Trump Says Putin Will Not Attack Ukrainian Cities During Cold Week
US President’s Assertion on Ukraine’s Safety
In a surprising announcement, US President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to refrain from attacking Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv, for a week due to an extreme cold spell. While this agreement remains unconfirmed by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the news with optimism.
Key Details:
– Timing of the Pause: Trump did not specify when this pause would begin. However, air raid sirens were activated overnight in four Ukrainian regions close to the frontline.
– Chilling Temperatures: Kyiv is bracing for a significant drop in temperature, expected to fall to -24°C (-11°F) in the coming days.
– Escalation of Attacks: In recent weeks, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a trend that has been observed during cold snaps since the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Current Situation on the Ground
– Ukraine’s air force reported that overnight, 80 Russian drones and a ballistic missile targeted the four regions where air raid alerts were active.
– During a televised cabinet meeting, Trump remarked, I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and the various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that.
– He noted the disbelief among Ukrainians: Almost they didn’t believe it, but they were very happy about it because they are struggling badly.
Reaction from Ukrainian Leadership
In a social media post, Zelensky described Trump’s statement as important concerning the possibility of providing security for Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities during this extreme winter period.
– UAE Discussions: Zelensky mentioned that discussions occurring in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involved teams from Ukraine concerning these potential agreements.
– Mirroring Actions: Reports suggest that Ukraine may halt its own attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to this development.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the hopeful news, there are concerns regarding the continued instability in the region. Last week, representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the US met in the UAE for trilateral talks, which all parties deemed constructive. Yet, no confirmation of a pause in Russian attacks has been made, as assaults have persisted, crippling essential power supplies in major Ukrainian cities. Millions remain without reliable heating or electricity.
– Repair Efforts: Electrical companies are working tirelessly on repairs but find their efforts quickly undone by ongoing air strikes. Even after power restoration, supplies last only a few hours—insufficient for substantial warmth in homes.
Amid these challenges, Ukraine remains resilient, continuing its battle to maintain essential services during a brutal winter. As the humanitarian crisis evolves, the situation in Ukraine, especially concerning energy infrastructure, remains critical.