Trump Claims Putin Will Pause Attacks on Ukraine Amid Cold Weather

Fri Jan 30 2026 05:23:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former US President Donald Trump asserts that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to pause attacks on Ukrainian cities for a week due to extreme cold conditions, a claim that has not been officially confirmed by Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses hope for adherence to Trump's announcement.

In a recent statement, Donald Trump acknowledged a supposed agreement from Vladimir Putin to halt assaults on Ukraine's cities during a week of severe winter weather. While Zelensky welcomed the news, the authenticity of the agreement remains unclear, with Russia not confirming the claim. The situation raises concerns given the ongoing energy infrastructure attacks by Russian forces amid frigid conditions in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump has stated that he requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to refraining from attacking Ukrainian cities, such as Kyiv, for a week due to extraordinary cold weather conditions. While Trump claims that Putin agreed to this suggestion, there has been no official confirmation from the Russian government.

President Zelensky of Ukraine voiced his optimism following Trump's announcement and indicated he anticipated Russia's compliance with this temporary ceasefire. Trump did not specify when this pause would commence, though forecasts predict severe drops in temperature in Kyiv, potentially reaching -24°C (-11°F).

Historically, Russia has intensified its offensive targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure during extreme cold weather, making the continuation of such attacks during this period a pressing concern. Trump highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting the impact of war on Ukrainian civilians during harsh winter months while expressing that many did not believe the promise would be upheld.

Zelensky later characterized Trump's comments as significant, shedding light on potential security assurances for Kyiv and other urban areas during winter. Furthermore, it seems both nations may have reached a mutual understanding to halt their respective attacks on critical infrastructures, as Ukrainian forces reportedly agreed to pause their own operations against Russian oil refineries.

Discussions amongst Russian, Ukrainian, and US officials were held in the UAE, marking the first trilateral meeting since the conflict began; however, the meeting yielded no definitive agreement about a pause that would cover the entire cold period currently affecting the region.

In recent days, Russian forces have carried out continued attacks, significantly affecting power supply to major Ukrainian cities. Repair efforts by electrical companies are challenged by ongoing assaults, leading to a situation where power restoration is temporary and insufficient to adequately heat homes in the face of severe weather.