WASHINGTON D.C January 29, 2026 – President Donald Trump revealed during a recent cabinet meeting that he personally requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to refrain from launching attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities and towns due to extreme cold weather conditions affecting the region.
In a video clip shared by the official White House Rapid Response account on X (formerly Twitter), Trump described the intervention as a humanitarian gesture amid “record-setting cold.” He stated that Putin agreed to the week-long pause, noting that Ukrainian officials were initially surprised but ultimately appreciative.
“Because of the cold, extreme cold… I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week during this,” Trump said. “He agreed to do that, and I have to tell you, it was very nice.”
The remarks came as Special Envoy Steve Witkoff provided an update on ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Witkoff reported significant progress, including meetings with five Russian generals in Abu Dhabi involving key administration figures. He highlighted that Ukrainian counterparts described the advancements as the most substantial since talks in Geneva, surpassing developments over the previous four years of the conflict.
Witkoff outlined discussions on a potential land deal, a largely completed security protocol agreement, and a prosperity agreement. “People in Ukraine are now hopeful and expectant that we’re going to deliver peace deals sometime soon,” he added.
The White House clip emphasizes the administration’s direct diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the longstanding Russia-Ukraine war, portraying Trump’s personal outreach as a key factor in temporary relief for affected areas.
Critics have questioned the approach, with some arguing it reflects undue leniency toward Russia, while supporters praise it as effective personal diplomacy aimed at saving lives during harsh winter conditions
The development comes as both sides continue talks, with further discussions expected in the coming weeks.
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