Putin Orders Three-Day Halt to Kyiv Airstrikes as US Envoys Arrive
Russia halts airstrikes on Kyiv for three days as US envoys Witkoff and Kushner land for talks in Moscow and Kyiv.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the military to suspend airstrikes on Kyiv for a three-day period, a move that coincides with the arrival of senior US envoys in Moscow for diplomatic discussions. The envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are scheduled to hold talks in the Russian capital before travelling onward to the Ukrainian capital.
The pause in strikes is seen as a confidence-building measure ahead of the high-level meetings, which are expected to focus on de-escalation and potential pathways toward a ceasefire. The US delegation's itinerary includes stops in both Moscow and Kyiv, indicating a shuttle-diplomacy approach aimed at bridging the two sides.
Neither the Kremlin nor the White House has issued an official statement detailing the agenda, but the timing of the halt suggests a deliberate effort to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue. The development marks a rare moment of restraint in the ongoing conflict, though the temporary nature of the pause leaves room for caution.
Observers note that the success of the talks will hinge on whether both parties can translate the temporary lull into a more durable arrangement. The envoys' travel to Kyiv after Moscow signals that Washington is seeking direct engagement with Ukrainian leadership as well, underscoring the complexity of the negotiations.