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 U.S. president did not specify when the pause would begin, air raid alerts sounded in only eight Ukrainian regions overnight into Friday, with two minor injuries recorded in Zaporizhzhia.
Temperatures in the capital, Kyiv, are expected to plummet to -24°C (-11°F) over the coming days, and Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during cold periods since its invasion began.
Ukrainian officials were expecting a significant assault this weekend due to the extreme cold; if this does not occur, it could mark a notable development in U.S.-led efforts to conclude the war.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Putin had paused strikes on Kyiv until February 1 at Trump’s request. However, he did not mention the cold weather as a factor and was reluctant to discuss possible future attacks on energy infrastructure, framing the agreement instead as a step towards U.S.-mediated peace negotiations.
Despite the quiet night, reports indicate there have been 530 air raid alerts in Kyiv this week, and Ukraine's air force stated over 100 drones and a ballistic missile were launched at regions near the front line overnight.
So far, there have been no new strikes on critical electricity or heating infrastructure, which is vital for keeping residents warm during the severe winter.
Trump discussed the agreement during a televised cabinet meeting, stating that he personally asked Putin for the ceasefire and received positive feedback, noting that the Ukrainians were relieved but also struggling badly.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged Trump's role in facilitating a possible respite for Kyiv during this harsh winter, though he cautioned that no formal agreements had been made to refrain from targeting energy facilities.
As both sides prepare for potential negotiations, skepticism remains among Kyiv residents about the long-term efficacy of the ceasefire with many noting the unpredictability of Putin's actions.
