Zelensky proposes temporary ceasefire with Russia as US envoys prepare for Moscow, Kyiv visits

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday proposed a temporary ceasefire with Russia, saying Kyiv would refrain from carrying out airstrikes while US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visit Moscow and Kyiv for talks aimed at advancing efforts to end the war.

Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to ensure there were “no airstrikes on our part” during the diplomatic engagements and expected Russia to reciprocate. The proposal comes as Washington seeks security assurances from both sides for the planned visits amid an escalation in aerial attacks between Russia and Ukraine.

Kyiv offers pause

“We will have no airstrikes on our part,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine expected the Russian side to ensure a similar ceasefire without aerial attacks during the talks. Kyiv has previously agreed to temporary restrictions on strikes when requested by international partners to facilitate diplomatic efforts.

The Ukrainian president had said earlier this week that Kyiv observed a pause in attacks on Moscow and St Petersburg on August 25, 26 and 27 after a request from the United States, even as he alleged that Russian attacks on Ukraine continued. He also said Ukraine was prepared to clear specified Russian air routes of drones for limited periods when requested by partners for diplomatic purposes.

US envoys plan visits

Witkoff and Kushner are expected to travel to Russia and Ukraine as Washington continues its attempt to broker an end to the more than four-year war. However, reports indicated that security concerns surrounding the visits were yet to be fully resolved.

The United States has sought assurances that Ukraine would refrain from striking Moscow while Russia would avoid attacks on Kyiv during the envoys’ visits. The diplomatic push comes amid intensified long-range attacks, with both sides increasingly deploying drones and missiles against targets deep inside each other’s territory.

Major differences between Moscow and Kyiv, however, continue to complicate efforts towards a broader settlement. Russia has pressed territorial and security demands that Ukraine has rejected, while Kyiv has insisted that any agreement must safeguard its sovereignty and provide credible security guarantees.

Zelensky has repeatedly said Ukraine is prepared for a ceasefire and negotiations if Russia reciprocates. The latest proposal seeks a limited halt to aerial attacks during the US-led diplomatic effort, rather than announcing a comprehensive ceasefire across the battlefield.