US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to hold off on attacks on Kiev and other cities for a week due to extremely low temperatures in Ukraine.
The statement comes at a time when Russia has been using the tactic of striking Ukraine's energy infrastructure for years, especially during the winter, in the war that is heading into its fourth year.
"I personally asked President Putin not to bomb Kiev and other cities for a week and he agreed ," Trump said during a cabinet meeting, citing the " extraordinary cold " in the region.
"It was very good. A lot of people told me, 'Don't miss the call, you're not going to get this.' But he did," Trump added.
Russia has not commented so far on any ceasefire or pause in attacks.
Trump's statements also do not clarify which other "cities and towns" might be included in this temporary halt to attacks.
Meanwhile, already low temperatures in the Kiev area are expected to drop significantly starting Friday. Forecasts call for nighttime temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius for four consecutive days, starting Saturday.