Putin Suspends Kyiv Strikes for 72 Hours as US Envoys Meet for Talks

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have departed Russia for Kyiv after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin; GB News described the talks as useful.

President Putin ordered a 72-hour pause in strikes on Kyiv, which began at midnight on Saturday, September 5. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the order, stating that "Putin has ordered that no strikes be carried out against Kyiv." Mr. Peskov's statement was reported by Interfax and the BBC Russian service, which cited him as saying the pause was linked to preparations for the US delegation's visit.

Mr. Witkoff and Mr. Kushner, identified as US special representatives, arrived in Moscow on Saturday, landing at Vnukovo Airport. Mr. Witkoff is President Trump's special envoy, and Mr. Kushner is President Trump's son-in-law. Their visit aims to revive a stalled push to end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, following a monthslong stall in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

The envoys plan to visit Kyiv next, with negotiations expected to focus on resolving the Ukraine conflict. The Independent reported that while strikes on Kyiv are paused, strikes have continued across the rest of the country. Russia stated the US must consider realities on the ground.