In a move to facilitate revived peace negotiations, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a 72-hour suspension of airstrikes on Kyiv, coinciding with a visit by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow. The Kremlin has linked this temporary ceasefire, which is set to begin at midnight, to the envoys’ upcoming trip to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had also advocated for a halt in airstrikes during this period.
The U.S. delegation’s arrival in Moscow, where they were greeted by Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, marks a significant attempt to rejuvenate diplomatic efforts that have recently stalled amidst escalating conflict. Both nations have amplified their military campaigns, with Russian forces intensifying drone and missile assaults on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine has targeted Russian military installations, oil facilities, and strategic sites with long-range strikes.
President Zelenskiy reported that Russia conducted overnight strikes near Kyiv and Boryspil international airports, suggesting these attacks were linked to preparations for the U.S. delegation’s visit to Ukraine. The temporary cessation of hostilities aims to create a conducive environment for the envoys’ crucial diplomatic mission.
This latest diplomatic initiative unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing fierce battles and increased reliance on drones and missiles by both sides. The visit by Witkoff and Kushner represents a renewed effort to break the deadlock in negotiations and seek a resolution to the conflict that has seen a significant escalation in recent weeks.