Zelensky Seeks Air Truce During US Peace Mission
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a temporary halt to airstrikes by Ukraine and Russia while US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travel to Moscow and Kyiv for talks aimed at exploring a possible end to the war.
Zelensky Proposes Temporary Russia-Ukraine Air Truce
Zelenskyy said Ukraine would refrain from conducting airstrikes while the US representatives hold negotiations in Russia and called on Moscow to reciprocate by suspending its own aerial attacks during the diplomatic mission.
He said the objective was to ensure conditions for constructive talks rather than provide any advantage to Russia. The proposed arrangement is limited to the period surrounding the US envoys’ visits and does not amount to a broader negotiated ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv.
Witkoff and Kushner Head to Moscow and Kyiv
US President Donald Trump confirmed that Witkoff and Kushner would travel to Moscow before heading to Kyiv, saying they were carrying a proposal intended to end the war.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine had received details of their schedule from the US side and expected the two envoys in Kyiv on Sunday. Their visit would be the first by both men to the Ukrainian capital, although they have previously held talks with Russian officials in Moscow.
Ceasefire Proposal Comes Amid Renewed Russian Strikes
The diplomatic initiative comes as fighting continues. A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU security service in central Kyiv on Friday, with Ukrainian authorities reporting 12 people wounded.
Zelenskyy said the drone had targeted the office of the SBU leadership. Russia has not agreed publicly to Ukraine’s proposed temporary air truce, leaving it unclear whether the pause will be observed by both sides during the US-led diplomatic effort.
