Trump Praises Putin for Honoring Promise in Latest Russian Strike on Ukraine
On February 3, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed reporters at the White House, praising Russian President Vladimir Putin for adhering to his promise regarding a temporary truce with Ukraine. Trump stated, “He kept his word on that.” His comments followed a major Russian strike against Ukraine’s power infrastructure.
Context of the Russian Attack
Hours before Trump’s statements, Russia launched a substantial attack targeting critical energy facilities across Ukraine. This assault involved over 70 missiles and 450 drones, occurring amid a bitter cold snap with temperatures dipping below -20°C (-4°F). Such conditions allowed this attack to become one of the largest winter offensives.
Details of the Ceasefire
- The temporary ceasefire was originally in place from Sunday to Sunday.
- Russia resumed attacks after a brief pause that lasted until February 1, 2026.
- Trump had requested Putin to refrain from strikes during conversations on January 29.
Negotiations and Future Talks
The attack came just ahead of a new round of peace talks scheduled in Abu Dhabi on February 4-5. Delegates from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are anticipated to convene in a bid to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine’s Response
In light of the recent missile strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about the effectiveness of diplomacy. He stated that the mass attack would force Ukraine’s negotiating team to reassess its strategies, highlighting that “Moscow does not take diplomacy seriously.”
This situation underscores the ongoing tension and complexities in the region, as both sides prepare for potential negotiations amidst the conflict. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on whether these discussions will yield any substantive progress towards peace.
