Putin meets US envoys for Ukraine war talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff on Saturday to discuss ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both nations pledged not to target each other's capitals for three days during the negotiations, as the US attempts to reignite discussions aimed at resolving Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two.

Trump's son-in-law Kushner and business associate Witkoff presented what they claimed to be a proposal to bring an end to the war. Putin, addressing the envoys in a Kremlin hall, expressed hope that they would convey their best wishes and gratitude to US President Donald Trump.

The negotiations follow a summer marked by increasing civilian casualties and attacks in Ukraine. Moscow has reportedly aimed to seize the remainder of eastern Ukraine, a goal Putin reiterated. The four-year war, which began in 2022, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions.

The Kremlin announced that Russia would not strike Kyiv during the three-day negotiation period, while Ukraine vowed to halt strikes on Moscow until Monday. Both leaders have previously demonstrated flexibility, with Zelensky offering a truce during Trump's visits and the US president promising to resolve the conflict.

Ukraine has also expressed readiness to refrain from striking Moscow from now until the end of Saturday, and through Sunday and Monday. However, the Ukrainian leader warned that Russia had recently carried out strikes on Kyiv's airports, accusing Moscow of attempting to disrupt the envoys' visit.

This marks the first time that Witkoff and Kushner are set to visit Kyiv since Trump took office, with the US capital imposing a travel ban due to the ongoing war. The envoys are expected to arrive in Kyiv on Sunday, with Trump asserting that their mission would assess whether peace is achievable.

Despite the ongoing conflict, the US president did not disclose the specifics of the plan the envoys carried, though he mentioned that they are experienced negotiators who have worked on ceasefires in Gaza and Iran. Peace talks have been hindered by disputes over territory and the escalation of long-range attacks from both sides.