Putin calls Moscow talks with US envoys Witkoff and Kushner 'difficult'

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow on Saturday, describing the discussions as "difficult." The meeting comes as Washington pushes to break a diplomatic deadlock in Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. Following the Moscow talks, the Trump envoys are scheduled to travel to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to obstruct the visit by launching strikes on Kyiv airports and a civilian target in the Dnipro region, killing five people. Putin ordered a three-day halt to strikes on Kyiv ahead of the meeting. The visit marks the first trip to Kyiv by Witkoff and Kushner since Trump returned to the White House. Air travel is unusual as Ukrainian airspace has been closed since the invasion began in February 2022, with most officials arriving by train. US-led diplomatic efforts have stalled recently as Washington's focus shifted to the war with Iran.