Russia has expressed skepticism regarding a United States proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, suggesting that such a pause would merely serve as a temporary respite for Ukrainian forces. Yuri Ushakov, President Vladimir Putin’s top foreign policy aide, conveyed this sentiment during discussions with U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.

The U.S. proposal, which Ukraine has agreed to in principle, aims to halt the ongoing conflict that has persisted for over three years. Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, arrived in Moscow to engage in talks with President Putin, indicating a continued effort to broker peace.

President Trump has expressed hope that Russia will accept the ceasefire to end the “bloodbath,” emphasizing his willingness to impose severe financial sanctions on Russia should it decline to negotiate. He stated, “I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don’t want to do that because I want to get peace.”

Despite these overtures, Ushakov underscored Russia’s position, stating that the proposed ceasefire would only provide a temporary advantage to Ukrainian military forces. He emphasized the need for a long-term peaceful settlement that addresses Russia’s legitimate interests and concerns, cautioning against actions that merely simulate peaceful intentions.

The Kremlin’s firm stance suggests that Russia’s recent battlefield gains have strengthened its position in any forthcoming peace negotiations. The situation remains complex, with both sides holding divergent views on the path to a sustainable resolution.