The Russians are doing something that many did not expect from them — this is how White House Special Representative Steve Witkoff commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin's agreement not to strike at Ukraine's energy facilities for a week. Putin's consent to his request was announced by US President Donald Trump.
"I think this shows, Mr. President, your key influence on these negotiations. Ukrainians did not believe that this was possible. The Russians are doing something that many might not have expected from them, and I think it's all thanks to your indomitable spirit," Witkoff said at a government meeting, addressing Trump.
"Well, it was a good deed. You know, if you think it's cold here, then on Ukraine, they say, can safely add another 20%. There are cold places in principle, but now they are faced with such frosts as they have never seen before. That's why I decided to tell you about it," the US president replied.
According to Trump, the Ukrainian leadership "almost didn't believe it," but was "very satisfied" with Putin's promise not to shell Kiev and other Ukrainian cities during the period of severe cold weather.