In a remarkable revelation during a Cabinet meeting, US President Donald Trump has stated that he personally intervened with Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure a temporary halt to military assaults on Ukraine's capital and other urban centres.
Unprecedented Diplomatic Request
The President explained his unexpected diplomatic move was motivated by severe weather conditions affecting both nations. "Because of the cold," Trump declared. "Extreme cold. They have the same that we do. I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week."
Record-Setting Weather Conditions
Trump emphasised the extraordinary nature of the cold snap, describing it as "record setting cold" that represents "a big pile of bad weather, the worst". Meteorological forecasts support concerns about extreme conditions, with temperatures in Kyiv predicted to plummet to -20 degrees Celsius in the coming week.
This weather intervention claim follows closely after journalists observed Trump had displayed a photograph featuring himself alongside Putin during White House renovations, adding another layer to the complex diplomatic relationship between the two leaders.
Putin's Reported Agreement
According to Trump's account, the Russian leader acquiesced to this unusual request. "He did it, and we're very happy that they did it," the President stated, adding that Ukrainian officials were initially sceptical but ultimately "very happy about it".
Trump revealed that advisors had cautioned him against making the appeal, suggesting it would be "a waste of a call" given Putin's unlikely cooperation. Despite these warnings, the President proceeded with his personal diplomatic initiative.
Humanitarian Context and Winter Warfare
This development occurs against a backdrop of what Ukrainian authorities describe as Russia's strategy of "weaponising winter" by targeting energy infrastructure to deprive civilians of heating and running water during freezing conditions. Kyiv has faced significant power shortages throughout this winter season.
The timing and specific duration of this reported ceasefire remain unclear, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declining to comment on questions about potential mutual halts to strikes on energy facilities when questioned earlier this week.
Broader Conflict Context
The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine recently reported that last year represented the deadliest period for civilians since the conflict's escalation in 2022, with 2,514 civilian fatalities and 12,142 injuries recorded - representing a 31% increase compared to 2024 figures.
Trump concluded his remarks by reflecting on the humanitarian aspect of his intervention: "Because on top of everything else it's not what they need is missiles coming into their towns and cities." The President characterised the outcome as "a very good thing" that demonstrated unexpected diplomatic cooperation during challenging seasonal conditions affecting both the conflict zone and regions within the United States experiencing similar extreme cold.
