Moscow, September 6 — US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Saturday for roughly three hours to discuss American proposals for ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting, which took place at the Kremlin, was described by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov as useful, with the American representatives having prepared seriously for the trip.
Pause in Long-Range Strikes
A significant development emerged from the meeting, as Putin announced a halt to Russian attacks on Kyiv, timed to the American visit. This pause marks the first mutually observed halt on the two capitals in months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to this development by stating that Ukraine was ready to refrain from strikes on Moscow, and expected Russia to reciprocate on Kyiv. Diplomats on both sides have cautioned that the pause is narrow and fragile, but it could be a possible opening toward a permanent arrangement.
Next Steps
Witkoff and Kushner were expected to travel on to Kyiv on Sunday, where they will present the same framework to Ukrainian leaders. This visit will be their first to the Ukrainian capital since the war began. As the situation continues to unfold, the outcome of these talks will have significant implications for the future of Ukraine and the region as a whole.
Looking Ahead
As the diplomatic efforts continue, it remains to be seen whether the pause in long-range strikes will hold, and whether a wider ceasefire can be agreed upon. The next few days will be crucial in determining the course of the conflict.
