Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to pause military attacks on Ukraine for a duration of one week. This development follows President Trump's direct appeal to Putin, emphasizing the severe cold weather conditions currently impacting Ukraine.
According to Anadolu Agency, President Trump conveyed the news during a press briefing at the White House. He explained that his request to Putin specifically focused on a temporary cessation of missile strikes targeting major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. Trump highlighted the extreme cold wave affecting Ukraine, pointing out that it is more severe than the recent cold conditions experienced in the US and Russia. The agreement, according to Trump, is a humanitarian gesture in response to these harsh weather conditions.
In other significant developments, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed the resumption of nuclear negotiations with the United States. Anadolu Agency reports that, as per Tasnim News Agency, the talks are anticipated to recommence soon, involving high-level officials from both nations. The discussions are expected to occur between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff. The announcement emerges amid escalating tensions in the region, with US military movements being reported.
Additionally, the Rafah crossing on the Egypt-Gaza border has officially reopened, allowing passage for 50 individuals leaving Gaza and another 50 returning, as confirmed by Egyptian media. The crossing had previously operated on a trial basis after being closed for over 18 months due to Israeli restrictions. Health officials in Gaza estimate that around 22,000 patients are awaiting the crossing's full reopening for medical treatment in Egypt.
In a distressing report, up to 1,000 migrants are feared missing in the central Mediterranean following Cyclone Harry, as stated by the Italian NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans. The NGO accuses Italian and Maltese authorities of insufficient rescue efforts and communication, following testimonies from refugees in Libya and Tunisia. This incident could represent one of the deadliest tragedies along this migration route in recent history.