Moscow Agrees to Donald Trump’s Request to Temporarily Pause Strikes on Kyiv

Moscow/Washington:
Russia has agreed to a request made by US President Donald Trump to temporarily halt military strikes on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, the Kremlin confirmed, marking a rare moment of de-escalation amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

According to Russian officials, the decision was taken after what was described as a personal request from President Trump, who urged Moscow to pause attacks to ease humanitarian pressure on civilians during harsh winter conditions. The pause is expected to remain in effect until February 1, though Russian authorities stressed that it does not amount to a full ceasefire.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin agreed to the request in order to “create conditions conducive to diplomatic engagement.” However, he made it clear that Russia retains the right to resume military operations if circumstances change.

President Trump, speaking earlier, said he had appealed directly to Putin to avoid strikes on Kyiv and other major cities, citing humanitarian concerns and the severe cold affecting millions of civilians. Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants to push all sides toward negotiations and reduce civilian suffering.

Ukraine reacted cautiously to the announcement. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed any reduction in attacks but warned that temporary pauses are not a substitute for a comprehensive ceasefire. Ukrainian officials said Kyiv would judge Russia’s intentions based on actions rather than statements, noting that previous pauses had been short-lived.

The development comes amid renewed diplomatic activity involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, as international mediators attempt to revive stalled peace talks. Analysts say the agreement, while limited in scope and duration, could help build momentum for broader negotiations if it holds.

Military experts, however, caution that the pause applies only to strikes on Kyiv and does not necessarily indicate a reduction in fighting elsewhere in Ukraine. Clashes and missile attacks have continued in other regions, underscoring the fragility of the situation.

As the conflict enters another winter, humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that 

attacks on urban centres and infrastructure risk worsening the humanitarian crisis. The temporary halt, though narrow, has raised hopes of limited relief for civilians in the Ukrainian capital.