The Kremlin said Putin had ordered Russian forces not to conduct strikes against Kyiv for three days beginning at midnight.
The temporary pause comes as Washington steps up diplomatic efforts to restart negotiations that have struggled to make progress.
The announcement does not amount to a comprehensive ceasefire across the Russia-Ukraine battlefield. Instead, the order specifically concerns Russian strikes on Kyiv during the three-day period.
US Envoys Arrive in Moscow
US special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow on Saturday for discussions on ending the war.
They were met by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, and a meeting with Putin was expected during their visit.
US President Donald Trump has said the envoys are carrying a proposal aimed at ending the war, although he has not publicly disclosed the details of the plan.
Witkoff and Kushner Set to Visit Kyiv
After their meetings in Moscow, the two US representatives are expected to travel to Kyiv on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the planned visit and said Ukraine was also prepared to halt airstrikes during the delegation's trip. He called on Russia to reciprocate.
Fresh Push for a Peace Agreement
The latest diplomatic initiative represents another attempt by the Trump administration to bring Moscow and Kyiv closer to negotiations.
However, major disagreements remain over territory, security guarantees and Ukraine's future relationship with NATO. Russia and Ukraine continue to hold sharply different positions on the conditions for ending the war.
Fighting Continues Despite Diplomatic Efforts
The diplomatic moves come amid continued military escalation.
Zelenskyy said Russia had targeted airports in and around Kyiv shortly before the expected arrival of the US delegation. Both Russia and Ukraine have continued using drones and missiles against military, infrastructure and economic targets.
The three-day pause could provide a limited window for diplomacy, but whether it develops into a broader ceasefire or meaningful peace negotiations remains uncertain.
