Ukraine has seen a relatively quiet night after Donald Trump said his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had agreed not to attack Kyiv and various towns during a cold snap. The Kremlin confirmed it had agreed to cease attacks on Kyiv until Sunday to 'create favourable conditions' for peace talks.
While the US president did not specify when the pause would begin, air raid alerts sounded in just eight Ukrainian regions overnight into Friday, resulting in two minor injuries in Zaporizhzhia. With temperatures in Kyiv expected to plummet to -24C (-11F) over the coming days, the situation remains critical as Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during previous cold periods.
Ukrainian officials had anticipated a major attack this weekend ahead of the cold spell, and a lack of such an occurrence could indicate a significant step in US-led efforts to resolve the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that Putin had paused strikes on Kyiv 'for a week until 1 February' at Trump's personal request.
However, there is doubt regarding Russia's intentions, with residents expressing skepticism about the likelihood of a ceasefire. London's winter conditions add urgency to the situation, as many residents struggle with insufficient heating and electricity due to ongoing attacks on infrastructure.
Despite the calm in the air raids, more than 100 drones and a ballistic missile were reportedly fired at front-line regions overnight, leaving the true nature of the situation uncertain.
Trump stated during a cabinet meeting that he personally requested Putin to cease fire for a week, emphasizing the happiness this brought to Ukrainians who are 'struggling badly.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged Trump's statement, highlighting the importance of security for Kyiv during the harsh winter.
In the wake of the announcement, skepticism remains high among residents. Many feel that previous agreements have been broken and express hope for relief amid the harsh conditions. Reports also suggest that negotiations for peace continue with discussions surrounding the future of the Donbas region and Ukraine's territorial integrity.
As the cold snap continues, residents cling to hope that the impending negotiations could yield a more lasting peace.
