Trump Claims Putin Agreed to Halt Ukraine Energy Attacks, Hints at Breakthrough

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday, January 29, 2026, that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a request to temporarily halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for one week. Trump also indicated the possibility of “good news” regarding a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The claim originated during remarks made by Trump at the White House. He said he “really called Putin” and noted that Russia is experiencing a cold wave similar to the one in the United States, but emphasized that conditions in Ukraine are “much colder than we have.”

“And I asked him, would you mind not firing on Kyiv or any of the cities for a week and he agreed to do that,” Trump said, according to reports. “So that’s already something.”

Trump further stated that there were potential “good news” developments concerning a resolution to the conflict. “We have a lot happening. I think we’re doing very well with Ukraine and Russia,” he said. “I’m saying this for the first time. You know, I think we may have some very good news.”

The Kremlin confirmed that Trump had asked Putin to pause strikes on Kyiv, though reports indicate the agreement is set to expire on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on February 2, 2026, that Russian forces had shifted their focus away from targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, instead concentrating attacks on logistical routes.

The announcement follows a period of intense Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power grid, leaving millions without heat and essential services amid a severe winter cold snap. Temperatures in Ukraine have dipped as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius in some areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

While Trump stated he spoke directly with Putin, details regarding the timing of the call and any potential reciprocal agreements remain unclear. The White House has offered limited clarification, stating only that Trump requested Putin withhold strikes on Kyiv for one week due to the extreme temperatures, and that Putin agreed to the request. There was no immediate response from the White House regarding what Trump may have offered in return, or what action would be taken if Russia resumed attacks during the agreed-upon pause.

Confusion reportedly reigned following Trump’s announcement, with questions arising in both Kyiv and Moscow regarding the specifics of the agreement. It remains uncertain whether Putin’s agreement extends beyond a pause on attacks targeting Kyiv, or if it encompasses a broader cessation of hostilities across Ukraine.