Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions with U.S. diplomats Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin in an effort to reinvigorate attempts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The meeting occurred amid escalating aerial assaults from both sides. Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to a temporary halt in strikes on each other’s capitals during the talks.
The U.S. efforts to quell the conflict have faced setbacks due to a shift in focus towards the Iran situation over the past six months. Witkoff and Kushner, who last visited Moscow in January for discussions with Putin, will also travel to Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, for the first time during the peace process.
Putin conveyed warm regards and appreciation to former President Donald Trump through Witkoff and Kushner, describing the situation in Ukraine as complex. The conflict escalated when Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that Putin ordered a three-day halt in strikes on Kyiv, starting at midnight, while Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was prepared to refrain from strikes on Moscow until Monday. The U.S. delegation engaged in discussions with Ukrainian officials following their arrival in Moscow.
As peace negotiations stagnate, Russia has intensified attacks on Kyiv and other cities, utilizing relentless bombardments during daylight hours. Ukrainian retaliatory strikes have targeted Russian military installations, oil refineries, and e-commerce centers to undermine the Kremlin’s war efforts and economy.
The air conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated, with both sides struggling to make headway along the front line. Russia has employed fast-flying drones, and the sound of air-raid sirens has become commonplace in Kyiv.
Zelenskyy linked recent Russian attacks on Kyiv’s airports to the anticipated U.S. visit, emphasizing that Ukraine remained committed to diplomacy despite the challenges. The attacks resulted in casualties and damage to infrastructure in various regions, prompting reactions from both Ukrainian and Russian authorities.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed strikes on key industrial facilities in Ukraine, labeling them as crucial military production suppliers. The ongoing clashes have resulted in casualties and significant property damage in both Ukraine and Russia’s border regions.
The conflict continues to evolve, with both nations engaged in a deadly struggle that shows no signs of abating.