Putin Holds Talks with US Envoys on Ukraine Peace

Russian President Vladimir Putin began talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Saturday evening at the Kremlin regarding an end to the war in Ukraine. At the start of the meeting, he described the situation they are to address as "difficult". The Kremlin is expected to release the results of the talks after they conclude.

Putin said that contacts between Moscow and Washington are always beneficial and that Russia welcomes cooperation with both envoys. Witkoff conveyed greetings from US President Donald Trump. Putin returned the greetings and asked the envoys to convey his thanks to Trump as well. Witkoff also expressed gratitude for the ceasefire during the US delegation's visit.

Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Moscow on Saturday and are expected to visit Kyiv on Sunday. Trump had already indicated on Friday that the United States has a new, concrete proposal to end the war, but he gave no details.

In connection with the envoys' visit, Putin ordered a three-day halt to attacks on Kyiv starting at midnight on Saturday. He also promised to do everything possible to ensure the negotiators' safety. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv is prepared to refrain from attacking Moscow until Monday and expects Russia not to attack the Ukrainian capital.

(Reuters, lud)