Trump-mediated ceasefire: Russia halts energy strikes in Ukraine

BY AHMET TAŞ | WISE NEWS PRESS

MOSCOW, RUSSIA — Russia has officially approved a limited ceasefire in Ukraine following a direct request from U.S. President Donald Trump, committing to halt all airstrikes against energy infrastructure until Sunday.

The agreement, confirmed by the Kremlin on Friday, aims to provide a humanitarian reprieve as freezing winter temperatures grip the region. The pause in hostilities against power grids is intended to create what Russian officials describe as a "suitable atmosphere" for high-level negotiations. This strategic move comes at a critical time when thousands of Ukrainian households have been left without electricity, forcing civilians to rely on emergency warming tents set up in city centers.

The Kremlin's Confirmation and Trump's Initiative

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the development, stating that the decision was made specifically in response to President Trump’s appeal. According to Peskov, the primary goal of the temporary halt is to facilitate diplomatic progress. While the Kremlin initially only confirmed receiving a request from Washington, President Vladimir Putin’s personal approval was later verified by state media following inquiries from journalists.

President Trump had announced on Thursday that he urged Russia to pause its aerial campaign against Kyiv and other major cities for at least one week, citing the life-threatening extreme cold currently affecting Ukraine. Trump noted that Putin responded positively to the humanitarian concerns raised during their communication, signaling a potential shift in the diplomatic landscape.

Zelenskyy’s Conditional Support and Reciprocity

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered conditional support for the temporary arrangement, emphasizing the need for mutual restraint. In a public statement, Zelenskyy suggested that if Russia maintains its commitment to avoid energy targets, Kyiv is prepared to suspend its own strikes on Russian energy assets. "If Russia does not fire at our energy facilities, we will not attack theirs," Zelenskyy stated, highlighting a possible path toward de-escalating the "energy war" that has characterized recent months of the conflict.

Despite the temporary halt on energy targets, Zelenskyy noted that the Russian military has redirected its focus toward logistical supply lines. While the energy grid remained untouched overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the launch of 111 drones and one ballistic missile targeting various logistical hubs, resulting in at least three injuries. Conversely, Russia reported the downing of 18 Ukrainian drones over its own territory and the Crimean Peninsula.

Diplomatic Breakthrough in Abu Dhabi

The limited ceasefire coincides with reports of direct contact between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in the United Arab Emirates. Mediated by Washington, the two sides reportedly held direct talks in Abu Dhabi last week. President Zelenskyy confirmed that these high-stakes negotiations are scheduled to continue in the UAE capital over the coming weekend, though he cautioned that the specific time and location remain subject to change based on the security situation on the ground.

The international community is watching the Abu Dhabi process closely, as it represents one of the most significant direct diplomatic engagements since the early stages of the war. Analysts suggest that if the limited ceasefire holds through Sunday, it could serve as a foundational "test of trust" required for more substantive peace talks under the mediation of the Trump administration.

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