Putin orders three-day ceasefire in Kiev to allow meetings with US envoys

Putin said that he did not expect easy talks and that he would explain the situation in the Ukraine war from his point of view. He sent Trump his best wishes and praised the US President's commitment to ending the war. The conversation ended around 10 p.m. German time.

Putin speaks of comfortable cooperation

Putin had previously stated that Witkoff and Kushner now had the trust of the Russian side. "It's comfortable for us to work with them," said the president. Witkoff, in turn, expressed gratitude “that you are welcoming us here today.” For him, the meetings with Putin were among the most memorable of all.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov only confirmed the resumption of negotiations, initially announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Kushner arrived in Moscow. Accordingly, the US negotiators have new proposals in their luggage. Peskov did not give any details. The Kremlin wants to inform the public following the talks.

Three-day ceasefire should allow visits to Kyiv

Putin has ordered a three-day ceasefire in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. It is intended to ensure that Witkoff and Kushner, who have already been to Russia several times for talks, can visit Kyiv for the first time ever. Putin said Russia was doing everything it could to ensure their safe journey.

The previous talks between Putin and Trump's envoys also led to direct negotiations between Russians and Ukrainians. However, they first stalled and then were stopped because Witkoff and Kushner have been preoccupied with Trump's war against Iran in recent months. Since Russia is supporting Iran in the conflict, experts close to the Kremlin speculated whether Witkoff and Kushner might also address the issue of Iran.