Trump reacts to Russia's new strikes on Ukraine

Trump says Putin «kept his word» on pause in energy strikes

President of the United States Donald Trump said that the Russian leader Vladimir Putin «kept its word» on a temporary pause in strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump noted that the agreed break lasted from Sunday to Sunday, after which Russia struck again.

«There was a pause from Sunday to Sunday. It ended, and Putin hit them hard last night. He kept his word,» the US president said.

Context of the statement

Trump's comments came amid new Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities after a short period of reduced intensity. The Ukrainian government has previously emphasised that the cessation of shelling of energy facilities was seen as a temporary step for the period of diplomatic contacts and severe frosts.

After the resumption of attacks, Kyiv declared the need to Adjustment of approaches to the negotiation process and await the reaction of international partners.

International reaction

Statements about the «energy pause» and its end come against the backdrop of broader discussions about security guarantees for Ukraine, The US will have to take a more active role in deterring Russian aggression, including possible negotiations and further US role in deterring Russian aggression.

Analysts note that public assessments of such agreements may affect diplomatic background future negotiations and the position of the allies.