Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has mandated a temporary cessation of strikes on Kyiv for 72 hours, coinciding with the arrival of a US delegation, as reported by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov to Interfax.
According to France24.com, the pause in hostilities aligns with the visit of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow, aimed at reviving negotiations to end Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The diplomatic effort comes as both nations have intensified their aerial offensives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reciprocated the gesture by halting Ukrainian airstrikes during the high-profile visit, urging Russia to maintain the ceasefire.
The US initiative to mediate peace has been overshadowed by its focus on tensions with Iran, as the conflict in Ukraine stretches into its fifth year. The American envoys were greeted in Moscow by Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who welcomed them as "Peacemakers" on social media.
This visit marks the first by Witkoff and Kushner since they last met with Putin in January. While they have not yet visited Kyiv, Zelensky anticipates their presence in the Ukrainian capital imminently.
Amidst these diplomatic maneuvers, Russia has intensified its military actions, targeting key urban centers with continuous bombardments. A recent drone strike on Kyiv's Security Service headquarters underscores the ongoing hostilities despite diplomatic engagements.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated with strikes on Russian military and economic targets, aiming to disrupt the Kremlin's war efforts. The aerial conflict has seen both nations employ advanced drone technology, with air raid sirens becoming a routine part of life in Kyiv.
Zelensky has highlighted Russian attacks on Kyiv's airports, linking them to the US delegation's travel plans, and pledged to adapt Ukraine's operations in response to the evolving threat landscape.
Tragically, Russian attacks have claimed lives in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, including industrial workers, as confirmed by local military administration head Oleksandr Hanzha. Additional strikes have caused civilian casualties and infrastructure damage in various regions, including Kyiv and Mykolaiv.
Russia's Ministry of Defence has acknowledged targeting metallurgical plants contributing to Ukraine's military capabilities, while Ukraine's air force reports extensive drone activity and successful defensive measures.
In response, Ukrainian attacks have also affected Russia's Belgorod region, highlighting the complexity and ongoing nature of the conflict, despite diplomatic efforts to broker peace.