US President Donald Trump says Russia's Vladimir Putin has agreed not to attack Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and other cities and towns for a week due to 'extraordinary cold' weather.
Russia has not confirmed any such agreement, but Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump's announcement and said he expected Russia to keep its promise.
Trump did not specify when the pause would begin, but temperatures in the Ukrainian capital are due to plummet from Thursday night and reach -24C (-11F) in the next few days.
Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the bitter winter, as it has during cold periods since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Speaking at a televised cabinet meeting in Washington DC, Trump stated: 'I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and the various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that.' He described the agreement as unexpected but positive for Ukraine, noting that locals were relieved by the temporary reprieve.
Zelensky posted on social media thanking Trump for his 'important statement' and expressed hope for the execution of this potential agreement. Reports indicate Ukraine may pause its own attacks on Russian oil refineries in reciprocation.
Meanwhile, Russia has continued its attacks, devastating the power supply to several Ukrainian cities, exacerbating the harsh winter conditions faced by millions.
