KYIV, — Ukraine has ordered its military units to observe a temporary halt in fighting along the line of contact from 00:00 on September 5 until 23:59 on September 8, according to sources cited by Ukrainska Pravda. The reported four-day pause is a Ukrainian proposal, and no formal ceasefire agreement with Russia had been reached.
The report cited sources in several Ukrainian brigades operating in different sectors of the front, along with a senior security official. However, Ukraine's General Staff later said combat operations were continuing because Russia had not agreed to a mutual ceasefire. It said a unilateral ceasefire could put Ukrainian troops at risk.
US Envoys Begin Moscow-Kyiv Mission
The reported pause coincides with a diplomatic mission by U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The two envoys arrived in Moscow on September 5 and were met at Vnukovo Airport by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev. They are expected to meet Russian officials before traveling to Kyiv on September 6.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Witkoff and Kushner were sent with a proposal aimed at ending the war. Trump said he wanted the envoys to determine whether an agreement could be reached. The details of the proposal have not been publicly released.
Ukraine Pledges to Avoid Airstrikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the envoys' planned visit to Kyiv and said Ukraine would not conduct aerial strikes against Russian territory during their diplomatic mission.
Zelenskyy called on Russia to take the same step, saying the measure was intended to protect the U.S. negotiators and allow the talks to proceed safely.
Russian Attacks Continue
The reported Ukrainian pause began while Russian attacks were still being reported. Air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv, and Ukraine's Air Force warned of incoming jet-powered drones. Russian forces also launched ballistic missiles and drone attacks against other Ukrainian areas, including a strike on an industrial facility in Kamianske that killed several people.
Ukraine's military said the absence of a mutual agreement meant its defensive operations continued.
Russia Announces Limited Kyiv Pause
Later on September 5, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered a three-day halt to strikes on Kyiv beginning at midnight.
The Russian measure was linked to the U.S. envoys' visit but applied specifically to Kyiv. It did not establish a broader ceasefire along the front line or cover other Ukrainian cities.
The temporary measures come as Washington attempts to restart negotiations after earlier talks stalled. The four-day Ukrainian proposal and Russia's limited pause around Kyiv have not resulted in a comprehensive Russia-Ukraine ceasefire or peace agreement.
——— End of Article ———
