Putin calls Ukraine situation difficult, praises Trump's peace efforts

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the situation in Ukraine as "difficult" during a Saturday meeting in Moscow with American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to Reuters. Putin praised US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the war. Putin said Trump, understanding the difficult situation, persists in seeking a solution to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The Russian leader was flanked by foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov and investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who met the Americans at the airport and accompanied them to the Kremlin. The Kremlin announced a three-day halt to attacks on Kyiv starting Sunday for the envoys' visit there, with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky promising no strikes on Moscow until Monday. Major gaps remain between Russia and Ukraine on ending the four-and-a-half-year war, with Moscow's position on territorial concessions and NATO membership described as "unwavering."