Donald Trump revealed that he personally urged Vladimir Putin to halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian areas for a week due to the severe cold weather conditions. During a recent Cabinet Meeting, Trump emphasized the extreme cold temperatures affecting both countries and expressed his direct request to Putin to refrain from firing on Kyiv and surrounding towns for the specified period.
Trump acknowledged skepticism from his aides about the effectiveness of his appeal to Putin but emphasized that the Russian President agreed to the temporary ceasefire, which Trump described as a positive development in light of the harsh weather conditions. The US President highlighted the importance of preventing missile strikes on Ukrainian territories, particularly amid the challenging weather circumstances.
Notably, Trump mentioned the plummeting temperatures in Kyiv, with forecasts predicting lows of -20 degrees in the coming week. He also referenced the freezing conditions in Minnesota, where his administration’s ICE enforcement activities are ongoing, with temperatures dropping to -24 degrees in the previous week.
The specific timing of Trump’s call to Putin and the duration of the agreed-upon ceasefire remain unclear. Meanwhile, the Kremlin declined to comment on discussions regarding a potential mutual cessation of strikes on energy facilities between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump’s announcement coincided with reports of a photograph featuring him and Putin displayed in the White House, suggesting a symbolic gesture amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. Kyiv continues to face significant challenges related to power shortages during the winter season, exacerbated by the conflict with Russia.
Throughout the conflict, Russia has implemented tactics such as disrupting access to essential services like heating and water supply in Ukrainian regions to weaken civilian morale and resistance. Ukrainian officials have characterized this strategy as “weaponizing winter” to advance Moscow’s military objectives since the invasion commenced on February 24, 2022.
Recent data from the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine revealed a concerning increase in civilian casualties, with 2,514 deaths and 12,142 injuries reported in 2025, marking a 31% rise compared to the previous year. This escalation in violence underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and challenges facing Ukraine amidst the conflict.