US president says progress possible in Ukraine negotiations

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about potential progress in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, stating that his team “could have some good news” soon.

“I think we’re doing very well with Ukraine and Russia. For the first time, I’m saying that,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“I think we’re going to, maybe, have some good news,” he added.

Trump recounted a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he requested a temporary halt to attacks on Ukrainian cities. “I called President Putin and he agreed. He said that it was as cold for them as it is for us. Maybe even colder. And Ukraine is a very cold country. It is much colder than we are. Maybe like Canada, or even colder. I asked him if he would not fire any missiles at Kyiv or any other cities for one week, and he agreed,” Trump said.

The conversation reportedly took place on January 29. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia agreed to a brief “energy truce” lasting until February 1.

Trump reiterated his hope for progress in ending the conflict. “We’ve settled eight wars, and I think for the first time we’re doing well with Ukraine and Russia. Maybe we’ll have some good news,” he said.

However, the ceasefire was short-lived. Hours after Trump’s remarks, Russian forces launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, targeting multiple civilian areas, including the capital Kyiv. A kindergarten was among the sites hit, and several energy facilities were also reportedly struck, despite the previously reported truce.

The renewed attacks included drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, underscoring the ongoing volatility and uncertainty in the conflict, even amid diplomatic efforts to negotiate a pause in hostilities.

By Vafa Guliyeva