Putin Halts Kyiv Strikes for 3 Days Amid US Envoy Talks

In a significant move towards de-escalation, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a three-day halt to all strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, commencing Saturday at midnight. This directive was issued ahead of a crucial visit by US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who arrived in Moscow to engage in high-stakes talks aimed at reviving the stalled peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed the order, emphasizing that the pause was directly linked to the diplomatic mission and the planned meetings in Kyiv. The announcement came as Witkoff and Kushner, carrying a new peace proposal from the Trump administration, began their discussions in Moscow, with a subsequent meeting scheduled in Kyiv. This initiative marks another attempt by Washington to overcome the diplomatic deadlock that has plagued the conflict, Europe's deadliest since World War II. The timing of Putin's order is particularly notable, as it follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement that Russia had indeed struck airports in Kyiv and Boryspil on Friday night. Zelenskyy had attributed these strikes to Russia's reaction to the preparations for the US envoys' potential arrival by air. He further stated that Ukraine would reciprocate by refraining from striking Moscow through Monday, provided Russia observed its halt on Kyiv. The US envoys, who have made previous trips to Moscow as part of earlier diplomatic efforts, are expected to shuttle between the two capitals to facilitate discussions. While the Kremlin has not indicated if the strike halt extends beyond Kyiv, this measure is seen as a critical step to create a conducive environment for the peace talks. The conflict, now in its fifth year, has seen a lull in major diplomatic breakthroughs, with US attention partly diverted by its conflict with Iran. The intensity of long-range missile and drone attacks by both sides had recently pushed civilian casualties to their highest levels since the war began. The previous rounds of US-mediated peace negotiations earlier in the year, held in Abu Dhabi and Geneva, had stalled. This new diplomatic push, involving key figures like Jared Kushner, who has participated in ceasefire talks in Gaza and Iran, signals a renewed effort to find a pathway to peace. Putin, in his opening remarks during the meeting with the US envoys, acknowledged the 'difficult' situation in Ukraine and praised President Trump's efforts to find a settlement. He also noted a decrease in Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia, while simultaneously stating that Russia did not yet agree to a broader three-day ceasefire beyond the one for Kyiv. The news is particularly relevant to India as it underscores the global efforts to resolve major international conflicts, with implications for regional stability and international relations. India, as a significant player on the global stage, has consistently advocated for peaceful resolutions to disputes and diplomatic dialogue. The outcomes of these talks could influence geopolitical dynamics and potentially impact global energy and commodity markets, which have seen volatility due to the conflict. The engagement of US envoys, including Kushner, underscores the significant role of the United States in seeking to mediate an end to the protracted war. The article was published on September 5, 2026, at 22:30:23 IST. The verification process confirms the core claims of Putin ordering a three-day halt on Kyiv strikes and the visit of US envoys for talks. The context provided by related articles corroborates the events, including Zelenskyy's statement on Russian airport strikes and Ukraine's reciprocal pause. The news is categorized under Politics and World News, and is relevant to multiple countries including Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, thus classified as Global. The estimated read time is approximately 7 minutes.

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