In brief
Negotiators from the United States are making their way to Moscow as President Vladimir V. Putin considers a cease-fire proposal of 30 days aimed at easing tensions with Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov confirmed that discussions are scheduled to take place, and stressed that a formal response would be given only after these talks. There are indications that Steve Witkoff, President Trump's envoy, is also part of the discussions, having visited Moscow recently to finalize a prisoner exchange. While Ukraine is open to a temporary cease-fire, its enactment hinges on Russia's agreement. Concurrently, President Putin is expected to meet with Belarusian President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, potentially addressing the cease-fire in their public remarks. The meeting occurs amidst intensified Russian military efforts to regain territory in the border region of Kursk.
