Russia Halts Strikes on Kyiv Until Sunday at Trump’s Request Amid Bitter Cold
Kyiv – Russia has temporarily halted airstrikes on Kyiv following a direct request from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Ukraine braces for a severe cold wave expected to grip the capital in the coming days. The pause, set to last until Sunday, is being framed as a limited de-escalation step rather than a formal ceasefire.
Ukrainian officials said the suspension applies mainly to attacks on energy infrastructure, which has been repeatedly targeted during winter. The move comes as temperatures in Kyiv are forecast to plunge dramatically, raising fears of widespread humanitarian hardship.
Authorities in Ukraine said they are prepared to reciprocate by halting strikes on certain Russian infrastructure during this period. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stressed that there is no binding truce or signed agreement between the two sides.
The decision follows intense diplomatic pressure from Washington, which has been pushing for limited confidence-building measures. Officials described the pause as an opportunity to explore negotiations rather than a breakthrough toward ending the war.
Kyiv has suffered repeated blackouts and heating outages due to sustained attacks on power facilities. With winter conditions worsening, any interruption to electricity and heating poses serious risks to civilian life.
Ukrainian authorities confirmed that no overnight strikes were reported on major energy facilities after the announcement. Still, military officials warned that Russia has shifted focus toward logistics and supply routes in recent days.
In Moscow, officials acknowledged that the request came directly from Trump and was accepted to create space for talks. They emphasized that the halt is temporary and conditional, not a permanent change in military strategy.
Residents of Kyiv remain skeptical that the pause will hold or lead to lasting relief. Many say they have grown accustomed to short-lived promises that fail to stop long-term attacks.
“I don’t trust any of it,” said a retired resident in the capital, reflecting widespread public doubt. People fear that strikes could resume at full force once the pause expires.
Ukraine’s air defenses have been stretched thin after months of heavy drone and missile attacks. Delays in deliveries of air defense systems have worsened the country’s ability to protect major cities.
Officials said European funding delays affected shipments of key defensive equipment through U.S. programs. This left Kyiv vulnerable during recent waves of strikes that knocked out heating across entire districts.
Despite the halt over Kyiv, Ukrainian military sources reported continued clashes and strikes in other regions. Fighting remains intense along eastern front lines, particularly in the Donetsk region.
Russia continues to advance slowly in contested areas, maintaining pressure far beyond the capital. Analysts say this underscores how limited and fragile the current pause really is.
Weather forecasts indicate temperatures could drop as low as minus 26 degrees Celsius from Sunday. Hundreds of residential buildings are still without heating, deepening concerns for elderly and vulnerable residents.
Diplomatic efforts remain complicated by unresolved issues, especially territory and control of strategic sites. Ukraine has firmly rejected any proposal that involves surrendering land captured during the war.
Officials said the idea of suspending strikes on energy facilities was discussed during recent talks abroad. Future meetings may be delayed or relocated due to shifting global diplomatic priorities.
Despite cautious language from leaders, many Ukrainians see little reason for optimism. They say survival through another harsh winter remains the immediate priority.
