Putin meets US envoys as 72-hour war pause begins

Russian President Vladimir Putin met US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin, praising Trump's efforts to end the 4-1/2-year Ukraine war. Putin ordered the military not to strike Kyiv for three days starting at midnight. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy said Ukraine would refrain from strikes on Moscow for 72 hours. A vast gulf remains between Russia and Ukraine on ending the conflict.

There is no chance of reaching an agreement regarding the front line until Putin finishes securing the remaining part of the Donetsk region.