Kyiv‑Washington draft air ceasefire faces Russian caution

Kyiv and Washington are negotiating a draft agreement that would pause aerial attacks on Ukraine. The proposal is being prepared for presentation in Moscow to revive peace talks. Russia’s Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said any comment on the plan would be premature and that any cease‑fire must serve Russian national interests. Russian officials indicated that growing economic pressure from Ukrainian drone and missile strikes could soften President Vladimir Putin’s stance. U.S. envoys, including Steve Whitcomb and Jarrett Kusen, are expected to visit Moscow, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is preparing for a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump on 28 July. Diplomatic channels between Moscow and Washington remain open, but Moscow remains cautious about the initiative.