Russia observed a week-long pause in strikes against Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities until February 1, a development confirmed by US President Donald Trump following his personal request to President Vladimir Putin. The temporary moratorium, aimed at alleviating a severe winter energy crisis in Ukraine, was described by the Kremlin as creating “favorable conditions for negotiations,” referencing US-brokered talks held in Abu Dhabi.
President Trump stated the pause ran from Sunday to Sunday and credited Putin with adhering to the agreement, noting the extreme cold conditions in the region. He expressed a desire for a broader resolution, saying he wanted Putin to “end the war.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later verified the truce’s parameters and its intended purpose of supporting diplomatic efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that Russia abstained from targeted missile and drone attacks on critical energy infrastructure during the pause, though he reported continued shelling along front lines. On February 3, Zelensky accused Russia of violating the truce with overnight strikes, a claim that emerged after the stated February 1 expiry date. Moscow has not commented on the specific post-February 1 allegations but maintains its operations target infrastructure linked to Ukraine’s defense industry in response to Ukrainian attacks inside Russia, consistently denying it intentionally targets civilians.
The temporary reprieve offered brief relief for Ukraine’s power grid, which has been repeatedly degraded by Russian strikes, causing recurring rolling blackouts as temperatures fell below -10 degrees Celsius in many areas. The pause directly responded to the humanitarian and logistical strain caused by the destruction of energy facilities during the winter months.
The week-long cessation represents a tactical, time-limited shift in Russia’s campaign rather than a sustained ceasefire. Its expiration marks a return to the preceding pattern of attrition warfare, with both sides citing the other’s actions as justification. The durability of the diplomatic channel remains uncertain as military operations resume, leaving the future of US-facilitated talks and the immediate humanitarian situation for Ukrainian civilians in question.
