Putin Meets Witkoff and Kushner at Kremlin, Says Strikes on Kyiv Halted

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding talks at the Kremlin with U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, discussing the Ukraine conflict, the suspension of strikes on Kyiv and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Putin said Moscow had received an official request through established channels to halt strikes on Kyiv. He stated that Russia had not carried out strikes on the Ukrainian capital since midnight.

The Russian president also said there had been no agreement between Russia and Ukraine on a broader three-day ceasefire. However, he noted that the Ukrainian side had significantly reduced the number of attacks.

Putin said U.S. President Donald Trump had continued his efforts to contribute to a settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He described direct contacts such as the meeting with Witkoff and Kushner as beneficial and said such dialogue could help advance efforts toward a settlement.

The Russian leader noted that the U.S. negotiators would travel to Kyiv following their meetings in Moscow. He also said Moscow was comfortable working with Witkoff and Kushner.

During the meeting, Witkoff described his interactions with Putin as among the most memorable experiences of his life and thanked the Russian president for receiving the U.S. delegation.

Witkoff also conveyed gratitude from the Gilman family to Putin over Gilman’s release. Putin responded that the thanks should instead be directed to President Trump.

Witkoff further conveyed Trump’s best wishes to the Russian president.

The Kremlin talks represent the latest round of direct Russia-U.S. engagement aimed at exploring a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine conflict.