Russia has rejected a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with Yuri Ushakov, a senior aide to President Vladimir Putin, emphasising Moscow’s preference for a long-term peace agreement that considers Russia’s strategic interests, reports Financial Times.
Ushakov described the temporary ceasefire as “nothing other than a temporary breather for Ukrainian troops” and stated, “Nobody needs steps that imitate peaceful actions in this situation.”
Russia demands for lasting peace
Russia’s demands for a lasting settlement include Ukraine recognising Russia’s annexation of four southeastern regions and Crimea, withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from those areas, and a pledge never to join NATO. Additionally, Moscow is pushing for limitations on Ukraine’s military, protections for Russian-speaking communities, and fresh elections to replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia also seeks the rollback of NATO’s eastward expansion since the Cold War.
US-Russia diplomatic engagement
Amid these tensions, a plane linked to Steve Witkoff, a US special envoy, landed in Moscow. However, Ushakov clarified that Witkoff is not the primary envoy and that future diplomatic engagements would be “of a closed nature.” He conveyed to US national security adviser Mike Waltz that Russia’s goal is “a long-term peace agreement that takes into account our well-known concerns.”
Russia retaking parts of the Kursk region
Meanwhile, Russia has made gains in retaking parts of the Kursk region. Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s chief of general staff, reported reclaiming 86% of territory seized by Ukraine and capturing 400 soldiers. The US, after recent talks in Saudi Arabia, restored military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Former President Trump warned Russia of potential financial consequences if it rejected a ceasefire, stating, “Hopefully we can get a ceasefire from Russia.”