A top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Thursday that a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine would do little more than offer a temporary breather to Kyiv’s struggling military. The remarks from Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s key foreign policy adviser, cast doubt on Moscow’s willingness to embrace the plan put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump to halt the three-year conflict.
Speaking to state television, Ushakov said he had conveyed Russia’s stance to U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz on Wednesday, emphasizing that the ceasefire would not address Moscow’s broader goals. “This is nothing other than a temporary respite for the Ukrainian military,” he stated. “We seek a long-term settlement that reflects our legitimate interests and concerns.” Putin’s Aide Dismisses U.S. Ceasefire Proposal
The proposal, which Trump touted on Wednesday as a step toward ending the “bloodbath” in Ukraine, has Kyiv’s support but appears to face resistance from the Kremlin. With Russian forces gaining ground in recent months, Putin may see little need for a pause that could allow Ukraine to regroup. Ushakov hinted that Putin would elaborate on Russia’s position later today, leaving the ceasefire’s fate uncertain.
Trump, who has threatened tougher sanctions on Russia if it rejects talks, dispatched Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow on Thursday to meet Putin. While the Kremlin has signaled openness to dialogue, Ushakov’s comments suggest a deep divide remains between Washington and Moscow over the path to peace.
