Lavrov: Russia paused strikes for Witkoff and Kushner's Kyiv visit

On September 8, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia refrained from using force for three days to allow US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to travel to Kyiv. He also said Russia would not abandon negotiations with those who issue ultimatums, and dismissed proposals to revive the Black Sea grain initiative or monitor a moratorium on strikes against civilian ships as unrealistic. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a new visit by Witkoff and Kushner to Kyiv, while US sources expressed doubts about the effectiveness of their mission.