Trump Defends Putin's 'Word' Despite Massive Ukraine Attack on Eve of Peace Talks
US President Donald Trump has controversially asserted that Russian leader Vladimir Putin "kept his word," despite Moscow unleashing one of the most significant aerial bombardments of the ongoing conflict against Ukraine. This major assault occurred merely a day before crucial trilateral peace discussions were scheduled to commence in Abu Dhabi, casting a profound shadow over diplomatic efforts.
Record Missile Barrage Strikes Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure
In the early hours of Tuesday, Russian forces launched a devastating attack targeting Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities. The offensive involved a record number of ballistic missiles, severely damaging critical energy facilities, including a key power plant in Kyiv's eastern Darnytskyi district. Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal described the damage as serious, stating repairs would require "a considerable time" and condemning the strike as a war crime that has left thousands without heating during freezing temperatures.
Trump's Remarkable Defence of Russian Actions
Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump refused to criticise Putin for the massive attack. He referenced a previously agreed, week-long pause in strikes on major cities and energy infrastructure, which ran from Sunday to Sunday. "It opened up and (Putin) hit them hard... He kept his word on that. One week is a lot — we will take anything," Trump stated. When pressed on whether he was disappointed, the US President simply replied, "I want him to end the war."
Zelensky Accuses Russia of Exploiting Ceasefire for Stockpiling
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered a starkly different interpretation of events. He accused the Russian military of exploiting the US-backed temporary ceasefire not to engage in good-faith diplomacy, but to stockpile munitions deliberately. Zelensky asserted that Moscow waited for the coldest period, with temperatures plunging below minus 20 degrees Celsius, to maximise the impact on Ukraine's civilian population. Consequently, he confirmed that Ukraine's negotiating team would adjust its approach for the upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi, reflecting the belief that Moscow continues to "bet on war."
Kremlin Welcomes FIFA Chief's Call to Lift Football Ban
In a separate development, the Kremlin has warmly welcomed comments from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who suggested that Russia's four-year ban from international football should be lifted as it has "achieved nothing." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the remarks as "very good," arguing it was a mistake to politicise sport and that Russia's football team should have its competitive rights fully restored. This stance emerges as Russian clubs and the national team remain suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions following the 2022 invasion.
Broader Context: Stalled Talks and Nuclear Treaty Concerns
The second round of peace talks between Ukrainian, Russian, and US delegations begins under severe strain, with the first round in late January yielding no progress on territorial disputes. Simultaneously, Kremlin officials have expressed grave concerns over global security, warning that the potential expiry of the New START nuclear arms treaty between Russia and the US would be "very bad." Moscow's proposal to extend the treaty's limits for another year remains on the table, awaiting a US response.
Furthermore, President Trump linked a new trade deal with India, involving tariff reductions and a commitment from New Delhi to stop purchasing Russian oil, to helping "END THE WAR" in Ukraine. He claimed the agreement would contribute to halting the conflict, which continues to claim thousands of lives weekly.
