Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of violating a newly announced ceasefire reportedly brokered by Donald Trump, warning that Russian strikes and troop movements have continued despite commitments to pause hostilities — just as a severe cold snap deepens humanitarian risks across the region.
Claims of fresh violations
Speaking from Kyiv, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had recorded multiple incidents along the frontline within hours of the truce taking effect, including shelling of civilian areas and renewed pressure on defensive positions. Ukrainian officials described the activity as inconsistent with any genuine ceasefire, accusing Moscow of using the agreement tactically while maintaining military momentum.
Russia has not formally acknowledged wrongdoing, with state media suggesting that Ukrainian forces were responsible for initial breaches. The Kremlin, led by Vladimir Putin, has maintained that its operations remain “defensive” in nature, though independent verification on the ground remains limited.
A ceasefire under strain from the outset
The truce, announced following behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagement involving Washington, was presented as a temporary humanitarian pause aimed at easing pressure on civilians during extreme winter conditions. Temperatures across eastern Ukraine have fallen well below seasonal averages, complicating power restoration efforts and placing additional strain on heating, water, and medical infrastructure.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine had entered the agreement in good faith, prioritising civilian safety and emergency repairs. However, he warned that continued Russian activity risks undermining both the ceasefire and any broader confidence-building measures.
Trump’s role and international reaction
Trump claimed credit for facilitating the pause, portraying it as evidence that decisive leadership could accelerate an end to the conflict. While some international observers welcomed any step toward de-escalation, European leaders urged caution, stressing that durable peace requires verifiable compliance and clear enforcement mechanisms.
Several governments reiterated that humanitarian pauses must not be used to regroup militarily. Aid agencies operating in Ukraine echoed those concerns, noting that instability during ceasefires often delays relief deliveries and exposes vulnerable communities to further danger.
Markets, energy, and geopolitical risk
The renewed uncertainty has fed directly into global risk sentiment. Energy traders are closely watching developments as cold weather boosts demand across Europe, while investors remain alert to supply disruptions and infrastructure damage. Analysts say any perception that hostilities are escalating again could drive volatility in gas and power markets, already sensitive to seasonal pressures.
Beyond commodities, the episode underscores the fragility of diplomatic breakthroughs in active conflict zones. For financial markets, the Ukraine war continues to act as a macro risk factor, influencing defence spending, fiscal priorities, and regional investment flows.
A fragile moment
Zelenskyy concluded by urging international partners to intensify monitoring and maintain pressure on Moscow, arguing that words must now be matched by actions. “A ceasefire only matters if it is respected,” he said, adding that Ukraine remains open to diplomacy — but not at the expense of its territorial integrity or civilian safety.
As freezing temperatures grip the country and frontlines remain active, the latest accusations highlight how quickly tentative progress can unravel. Whether the Trump-brokered truce can be salvaged now depends on verification, accountability, and the willingness of all sides to prioritise humanitarian needs over battlefield advantage.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 4 February 2026
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