We may have good news: Trump on prospects for ending war in Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has said that, at his request, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure for a week. Trump has also hinted at possible "good news" regarding efforts to bring the war in Ukraine to an end.
Source: Trump speaking to reporters at the White House
Details: Trump said he had actually called Putin, noting that Russia is experiencing "the same cold wave" as the US recently, but stressed that conditions in Ukraine are "much colder" than here.
Quote: "I asked him if you wouldn't shoot for a period of one week, no missiles going into Kyiv or any other towns, and he's agreed to do it. So it's something."
Details: Trump also spoke about the possibility of "good news" concerning a settlement of the war in Ukraine.
Quote: "I think we're doing very well with Ukraine and Russia.
For the first time, I'm saying that. I think we're going to maybe have some good news."
Previously: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russian forces are currently avoiding targeted missile and attack-drone strikes on the energy sector but have concentrated on attacks on logistics.
Background:
- Trump said that he had personally asked Putin to stop attacks on Ukraine for a week due to the freezing cold weather.
- Pro-war Russian social media channels reported on 29 January that Moscow ordered its forces on 28 January to stop strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.
- Zelenskyy confirmed that the negotiating teams in the UAE discussed halting attacks on energy facilities.
- Ukraine has recorded very low temperatures in recent days. Following a large-scale Russian attack on 24 January and damage to critical infrastructure, half of the capital's housing stock was left without heating. As of 2 February, more than 200 buildings in Kyiv remain without heating.
- Ukrenergo, Ukraine's state-owned electricity transmission operator, is forced to impose emergency power cuts almost every day.
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