Donald Trump has claimed to have asked Vladimir Putin to stop striking Ukrainian cities and towns for a week – and said the Russian President agreed to his request. The US president said: “I personally asked president Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this … extraordinary cold.
“And he agreed to do that. And I have to tell you, it was very nice.” Mr Trump did not clarify when or how he had this conversation with his Russian counterpart, or when the supposed temporary ceasefire would begin. He added: “A lot of people said, ‘Don’t waste the call. You’re not going to get that’. And he did it. And we’re very happy that they did it.”
Earlier today, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment when asked whether a mutual halt on strikes on energy facilities was being discussed.
This comes after an overnight strike on Kyiv on Wednesday – latest in a series of Russian attempts to destroy Ukraine‘s energy grid during the freezing winter temperatures.
Over 100 drones were launched, with 18 hits recorded, the Ukrainian Air Force said. Moscow’s continued attacks have sparked one of the most severe energy crises since the war began and a state of emergency.
Severe frost is expected to hit Ukraine in early February, with temperatures in some areas dropping to -30C, the State Emergency Service warned.
However, they made no announcement that they’d come to a conclusion as they prepare for a second meeting on February 1.
Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate Russia is assembling forces for a major aerial attack. Previous large attacks involved more than 800 drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles.
The ongoing attacks discredit the peace talks, Mr Zelensky also said. He added: “Every single Russian strike does.”