Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a three-day halt to strikes on Kyiv as US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow for talks aimed at advancing efforts to end the Ukraine war.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin was scheduled to meet the US envoys on Saturday. The visit comes as Washington explores a fresh diplomatic proposal to bring the prolonged conflict closer to a possible settlement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had urged both sides to temporarily suspend air attacks during the diplomatic visit to ensure the safety of negotiators. He said Ukraine would avoid air strikes and called on Russia to take similar steps.
The peace initiative follows a renewed wave of attacks between the two countries. Russia and Ukraine have continued launching drones and missiles, causing casualties and damage across several regions.
Despite the latest diplomatic engagement, major differences remain over territory and Ukraine’s future relationship with NATO.
The outcome of the Moscow talks could determine whether the new US initiative creates an opportunity for renewed peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.