Trump Says He Asked Putin to Pause Kyiv Attacks Due to Extreme Cold, Russia Signals Openness to Talks
In a development that has drawn global attention, US President Donald Trump has claimed that he personally urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to temporarily halt attacks on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and nearby cities due to extreme winter conditions. According to Trump, the Russian leader agreed to pause strikes for a week, citing humanitarian concerns linked to severe cold weather.
The remarks come amid continued fighting in Ukraine and renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war between Russia and Ukraine.
Nearly Four Years of Conflict and Mounting Humanitarian Costs
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has evolved into one of the most prolonged and destructive conflicts in Europe since World War II. Over the years, the war has claimed thousands of civilian lives, displaced millions, and caused massive damage to infrastructure across Ukraine.
Kyiv and several major cities have been frequent targets of missile and drone attacks, leading to widespread power outages, heating shortages, and humanitarian emergencies—especially during harsh winters.
As temperatures drop sharply across Eastern Europe, concerns have grown over the ability of civilians to cope with limited electricity, heating, and water supplies. Human rights groups and international agencies have repeatedly warned that winter warfare worsens civilian suffering.
It is against this backdrop that Trump’s reported intervention has emerged.
Details: Trump’s Call and Temporary Pause Claim
Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday, President Trump said he had directly contacted Vladimir Putin and requested a temporary halt to attacks on Kyiv and surrounding areas.
“I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that,” Trump said.
He added that his request was motivated by what he described as “extraordinary cold” in the region and the potential humanitarian consequences of continued strikes during extreme weather.
Trump also acknowledged that many advisers had discouraged him from making the call.
“A lot of people said, ‘Don’t waste the call, you’re not going to get that.’ And he did it,” he stated.
So far, there has been no independent confirmation from Russian authorities explicitly verifying a formal ceasefire or written agreement. The Kremlin has not publicly detailed any specific arrangement for a pause in attacks tied to weather conditions.
However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Putin has expressed interest in further dialogue with Ukraine’s leadership, suggesting a possible diplomatic opening.
Reactions: Ukraine, Russia, and International Responses
Ukraine’s Position
Ukrainian officials have responded cautiously to Trump’s claims. Kyiv has not formally acknowledged any confirmed ceasefire related to weather conditions.
On Thursday, Ukrainian authorities reported that three civilians were killed in an overnight Russian drone attack in the Zaporizhzhia region, indicating that hostilities continue despite diplomatic signals.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia may be preparing for another large-scale offensive and urged international partners to remain vigilant.
Russia’s Response
The Kremlin has focused more on diplomatic engagement than on confirming Trump’s statement.
Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agency TASS that Moscow has invited President Zelenskyy to Russia for talks aimed at ending the conflict. He said Moscow is being considered as a possible venue for negotiations.
Earlier, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Ukraine’s leader would be welcome in Moscow and that Russia would ensure his security if he agrees to attend.
International Community
Western allies have welcomed any move that could reduce civilian suffering but remain cautious.
European Union officials and NATO members have reiterated that any pause in fighting must lead to meaningful peace negotiations, not merely tactical breaks.
Humanitarian organizations have also stressed the importance of sustained protection for civilians rather than short-term pauses.
Russia Invites Zelenskyy for Talks Ahead of US-Mediated Efforts
The latest developments come ahead of planned US-mediated peace talks expected to take place over the weekend.
Last week, representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States held their first trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi, raising hopes of renewed diplomatic engagement.
Peskov said the Moscow invitation follows these discussions and reflects Russia’s willingness to host direct talks with Ukraine’s leadership.
This marks the second consecutive day that senior Kremlin officials have publicly signaled readiness for high-level negotiations.
However, Ukrainian officials have yet to confirm whether Zelenskyy will accept the invitation.
Analysis: Humanitarian Diplomacy or Tactical Pause?
Trump’s claim raises important questions about the nature and impact of the reported pause.
Humanitarian Angle
Winter warfare poses severe risks to civilians. Damage to power grids, heating systems, and water infrastructure can lead to life-threatening conditions. If Russia did agree to limit strikes temporarily, it could offer brief relief to vulnerable populations.
International law experts note that humanitarian considerations are often cited in conflicts, but sustained protection requires formal agreements and monitoring mechanisms.
Strategic Considerations
Military analysts suggest that temporary pauses are sometimes used for logistical regrouping, resupply, or repositioning of forces.
Without a verified ceasefire framework, a short-term halt linked to weather conditions may have limited long-term significance.
Diplomatic Implications
Trump’s intervention highlights the continued influence of personal diplomacy in global politics. His willingness to engage directly with Putin, despite skepticism from advisers, reflects a preference for leader-to-leader communication.
At the same time, experts warn that durable peace depends on structured negotiations, security guarantees, and international oversight—not informal understandings.
Conclusion: Uncertain Relief Amid Ongoing Conflict
While President Trump’s statement suggests a temporary easing of attacks due to extreme cold, events on the ground indicate that violence in Ukraine has not fully subsided.
The Kremlin’s invitation to President Zelenskyy and upcoming US-mediated talks signal renewed diplomatic momentum. However, deep mistrust between the parties continues to complicate peace efforts
For now, civilians across Ukraine remain caught between shifting military dynamics and uncertain political negotiations, as the world watches closely for signs of a genuine breakthrough.
Our Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
The claim by President Trump that he persuaded Vladimir Putin to temporarily halt attacks due to extreme weather highlights the fragile and unpredictable nature of diplomacy in the Russia-Ukraine war. While humanitarian considerations are crucial, short-term pauses cannot substitute for comprehensive peace agreements.
The renewed push for negotiations, including Russia’s invitation to President Zelenskyy and US-backed talks, offers a potential opening. However, history shows that lasting peace requires more than goodwill gestures—it demands accountability, transparency, and sustained international support.
As winter intensifies and civilian suffering continues, the focus must remain on securing long-term stability rather than temporary relief. Whether current diplomatic efforts can move beyond symbolic gestures to meaningful solutions will determine the next phase of this prolonged conflict.
