Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow as Washington pushes to revive stalled negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
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The meeting lasted more than three hours and was described by the Kremlin as “useful” and constructive, although no major breakthrough was announced. The U.S. delegation reportedly presented ideas for resolving the conflict, but details of the proposals have not been made public.
Putin orders 72-hour pause on Kyiv strikes
Ahead of the talks, the Kremlin announced that Putin had ordered Russian forces to halt strikes on Kyiv for 72 hours, beginning at midnight on September 5. The pause was linked to the visit by Witkoff and Kushner and preparations for their planned trip to the Ukrainian capital.
Putin later said Russia had not agreed to a broader ceasefire with Ukraine, but maintained that the pause was intended to help ensure the safety of the U.S. mediators and facilitate the diplomatic process.
Ukraine has also indicated that it would refrain from airstrikes during the envoys' diplomatic mission, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling for reciprocal steps from Moscow.
US envoys expected in Kyiv
Following their discussions in Moscow, Witkoff and Kushner are expected to travel to Kyiv to meet Zelenskyy. It would mark their first reported visit to the Ukrainian capital as part of the current U.S. effort to restart direct peace negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said the envoys were sent to determine whether there is a realistic path toward ending the conflict. Trump has described Witkoff and Kushner as experienced negotiators and expressed hope that their mission could help produce progress.
Major disagreements remain
Despite the temporary reduction in attacks around the capitals, significant differences remain between Moscow and Kyiv.
Russia continues to demand territorial concessions and has maintained its opposition to Ukraine joining NATO. Kyiv has rejected demands to surrender territory and continues to seek security guarantees and an end to Russian attacks.
The diplomatic push also comes after weeks of intensified aerial attacks. Russia has carried out missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine has expanded long-range attacks against Russian military facilities, oil infrastructure and other strategic targets.
A temporary pause, not a peace deal
The 72-hour pause represents a limited diplomatic opening rather than a comprehensive ceasefire or peace agreement. Fighting has continued along parts of the front line, and both sides remain far apart on the central issues needed to end the war.
For now, attention is focused on the next stage of the U.S. mission in Kyiv and whether the discussions can produce concrete steps toward a wider ceasefire and eventual peace agreement.