Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions with U.S. diplomats Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin to reinvigorate efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both sides agreed to halt aerial attacks on each other’s capitals during the talks.
The U.S. initiative to end the conflict has slowed down due to the focus on the Iran situation, with Witkoff and Kushner last visiting Moscow in January for discussions with Putin. They are set to visit Kyiv on Sunday as part of the peace process.
At the meeting in Moscow, Putin conveyed his regards to President Trump through Kushner and Witkoff, highlighting the complexity of the situation in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022.
Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that Putin ordered a three-day halt to strikes on Kyiv starting at midnight. In response, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was ready to refrain from striking Moscow until Monday.
As peace talks stall, Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv and other cities, taking advantage of Ukraine’s limited air defense capabilities. Recent strikes have targeted key government buildings and military facilities in Ukraine, while both countries have engaged in an escalated air war along the front line.
Zelenskyy mentioned that Russian strikes on Ukrainian airports were likely in response to the planned U.S. delegation visit. He assured that their operation would adapt to the changing situation to maintain diplomatic efforts.
In separate attacks, Russian forces caused casualties and damage in Ukraine’s regions, prompting responses from emergency services. The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides reporting casualties and damage in the ongoing hostilities.