Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump acknowledged the strained relationship between the two leaders but expressed optimism. He said that while their mutual dislike makes negotiations difficult, progress toward a resolution is being made.
Trump also revealed that he recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and requested a temporary pause in attacks on Kyiv and other cities due to severe winter conditions. According to Trump, Putin agreed to halt strikes for a week, which he described as a positive and unexpected gesture.
The US President highlighted the extreme cold affecting the region, calling it record-breaking and unusually harsh, and said humanitarian concerns prompted his request.
Despite these remarks, violence has continued in parts of Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported that three people were killed in a Russian drone attack in the Zaporizhzhia region, while President Zelenskyy warned that Russia may be planning further large-scale military operations.
