Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions with U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin on Saturday to revive efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both sides had agreed to a temporary ceasefire on their respective capitals during the talks as aerial attacks intensified.
The U.S. efforts to end the conflict had slowed down due to the focus on the Iran situation in recent months. The last known meeting between Witkoff, Kushner, and Putin was in January. The envoys are scheduled to visit Kyiv on Sunday, marking their first involvement in the peace process in Ukraine’s capital.
During the Moscow meeting, Putin conveyed warm wishes to former President Donald Trump through Kushner and Witkoff. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation in Ukraine, which saw a full-scale Russian invasion starting on February 24, 2022.
The Russian President ordered a three-day halt to strikes on Kyiv, starting from midnight, as confirmed by presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reciprocated by offering to pause strikes on Moscow until Monday, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue with the U.S. delegation.
The ongoing peace talks have faced challenges amid increased attacks by Russia, particularly on Kyiv, exploiting Ukraine’s limited air defense capabilities. Notably, a significant government building in Kyiv was hit by a Russian drone strike, affecting Ukraine’s security operations.
The conflict has escalated with both sides engaging in air warfare, resulting in civilian casualties and damages to vital infrastructure. The intensification of attacks has posed challenges for progress along the front line, with Russia employing advanced drone technology and Ukraine targeting key military and economic facilities.
Zelenskyy highlighted that recent strikes on airports in Kyiv were in response to the U.S. delegation’s visit preparations. He asserted Ukraine’s commitment to adjusting operations to mitigate threats posed by Russian actions, ensuring diplomacy remains unaffected.
The violence has caused civilian casualties and infrastructure damage in various regions, underscoring the humanitarian impact and economic consequences of the conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have reported casualties and destruction, further exacerbating the already dire situation in the region.
Efforts to de-escalate the conflict and resume peace talks remain crucial as the situation continues to deteriorate, with both sides facing challenges in finding a lasting resolution.