Trump Claims Putin Agreed to Kyiv Strike Pause Amidst Intensifying Winter Conflict
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A potential, albeit unconfirmed, pause in Russian strikes on Kyiv has emerged following a direct appeal from former US President Donald Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding a complex layer to ongoing peace negotiations and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The claim, made by Trump on Thursday, alleges that Putin agreed to halt shelling of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for a week due to the extreme cold currently gripping the region. This announcement preceded reports circulating in pro-war Telegram channels of a potential moratorium on attacks targeting Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and critical infrastructure throughout Ukraine. While the Kremlin initially offered no confirmation, the development coincides with trilateral negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States aimed at de-escalating the conflict.
Unconfirmed Moratorium Sparks Confusion and Skepticism
Initial reports of the potential strike pause surfaced in the morning of January 29th, originating with Russian pro-war bloggers. Vladimir Romanov, a prominent figure in this sphere, published a screenshot indicating a “ban on fire” would be implemented from 7:00 AM local time, encompassing all targets in Kyiv and the surrounding region, as well as infrastructure nationwide. Subsequent messages suggested an order had been issued to the Russian military to refrain from destroying facilities, particularly energy infrastructure, until February 3rd, 2026.
Despite the widespread circulation of these reports, the Kremlin remained circumspect. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated, “No, I can’t comment on this yet,” offering no official acknowledgement of the alleged agreement. This lack of confirmation fueled skepticism, particularly given Russia’s recent escalation of attacks on Ukrainian energy systems.
Zelenskyy Expresses Gratitude, Ukrainian Officials Remain Cautious
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly thanked Trump for what he described as an “important statement” regarding the potential security of Kyiv and other cities during the harsh winter. He emphasized the critical importance of electricity supply for sustaining life and expressed appreciation for efforts to protect civilians.
However, according to reporting by the Financial Times, Ukrainian officials learned of the potential moratorium solely through Trump’s statements and had received no direct communication from Russia. Christopher Miller of the Financial Times reported that these officials expressed uncertainty about whether a genuine truce had been reached.
Ceasefire Discussions and the Energy Infrastructure Leverage
The reported development comes as the United States and Ukraine have reportedly discussed a limited ceasefire proposal. This proposal would involve Russia halting attacks on energy infrastructure in exchange for Ukraine ceasing attacks on Russian oil refineries and the so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers used to circumvent sanctions.
However, a source familiar with the negotiations cautioned that discussions were “not at an advanced stage.” The source suggested Putin was unlikely to agree to a moratorium, viewing pressure on Ukrainian energy infrastructure as a key strategic advantage. Indeed, Ukraine’s own successful drone strikes against Russian oil and gas facilities, and even oil tankers in the Black Sea, demonstrate a willingness to target Russia’s energy sector.
Escalating Attacks and a Humanitarian Crisis in Kyiv
Russia has significantly intensified its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure since the beginning of the year, coinciding with a severe cold snap. These strikes have resulted in widespread power outages, leaving thousands of residential buildings without heating and water. Three major missile and drone attacks targeting Kyiv occurred on January 9th, 20th, and 24th, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
With temperatures expected to plummet to -25 degrees Celsius in the coming days, the risk of further suffering is acute. Zelenskyy warned on Wednesday that intelligence suggests Russia may be preparing another large-scale attack. As of Thursday evening, January 29th, 454 residential buildings in Kyiv remained without heat, according to the BBC Ukrainian Service.
Peace Talks Progress and Shifting Dynamics
The first round of trilateral negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States took place in Abu Dhabi on January 24th, coinciding with the latest Russian strikes on Kyiv. A second round is scheduled for February 1st.
However, the composition of the US delegation has shifted. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Trump representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would not participate in the upcoming meeting. Rubio also highlighted the unresolved issue of territorial concessions in the Donbass region as a key sticking point in the negotiations.
While Putin’s assistant, Yuri Ushakov, downplayed the significance of Rubio’s statement, he acknowledged that the territorial issue remains paramount, alongside other outstanding concerns. Despite these challenges, the American side maintains that “significant progress” and “many positive things” have been achieved in the peace talks. Witkoff, speaking at a White House meeting, claimed that substantial progress had been made on agreements regarding security guarantees and post-war reconstruction, expressing optimism that a peace agreement could be reached soon.
