Ukraine War Briefing: Zelenskyy Air Truce as US Envoys Visit 2026

The Ukraine war briefing highlights President Zelenskyy's call for an air truce as US peace negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff travel to Kyiv via Moscow.

US Envoys to Visit Kyiv After Moscow

Two US peace negotiators will visit Ukraine on Sunday after visiting Moscow, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday. Ukraine’s president said Kyiv would guarantee the safety of Russian airspace during the visit of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow, after which they are expected to travel on to Kyiv.

He called on Russia to also halt its air attacks on Ukraine during the negotiators’ visit. Donald Trump, the US president, said: “We have an idea for peace … I sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, two great negotiators.” The New York Times reported that Washington has asked both sides for a ceasefire during the envoys’ visit.

Who Are the Negotiators?

Kushner is Trump’s son-in-law, and Witkoff deals in real estate. Their mission underscores the US administration's direct involvement in seeking a resolution to the conflict.

Russian Drone Strike on SBU Headquarters

The headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU intelligence agency took a direct hit from a Russian drone on Friday, Amy Hawkins reports from Kyiv. Zelenskyy said he had instructed the SBU to deliver an “appropriate, tangible response” to the strike, while the foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, described it as a “major escalation”.

Zelenskyy said: “The drone was aimed directly at the office of the head of the security service in that building.” At least nine people were injured in Friday’s strike, according to Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko.

Impact on Civilian Safety

The attack on the SBU building, located in a populated area, raises concerns about civilian casualties and the broader security situation. The call for an air truce is seen as a crucial step to de-escalate tensions during the diplomatic visit.

Air Tanzania Suspends Moscow Flights

Air Tanzania said it was suspending flights from Dar es Salaam to Moscow from Friday, becoming the first airline to do so after Zelenskyy warned this could affect international travel.

This move reflects growing international pressure on Russia and the ripple effects of the conflict on global aviation.

Key Takeaways from the Ukraine War Briefing

• Zelenskyy proposes an air truce to facilitate safe passage for US envoys.
• US negotiators Kushner and Witkoff will visit Kyiv after Moscow.
• Russian drone strike hits SBU headquarters, injuring at least nine.
• Air Tanzania suspends Moscow flights, signaling economic consequences.

Comparison of Ceasefire Proposals

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