As a brief lull in Russian attacks on Kyiv and other cities is about to end, Ukraine is in a hurry to beef up its air – defense systems. Military and diplomatic experts caution that this move might have little impact on the battlefield situation and could ultimately strengthen Moscow’s position in negotiations.
Earlier on Friday, the President said at the White House, “I believe we’re very close to reaching a settlement,” showing optimism about the upcoming Russia – Ukraine talks. “Zelenskyy and Putin dislike each other, which makes things very difficult, but I think we have a good chance of resolving it.”
The Kremlin stated that President Vladimir Putin agreed to a personal request from Trump to stop the airstrikes on Kyiv until February 1 to create what it described as favorable negotiation conditions. Ukrainian officials emphasized that there is no official cease – fire.
As temperatures in Kyiv are expected to drop to minus 26 degrees Celsius starting Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is taking steps to enhance short – range air defenses against drones to safeguard front – line cities in the south and northeast.
“We must strengthen the protection against Russian drones in our cities like Kherson and Nikopol, as well as in the border communities of the Sumy region, where the Russians have basically been carrying out a continuous ‘hunt’ for civilians,” Zelenskyy posted on Telegram.
Despite the pause, Russian lawmakers and regional leaders have publicly called for an escalation. Russian parliament speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said that deputies are advocating for the use of more powerful “retaliatory weapons,” while Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said he is completely against negotiations.
In this context, experts told Digital that the pause seems more symbolic than having a real transformative effect.
Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward, a retired Navy SEAL and former deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, said that the halt in strikes reflects rather than a change in military strategy.
“It’s symbolic in the context of the dialogue and the stage of the negotiations,” Harward told Digital. ” wants to demonstrate to the U.S. that his relationship with Putin yields results. This validates that relationship, which could indicate the progress of the overall negotiations to end the war.”
Carrie Filipetti, the executive director of the Vandenberg Coalition and a former senior State Department and U.S. Mission to the United Nations official, said that should not be misinterpreted as a step towards peace.
“While I’m sure Ukrainian civilians welcome any short break, they’re not getting their hopes up because Putin’s war machine won’t stop until his assessment of the risks of continuing the war changes,” Filipetti said.
She also pointed out that the short – lived nature of the pause leaves Ukraine vulnerable.
“Given how short the pause is and Russia’s duplicity in saying it agreed to a week – long pause that will end in two days, this doesn’t significantly change the situation on the battlefield,” she said.
Harward said that once the pause ends, Ukraine could face diplomatic repercussions.
“The risk for Ukraine is that this further weakens and isolates its role and position in the negotiations,” he said.
Zelenskyy has also warned that Ukraine’s ability to protect civilians has been strained due to delays in . He said that European allies delayed payments under the PURL weapons purchase program, leaving Ukraine without Patriot air – defense missiles before recent Russian strikes that cut off power in parts of Kyiv.
“This is a crucial issue for protecting civilians, Ukrainian cities, and Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the extremely cold winter months,” Filipetti said. “As President Zelenskyy has said, if there aren’t enough Patriot missiles to defend against Russia’s ballistic missiles, civilians will have no electricity and thus no heat.”
Harward noted that the problem extends beyond Ukraine.
“Air defense has been in high demand globally, considering the ,” he said. “Resources, costs, and the increased time needed to deliver and implement the capabilities add to the challenge.”
Regarding whether the pause could lead to broader de – escalation, both experts were cautious.
“This tactical pause only serves to strengthen Russia’s negotiating position,” Harward said. “Putin is showing the world that he is willing to listen and respond. In return, he’ll want more support for his position and demands.”
“Only time will tell,” Filipetti said. “Diplomacy often seems fruitless until a real agreement is reached. If this short pause, brought about by President Trump’s continued engagement and pressure on Putin, can be used to build additional , that would be a very positive outcome.”
Reuters contributed to this report.