millions of Ukrainians endure freezing temperatures without electricity or heating due to ongoing Russian strikes.
Trump made the declaration during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, emphasising the severity of the winter conditions in Ukraine. “This is not an ordinary cold snap,” he said. “It is unprecedented. Record-breaking temperatures are gripping Ukraine, and the weather is worsening. I personally requested President Putin to refrain from attacking Kyiv and other towns for one week, and he agreed. This is a very positive development.”
The move follows recent Russian assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which have disrupted electricity, heating, and water supply, pushing the war-torn country into a renewed humanitarian crisis. Despite the announcement, the Kremlin has not immediately confirmed any ceasefire or pause in hostilities.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Trump, stating that he trusts Washington to help ensure the temporary halt in attacks is maintained.
Trump also recounted prior scepticism about his ability to influence Putin, noting that advisers had warned him against trying. “People said, ‘Don’t waste your time calling him; he won’t agree,’” Trump said. “But he agreed, and we are very pleased. Given the current conditions, renewed missile strikes on cities would be unacceptable.”
The timing and exact start of the proposed ceasefire remain unclear. Last year, Trump met Putin in Alaska without achieving major breakthroughs, yet he expressed confidence that the Russian leader would honour this latest agreement.
The situation in Ukraine remains dire, with millions facing extreme cold, power shortages, and disrupted water supply. Humanitarian organisations have warned that continued strikes could exacerbate the suffering, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Key Details of the Proposed Ceasefire
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Requesting Party | US President Donald Trump |
| Agreed By | Russian President Vladimir Putin |
| Duration | One week (as per Trump’s statement) |
| Cities Covered | Kyiv and other urban centres |
| Humanitarian Context | Severe winter; electricity, heating, and water disruptions |
| Ukrainian Response | President Zelensky expressed gratitude and trust in Washington |
Analysts caution that while the proposed pause may offer temporary relief, the lack of official confirmation from Moscow raises questions about its implementation. Nevertheless, if observed, the ceasefire could provide critical respite for civilians enduring one of the harshest winters in recent Ukrainian history.