Video: Trump praises Putin for ‘keeping his word’ on Ukraine attack pause amid deadly resumption
US President Donald Trump
Abdullateef Fowewe
United States President Donald Trump has defended Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brief halt on strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, calling it a fulfillment of a promise made during freezing weather, even as Russia resumed intense attacks overnight that battered Kyiv and other cities.
Trump highlighted the one-week truce, which followed his direct call to Putin last week.
The pause aimed to shield Ukraine’s power grid from damage during sub-zero temperatures dipping below -20°C.
“It was from Sunday to Sunday. He kept his word on that. One week, but we’ll take anything, because it’s really cold over there.
“I spoke to him. I want him to end the war,” said Trump.
Trump doubled down when pressed by a reporter, “It was Sunday. It was Sunday to Sunday and it opened up. And he hit him hard last night. Now, he kept his word on that. We’ll take anything because it’s really, really cold over there.”
Ukrainian reports detailed the resumption’s toll: Iskander-M missiles and other strikes hit substations, power plants, and civilian buildings, leaving thousands without heat in the brutal cold.
When asked if he was disappointed Putin didn’t extend the pause, Trump replied, “I would like them to end the war. I spoke to him. I want them to end the war.”
