Trump Calls for Putin to End War in Ukraine as Attacks Resume on Kyiv
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine. This appeal comes as Russia has resumed its attacks on Kyiv after a temporary halt due to extreme cold weather.
Trump stated from the Oval Office: "I want him to end the war," expressing disappointment that Putin did not extend the pause in hostilities. He noted that Putin "kept his word" regarding the cessation of strikes for one week, highlighting that "a whole week matters, especially in such cold weather."
* Ukraine Accuses Russia of Exploiting Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of taking advantage of the ceasefire to stockpile ammunition and prepare for further assaults, including the use of drones and ballistic missiles. The U.S. has voiced support for a cessation of attacks targeting energy infrastructure.
Zelensky emphasized on social media that recent strikes on Kyiv and other cities have led to heating outages during a particularly harsh winter, asserting that Russia has not utilized the ceasefire to pursue diplomatic solutions but rather to enhance its military capabilities.
* Challenges to Peace Negotiations
These developments occur ahead of a second round of trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi, mediated by the United States, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. The initial round, held in late January, failed to make progress on critical territorial disputes, with Moscow demanding further concessions from Kyiv, which Ukraine firmly opposes.
Kyiv is facing pressure from the U.S. to agree to a peace settlement, while Russian assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure seem aimed at leveraging the severe winter conditions to coerce the capital into submission.
