US President Claims Temporary Halt to Bombing in Ukraine; Zelenskyy Remains Hopeful
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine may see a temporary reprieve, at least for the week ahead. President Donald Trump has stated he urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to refrain from launching further attacks during this exceptionally frigid period. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expresses cautious optimism regarding Putin’s commitment.
“I personally asked Putin not to bombard Kyiv and other cities while the temperatures plummet,” Trump recounted. “It’s not just cold; it’s extraordinarily cold. They’ve reported never experiencing conditions like this before.”
According to Trump, Putin has agreed to this request. “He’s on board,” Trump added, reflecting a sense of satisfaction that many had advised him would be futile. “People said I shouldn’t bother making the call, but I did, and I’m pleased with the outcome.”
In tandem with these developments, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are continuing, with discussions set to resume next week.
A Chilling Forecast
Meteorologists in Ukraine predict that temperatures may plummet to as low as -30 degrees Celsius in the coming days. This alarming prediction has prompted urgent action from Ukrainian authorities, who are racing against the clock to restore heating and electricity following repeated assaults on essential energy infrastructure.
The bitter cold compounds an already dire situation for millions, many of whom are facing not only freezing temperatures but also interruptions in heating and water supply. President Zelenskyy warned of an impending humanitarian crisis as he detailed the challenges faced by his people.
As of Thursday, over 613 apartment buildings in Kyiv have reportedly been left without adequate heating due to the relentless Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy’s Response
In light of these circumstances, President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards Trump for facilitating a potential pause in hostilities.
“This is a significant statement from the President regarding the security of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities during this harsh winter,” Zelenskyy conveyed via a message on X. “The restoration of power supply is fundamental to survival. We appreciate the efforts of our partners in protecting lives. Thank you, President Trump! Our teams discussed this matter in the United Arab Emirates, and we expect these agreements to be fulfilled. Steps towards de-escalation are crucial for meaningful progress in ending this conflict.”
The news of a potential halt in attacks emerges as Russia has persistently targeted Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, often with devastating drone strikes. These assaults have compromised the country’s power grid, leaving countless citizens without heat, light, or running water during one of the coldest winters in recent memory.
As of now, Moscow has not publicly confirmed these claims, and Trump has yet to clarify when the cessation of hostilities will take effect.