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Amid preparations for bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi—scheduled for early February—the information space is buzzing with talk of a temporary halt to strikes on critical infrastructure, dubbed an “energy truce.” There’s no official confirmation yet, but rumors are gaining traction from on-the-ground observations and statements from individual sources.
According to reports circulating in Telegram channels, an oral directive has been in effect since January 29, barring Russian forces from striking energy infrastructure across Ukraine—including targets in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. The restriction reportedly runs until February 3, tied to the Abu Dhabi talks, which Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said could last two days. Peskov declined to comment on the truce reports, stating only: “I cannot comment on this yet.”
In a related development, President Donald Trump claimed during a Cabinet meeting that he personally asked Vladimir Putin not to shell Kyiv and other cities for a week—and that the Russian leader agreed. This statement from the U.S. President adds a new layer of political context to the swirling rumors of an “energy truce.”
This speculation emerged against the backdrop of Kyiv’s dire humanitarian crisis: with frosts down to -25°C forecast, infrastructure damage in areas like Troieshchyna has triggered heating shortages. If real, the truce could be a “goodwill gesture” to ease tensions before talks—part of broader political bargaining to pave the way for deeper diplomatic deals.
Practical observations cited by proponents of the truce theory include a noticeable reduction in the number of downed Ukrainian drones reported in morning summaries and the absence of reports about massive strikes on energy facilities. Skeptics, however, point to the lack of official confirmation and the questionable nature of the primary sources.
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Parallel to the truce discussion, another exchange of fallen soldiers’ bodies took place. On January 29, Russia transferred 1,000 bodies to Ukraine, receiving 38 in return. This is the first such exchange in 2026. In total, over the entire period of such actions, 22,365 bodies have been returned to Ukraine, and 3,333 to Russia.
The events of the past days paint a picture of parallel diplomatic tracks. Though distinct, the concrete body exchange and the speculative “energy truce” coincide in a single aim: to ease tensions before the Abu Dhabi talks.
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“in a related development, president donald trump claimed during a cabinet meeting that he personally asked vladimir putin not to shell kyiv and other cities for a week—and that the russian leader agreed”
– but trump for his part would not bring back maduro or stop war preparations against iran?
good will gestures towards nazis and terrorists… ruaf soldiers will soon march not to kiev but to moskva, to take down gerontocrats that give bjs tô amerikunts!