In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a temporary ceasefire, halting attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week. This agreement comes at a critical time as Ukraine braces for one of its harshest winters since the conflict began.

The relentless Russian strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have left millions struggling without consistent access to electricity, heating, and water, exacerbated by the plummeting temperatures. The country now teeters on the brink of a severe humanitarian crisis.

During a cabinet meeting at the White House, President Trump revealed his personal appeal to President Putin. “Due to the extreme cold, I requested President Putin to refrain from attacks on Kyiv and surrounding areas for a week,” Trump stated. He highlighted the severity of the cold, describing it as record-breaking and similar to a cold snap currently impacting Washington.

Trump noted the unprecedented nature of the cold weather in Ukraine and expressed his relief at Putin’s agreement to his request. “It was very nice of him,” Trump remarked, reflecting on the understanding reached between the two leaders.

On the ground in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his anticipation for the ceasefire to be honored, providing a brief respite for the war-weary nation.

‘Real progress’ to ending the war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday he expected the pause to go ahead.

“Our teams discussed this in the United Arab Emirates. We expect the agreements to be implemented,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.

“De-escalation steps contribute to real progress toward ending the war.”

There was no immediate reaction from the Kremlin, but Trump — whose summit in Alaska with the Russian leader last August ended without a breakthrough — said he trusted Putin to honour the agreement.

“I have to tell you, people said, ‘don’t waste the call. You’re not going to get that.’ And he did it,” said Trump.

“And we’re very happy that they did it, because on top of everything else, that’s not what they need is missiles coming into their towns and cities.”

Drastic dip in temperatures

Ukraine’s state weather agency on Thursday forecast a drastic dip in temperatures to as low as minus 30C in coming days as authorities race to restore services.

Zelenskyy warned in an evening address on Wednesday of fresh Russian attacks on energy facilities.

Trump added that there had been “a lot of progress” in US-brokered talks between Kyiv and Moscow to end Russia’s invasion of its pro-Western neighbour, which will soon enter its fifth year.

Russian attacks killed six people in central and southern Ukraine on Thursday, regional authorities and emergency services said.

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