Ukraine Enjoys Quiet Night After Trump-Putin Strike Pause Deal

Kyiv woke up to a quieter morning on Friday after a night with no major Russian strikes on the capital or other cities. US President Donald Trump said he personally asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold off on attacks for a week, and Putin agreed, with the Kremlin confirming the pause runs until February 1.

Background

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine started on February 24, 2022, now nearing four years. Over that time, Russian forces have hit Ukrainian cities hard, especially energy plants and power grids. This winter, strikes have left much of Ukraine without power or heat as temperatures drop below freezing.

In recent weeks, Kyiv and other areas faced nonstop drone and missile attacks. Ukraine's power company, UkrEnergo, says 80% of the country deals with long blackouts. These hits make daily life tough for people already worn down by the war.

Last weekend, envoys from Ukraine, Russia, and the US met in Abu Dhabi for talks. They discussed ways to ease fighting on energy sites. Ukraine first floated the idea of a pause on energy attacks during talks in Saudi Arabia last year, but it went nowhere then.

Now, with deep cold moving in across eastern Europe, the timing feels urgent. Forecasts show Kyiv hitting as low as minus 26 Celsius, or minus 14 Fahrenheit, by Sunday. Earlier this week, 15% of the city's homes lacked heat, city officials reported.

Ukrainians have a routine each morning: check for damage, see if power is back, and wonder what news from afar might change things. Trump's words from Washington brought a flicker of hope, but many stay cautious after years of broken promises.

Key Details

Trump spoke during a cabinet meeting in Washington late Thursday. He told reporters he called Putin and asked him not to target Kyiv or other towns for a week.

"I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and the various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that," Trump said.

Trump linked the request to the harsh weather. He said Ukrainians struggle enough without missiles on top of the cold. Ukrainian officials were glad but surprised, he added.

The Kremlin backed this up Friday. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Trump made the request to Putin to pause strikes on Kyiv until February 1. Peskov called it a step to help talks go better. He confirmed Putin said yes.

Ukraine's air force reported Russia sent over 100 drones Friday morning, but they aimed at front lines, not cities. No big attacks hit Kyiv since January 23-24. Power issues remain, but the overnight calm stood out.

Zelenskyy's Response

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the US move Thursday night. He said Ukraine would match any Russian pause on energy strikes.

"If Russia does not strike us, we will take corresponding steps," Zelenskyy told reporters.

Zelenskyy stressed no full ceasefire exists. No formal deal binds Russia or Ukraine. He called it a US initiative, not a two-sided pact. Ukraine backs de-escalation but doubts Russia's long-term aims.

New trilateral talks are set for Sunday in Abu Dhabi, though dates or spots might shift. All sides see it as a chance to build on the pause.

What This Means

A week without city strikes could give Ukrainians a break from blackouts and fear. It lets families stay warm, charge devices, and plan ahead. Power workers might fix lines faster without new damage.

For talks, the pause sets a tone. If Russia sticks to it, trust might grow a bit. Ukraine's offer to hold back on Russian energy hits shows willingness to match steps. But the war goes on elsewhere, with front-line fights unchanged.

Cold weather adds pressure. Without heat, homes turn deadly. Hospitals strain, schools close, and people huddle. A pause now saves lives short-term.

Leaders watch closely. Trump pushes for progress. Putin frames it as goodwill. Zelenskyy stays ready but firm. If the week passes quietly, it could lead to more deals. One quiet night is a start, but four years of war teach caution.

Russia's past winter tactics aimed to freeze out civilians. Dropping that for now changes the game. Ukraine's grid hangs by a thread; repairs take time and safety.

People in Kyiv shared relief Friday. One resident said it felt good to sleep without sirens. Another worried it might not last. Front-line troops keep fighting, drones or not.

The pause covers Kyiv mainly, but Trump mentioned towns too. Kremlin said Kyiv specifically. Scope stays fuzzy. No one spells out enforcement.

As Sunday nears, eyes turn to Abu Dhabi. Envoys carry this momentum. A small step like this could spark bigger ones, or fade like past tries. Ukraine endures, one day at a time.