Zelensky says Ukraine ready to halt strikes on Moscow
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that Kyiv would not carry out airstrikes during the visit of U.S. envoys to Moscow, urging Russia to reciprocate.
Zelensky said Ukraine would ensure the normal functioning of Russian airspace to allow U.S. special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to travel safely to Moscow for talks.
“We will not carry out any airstrikes,” Zelensky said, adding that Russia should also halt its airstrikes during the negotiations.
The remarks came as Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Moscow on Saturday for talks aimed at advancing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Russia also announced a temporary halt to strikes on Kyiv for three days starting Saturday, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
The developments follow continued aerial attacks between the two sides. Russia launched a large overnight attack on Ukraine involving ballistic missiles and 167 drones, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.
Ukraine has also carried out drone attacks against targets inside Russia in recent days, including in the Moscow region and around Sochi. Russian authorities said Ukrainian drones damaged buildings and an industrial facility in the Moscow region on September 3.