Witkoff and Kushner in Moscow; Putin Halts Kyiv Attacks for 72 Hours

Diplomatic Mission to Moscow and Kyiv

US presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner landed at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport aboard a US government aircraft arriving from Helsinki, according to flight and official records. Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, met the American delegation upon arrival. President Trump stated publicly that the envoys are carrying a specific proposal designed to end the conflict. Following their engagements in Moscow, where meetings with Putin were anticipated, Witkoff and Kushner are scheduled to travel to Kyiv on Sunday to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Official records show that while Witkoff and Kushner have made multiple trips to Moscow since Trump returned to the White House, Sunday’s planned stop will mark their first visit to Kyiv.

Kremlin 72-Hour Strike Halt and Rejected Nationwide Truce

In direct response to the impending American delegation visit, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov announced that Putin ordered a 72-hour halt to attacks specifically targeting the Ukrainian capital, effective at midnight. The limited directive applies only to Kyiv, as Russia declined a broader temporary ceasefire proposed by Ukrainian authorities. According to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, military command issued orders for a nationwide “silence regime” across the entire front line starting at midnight on September 5 and running through 11:59 p.m. on September 8. Ukrainas prezidenta biroja vadītājs Kirilo Budanovs apstiprināja, ka priekšlikums nodots Putinam, taču Krievijas vadītājs uz to nesot reaģējis un pamieru īstenot nav izdevies.

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Massive Overnight Aerial Bombardment and Civilian Casualties

Parallel to the diplomatic talks, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched a massive aerial assault involving multiple Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 167 attack drones during the night. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted or neutralized 128 of the incoming drones, though direct impacts were officially confirmed across 23 distinct locations. President Zelenskyy stated that the strikes deliberately targeted airports in Kyiv and Boryspil, noting the timing appeared linked to potential US delegation travel logistics. In Kamianske, located within the Dnipropetrovsk region, a heavy Russian strike on an industrial enterprise resulted in four deaths and left five individuals injured. Local health officials confirmed that three of the wounded remain hospitalized, including a 30-year-old woman in the intensive care unit, prompting city authorities to declare an official day of mourning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the US envoys visiting Moscow and Kyiv?

US President Donald Trump’s special envoys are Steve Witkoff and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Why did the Kremlin declare a 72-hour halt on attacks?

According to Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov, the localized 72-hour directive against Kyiv was ordered in connection with the impending visit of US envoys to Ukraine.

Did Russia accept Ukraine’s nationwide ceasefire proposal?

No. While Ukraine’s Defense Ministry ordered a frontline-wide “silence regime” from September 5 through September 8, Ukrainian officials confirmed that Putin did not respond to the broader ceasefire offer.

What were the casualties from the recent overnight strikes?

Russian missile and drone attacks resulted in at least four deaths and five injuries at an industrial enterprise in Kamianske, situated in the Dnipropetrovsk region.