US delegation lands in Kyiv amid Russia-Ukraine capitals ceasefire

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have landed in Kyiv, as part of an effort to reignite peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. This visit comes after both leaders met in Moscow on Saturday, where they agreed to suspend strikes on their respective capitals while discussions proceeded. The agreement, brokered during the talks, aimed to pause hostilities in a bid to advance peace efforts amidst Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness for a "constructive" dialogue with US representatives, emphasizing the need for peace, security guarantees, and a just and lasting postwar future. He shared his proposals via a Telegram post, indicating preparation for a diplomatic push.

The Moscow meeting, which lasted over three hours, did not yield immediate breakthroughs. Russian Foreign Policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov described the discussions as constructive, frank, and useful, although specific outcomes were not disclosed. Ushakov added that the talks extended beyond the war, delving into economic discussions and potential joint projects between Russia and America.

The push for peace had waned in Washington, with US focus previously centered on the Iran conflict for six months. The last visit by Witkoff and Kushner to Moscow was in January, when they met with Putin at the Kremlin. Since then, both presidents had agreed to a ceasefire, although sporadic fighting continued in various regions.

In the wake of these talks, Russia reported overnight attacks across multiple Ukrainian regions, causing civilian casualties and injuries. Ukrainian air defenses allegedly intercepted 82 drones and six missiles launched by Russia, according to the air force's report. Conversely, Russia claimed to have downed 258 Ukrainian drones across its territory. As the conflict persists, both nations grapple with intensified air warfare, further complicating the already challenging diplomatic landscape.