"Both Russia and Ukraine have said they will halt strikes on each others' capital cities for three days while the delegation conducts its visit.

Zelensky said on Saturday that he had spoken to the envoys, who have "already begun working with the Russian side today".

"The plan for tomorrow's diplomatic engagements in Kyiv, involving the US team, has been approved. We are waiting for Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and are ready for a substantive conversation," he added.

"From now through the end of Saturday, as well as on Sunday and Monday, Ukraine is ready to refrain from strikes on Moscow, and we expect the Russians to do the same regarding Kyiv."

Russian state media reported that President Vladimir Putin had ordered a halt to strikes on Kyiv for three days due to the US visit."

;;

Vlad's Oligarchs are getting ancy... they don't have a lot of places to run to if the People finally rise up, and the coming full subscription of large numbers of troops might just be the last straw.

"Expectations in Kyiv are extremely low. The Zelenskyy administration believes it is important for them to get a real sense of the impact of Russia's war and is grateful for their visit, which would come after months of efforts to get them to visit the Ukrainian capital.

But senior officials do not expect any breakthroughs, as Russia shows no interest in ending its war and is instead expected to escalate its campaign in the coming months in a bid to pound Kyiv into submission."