In a strategic move aimed at reigniting peace negotiations, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a temporary suspension of military strikes on Kyiv, set to last for 72 hours. This pause coincides with the visit of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow. The diplomatic mission seeks to breathe new life into the stalled peace talks designed to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, announced that the cessation of strikes would commence at midnight, indicating that it is in preparation for the U.S. envoys’ anticipated visit to Kyiv. This development aligns with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s appeal for a temporary halt in airstrikes during the U.S. delegation’s visit, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the diplomatic mission.
Upon their arrival in Moscow, the U.S. envoys were received by Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Their visit is occurring against a backdrop of waning diplomatic initiatives to resolve the conflict, which have seen a noticeable decline alongside a surge in hostilities. Russian military forces have intensified their use of drones and missiles on Kyiv and other urban centers in Ukraine, while Ukrainian forces have continued to target Russian military sites, oil refineries, and other critical infrastructure.
President Zelenskiy reported that Russian forces have recently executed overnight strikes near Kyiv and Boryspil international airports. He implied that these attacks might be linked to the logistical arrangements for the U.S. delegation’s intended journey to Ukraine. As both sides continue to engage in fierce combat, the deployment of drones and missiles has become increasingly prevalent in the ongoing conflict.