Ukraine war: Zelenskyy and Merz cautiously welcome Trump truce claim as Russian attacks rage on

January 30, 2026 — In a dramatic development in the nearly four-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on January 29, 2026 that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week amid extreme winter temperatures— though Moscow has not officially confirmed the ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly welcomed the initiative, highlighting the potential humanitarian relief for millions enduring temperatures as low as –30°C and expressing hope that the pause would protect energy i

January 30, 2026 — In a dramatic development in the nearly four-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on January 29, 2026 that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week amid extreme winter temperatures— though Moscow has not officially confirmed the ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly welcomed the initiative, highlighting the potential humanitarian relief for millions enduring temperatures as low as –30°C and expressing hope that the pause would protect energy infrastructure and civilians. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also praised the truce efforts but issued a stern condemnation of ongoing Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure, underscoring that attacks have continued even as diplomatic initiatives unfold. Despite the unverified nature of the claimed truce, the announcement has injected cautious optimism into peace talks, with Ukrainian, U.S., and European officials signaling readiness to pursue broader negotiations. However, Russian attacks have persisted in regions such as Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk, causing civilian casualties and challenging faith in Moscow’s commitment to peace. As international efforts intensify and talks are set to continue, the world watches whether this fragile pause can offer relief and build momentum toward a lasting end to the war.