Trump claims Putin promised to stop bombing Ukraine's cities due to extreme cold

President Trump said Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to his request to halt missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine because of the extreme cold in the country.

Why it matters: Russian strikes have left many Ukrainians without power or heat at a time when temperatures are well below freezing. Pausing the strikes would be a significant step, as attempts to freeze the population into submission are a clear element of Russia's strategy.

• U.S. officials hope to leverage such confidence-building measures in peace negotiations.
• But a Ukrainian official was initially skeptical, telling Axios: "Only the reality itself can prove it. We will see how tonight goes."
• Earlier on Thursday, the Kremlin declined to comment on reports in Russian social media that such a pause had been agreed.

Driving the news: The Russians have been conducting massive air strikes on Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine almost every night. The strikes hit power plants and created wide-ranging blackouts.

• Millions of Ukrainian civilians have been suffering without heat or running water.

State of play: White House envoy Steve Witkoff said at the Cabinet meeting that a second round of trilateral talks between the U.S., Ukraine and Russia is expected to take place next week.

• He said the first round of talks last week in Abu Dhabi focused on territory and claimed significant progress was made.