Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions at the Kremlin with U.S. diplomats Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Saturday in an effort to restart the peace process regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both sides agreed to temporarily halt airstrikes on each other’s capitals during the talks.
The U.S. initiative to end the conflict has faced challenges due to the nation’s focus on the Iran war in recent months. Witkoff and Kushner, who last visited Moscow in January for discussions with Putin, will also travel to Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, marking their first involvement in the peace negotiations there.
At the beginning of the meeting, Putin conveyed his regards and appreciation to U.S. President Donald Trump through Kushner and Witkoff, describing the situation in Ukraine as complex. The Russian military launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin instructed a three-day ceasefire on strikes against Kyiv, effective midnight. Zelenskyy reciprocated by announcing a pause in strikes on Moscow until Monday after speaking with the U.S. delegation.
The American envoys were greeted by Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev upon their arrival in Moscow, with Dmitriev posting photos of the meeting with the caption, “Welcome to Moscow Peacemakers.”
As negotiations stall, Russia has intensified its aerial assaults on Kyiv and other cities, taking advantage of Ukraine’s limited air defense capabilities. Recent strikes by Russian drones targeted key government buildings in Kyiv, including the headquarters of Ukraine’s Security Service.
The ongoing air conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated, with both sides struggling to make significant advances along the front line. Zelenskyy condemned Russian airstrikes on Kyiv and Boryspil airports, linking them to the impending U.S. visit.
Amid the intensified attacks, casualties have been reported on both sides, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The conflict has also affected industrial facilities and residential areas in Ukraine, leading to further tensions between the two nations.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides continuing to engage in military actions despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. The international community closely monitors the developments as the Russia-Ukraine war enters a critical phase.
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