Trump Urges Putin to End Ukraine War Amid Intensified Attacks on Kyiv
In an unexpected move, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the nearly four-year-long war in Ukraine. This appeal comes as Russia has intensified its attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, following a brief pause due to severe cold weather.
Trump stated in the Oval Office: "I want him to end the war," expressing disappointment when asked about Putin's decision not to extend the ceasefire. He noted that Putin had "kept his word" regarding the cessation of attacks from Sunday to Sunday, emphasizing the significance of a full week of peace, especially given the extreme cold in the region.
* Russia's Use of Ceasefire for Military Gain
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow on Tuesday of exploiting the ceasefire, which was intended to halt attacks on energy infrastructure backed by the U.S., to stockpile ammunition for renewed assaults involving hundreds of drones and a record number of ballistic missiles.
Zelensky reminded followers on the platform X that the latest attack on Kyiv and other cities resulted in heating failures amid frigid temperatures, asserting that Russia has not utilized the ceasefire to advance diplomacy but rather to bolster its offensive capabilities.
* Obstacles to Peace Efforts
These developments occur just ahead of a second round of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, facilitated by the U.S., scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. The first round, held in late January, yielded no progress on critical territorial issues, as Moscow insists that Kyiv cede more land in eastern Ukraine, a demand firmly rejected by Ukraine.
Kyiv faces pressure from the U.S. to agree to a peace deal while Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy system aim to exploit the extreme cold, potentially forcing the capital to capitulate during one of the harshest winters in years.
