Putin orders 72‑hour pause in Kyiv strikes as US envoys arrive in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 72‑hour suspension of Russian strikes on Kyiv on Saturday, coinciding with the arrival of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow. The temporary pause, described by the Kremlin as a “humanitarian gesture,” is intended to facilitate dialogue amid the ongoing conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Witkoff, a real‑estate developer, and Kushner, a former senior adviser to President Donald Trump, were dispatched by the United States to discuss possible avenues for de‑escalation and to explore conditions for a broader ceasefire.

The visit marks a renewed diplomatic effort involving both sides, following previous attempts at negotiated settlements that have stalled. U.S. officials have indicated that the pause will allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Kyiv and provide a window for direct talks between the parties. While the cease‑fire is limited to three days, both Moscow and Washington have expressed a willingness to extend negotiations if the temporary truce proves effective, signaling a cautious but potentially significant step toward reducing hostilities.