What happened
Kremlin spokesman Peskov announced on September 5 that President Putin had directed a three-day suspension of air strikes on Kyiv, effective from midnight, according to Russian news reports.
Peskov linked the pause to U.S. meetings with Kyiv and their preparatory work, and confirmed Putin would meet President Trump's special envoy Witkoff and son-in-law Kushner that day. He cautioned that discussing new crisis-resolution plans was premature.
The envoys' plane landed in Moscow at noon, with a expected visit to Kyiv afterward. Separately, reports emerged that Ukrainian defense forces had been ordered to hold fire from September 5-8, and President Zelensky said Ukraine would stop striking Moscow until September 7.
Why it matters
The synchronized halts on air strikes and strikes suggest both sides may be testing a diplomatic window, even if the Kremlin downplays immediate peace plans.
The order's explicit connection to U.S.-bilateral meetings signals that Moscow may be trying to create a favorable climate for the envoys' talks, though Peskov stressed it is too early to discuss new proposals.
Key facts
Putin ordered a three-day halt to air strikes on Kyiv starting midnight, as stated by Peskov on September 5.
The air-strike pause is linked to U.S. meetings with Kyiv and related preparations.
Putin was confirmed to meet Witkoff and Kushner on September 5; their plane arrived in Moscow at noon.
After Moscow, Witkoff and Kushner are expected to visit Kyiv.
Ukrainian forces reportedly received orders for a ceasefire from September 5 to September 8.
Zelensky announced Ukraine would stop strikes on Moscow from September 5 to September 7.
What to watch next
Whether the three-day pause on air strikes remains in effect and whether both sides extend their unilateral ceasefires.
The tone and outcomes of the U.S. envoys' meetings in Moscow and Kyiv, especially any hints of new settlement plans.
Any official statements from the Kremlin or Ukrainian leadership following the diplomatic contacts.