MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a temporary pause in strikes on Kyiv as US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow for high-level discussions aimed at advancing diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
The development comes at a sensitive moment in the conflict, with Washington seeking to revive peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. The arrival of the US delegation in Moscow is being closely watched as officials attempt to find common ground on some of the most difficult issues surrounding the war.
According to reports, the temporary pause in attacks is expected to last for three days. The decision comes as preparations continue for the US envoys’ expected engagement with Ukrainian officials following their meetings in Moscow.
US Envoys Arrive in Moscow
Witkoff and Kushner travelled to Moscow as part of the latest US diplomatic initiative. Their visit is expected to include discussions with senior Russian officials and a meeting with President Putin.
The talks are focused on exploring possible steps toward a broader peace agreement and reducing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The US delegation is also expected to travel to Kyiv after its Moscow meetings, where discussions with Ukrainian leadership could provide another opportunity to assess whether the positions of the two sides can be brought closer together.
Temporary Pause in Strikes
Putin’s decision to temporarily halt strikes on Kyiv is being viewed as a possible confidence-building measure during the diplomatic efforts.
A short pause could provide negotiators with additional space to conduct discussions without the immediate pressure of ongoing attacks. However, it remains unclear whether the temporary halt will develop into a longer-term ceasefire.
The conflict has continued for years, with both Russia and Ukraine maintaining significant differences over territory, security arrangements and the future direction of Ukraine.
Major Issues Remain Unresolved
Despite renewed diplomatic activity, several major obstacles remain between Moscow and Kyiv.
Territorial control is one of the most sensitive issues in any potential peace agreement. Russia and Ukraine continue to hold sharply different positions over territory captured during the conflict.
Security guarantees for Ukraine are another major concern. Kyiv has repeatedly sought assurances that it would receive adequate protection against future aggression, while Moscow has raised objections to Ukraine’s potential military and strategic alignment with Western countries.
The question of Ukraine’s relationship with NATO also remains a key point of disagreement.
Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s Position
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been involved in the broader diplomatic efforts and is expected to engage with the US delegation during its planned visit to Ukraine.
Any progress will depend heavily on whether Washington can persuade Moscow and Kyiv to accept compromises on the most contentious issues.
For Ukraine, maintaining its sovereignty and security remains central to any peace settlement. Russia, meanwhile, has continued to push for its own security and territorial demands.
What Happens Next?
The meetings in Moscow could provide an important indication of whether the latest diplomatic initiative has a realistic chance of producing a broader agreement.
If discussions make progress, further negotiations could follow involving Russian, Ukrainian and US officials. If major differences remain unresolved, however, the temporary pause in strikes could end without leading to a lasting ceasefire.
For now, international attention is focused on the meetings between Putin and the US representatives, with hopes that the latest diplomatic effort could create a path toward reducing violence and eventually ending the war.
