Ukraine orders temporary ceasefire as US envoys visit Moscow. Air raid alert sounds in Kyiv immediately as pause begins
The reported order covers 5–8 September as Washington seeks to restart peace talks after months of stalled negotiations, but Russian attacks continued as the pause was due to begin.
On 5 September, Ukrainian Defense Forces units were instructed to observe a temporary ceasefire from midnight along the line of contact, according to Ukrainska Pravda. The order extends until 8 September, coinciding with a visit to Moscow and Kyiv by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Their purpose is to revive peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Witkoff and Kushner are anticipated to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 5 September, followed by discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 6 September. The ceasefire is set to coincide with the envoys' arrival, though Kyiv issued an air raid alert at the time, citing Russian drone activity over Kyiv and Kharkiv oblasts.
This pause in hostilities arrives after months of impasse in negotiations, with US-mediated talks suspended since February due to the war between the US, Israel and Iran. Subsequent attempts at contact between US, Russian and Ukrainian officials have also been unsuccessful. Zelenskyy assured that Ukraine would provide safe passage for the envoys and requested Russia to halt strikes during the meeting period and related logistics.
The extended ceasefire covers 5–8 September. Despite the diplomatic efforts, Russia persists with its drone campaign targeting Ukrainian cities, and Kyiv remains skeptical of Moscow's commitment to a genuine ceasefire. Ukrainian officials fear Russia may employ negotiations as a tactic to buy time while continuing its military operations.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Ukraine orders 4-day ceasefire — report english.nv.ua
