Trump Claims Putin Agreed to Suspend Kyiv Strikes for One Week Amid Severe Cold

US President Donald Trump has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to cease attacks on Kyiv and various Ukrainian cities for a duration of one week as the country endures harsh winter weather and significant strain on its infrastructure.

Russian bombardments targeting Ukraine's power stations have severely disrupted electricity, heating, and water supply for millions, pushing the nation further into a humanitarian crisis during these freezing temperatures.

"Due to the severe cold... I personally urged President Putin not to strike Kyiv and its towns and cities for a week during this period," Trump remarked during a White House cabinet meeting. He referred to the winter as "record- setting cold," drawing a parallel to the chilling weather being experienced in Washington, which is similar to conditions in Ukraine.

"They’ve never faced such extreme cold before," Trump emphasized. "And I personally asked President Putin not to attack Kyiv and the surrounding towns for a week. He agreed to that, which was very commendable."

While the Kremlin has not provided an immediate reaction, Trump expressed his belief that Putin would uphold the arrangement, despite previous diplomatic initiatives that have not led to significant progress, including a summit in Alaska last August.

"People told me not to make the call; they thought it would be futile. Yet he did it," Trump noted. "We’re pleased that he did, as missiles striking their towns and cities is the last thing they need right now."

The Ukrainian state meteorological service has predicted that temperatures may plummet to as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius in the coming days, prompting authorities to expedite the restoration of essential services. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also cautioned about potential new Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, even as emergency repairs are in progress.

Trump added that there has been substantial advancement in the US-mediated discussions between Kyiv and Moscow aimed at resolving Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which is nearing its fifth year.

Despite the reported agreement to pause hostilities, regional officials and emergency services have reported that Russian strikes on Thursday resulted in six fatalities in central and southern Ukraine.