The Russia-Ukraine conflict remains at a standstill as Moscow dismisses a 30-day ceasefire proposal from the US. Russian officials claim the plan would only provide temporary relief for Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s envoy, Steven Witkoff, has arrived in Moscow for direct talks with Vladimir Putin, aiming to break the deadlock.
Russia Dismisses US Peace Plan
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov criticized the truce, saying it fails to address Moscow’s concerns. He argued that the ceasefire proposal was rushed and favored Ukraine. “It is nothing more than a short reprieve for Ukrainian forces,” Ushakov stated.
His remarks signal Moscow’s unwillingness to accept a short-term halt in fighting without deeper negotiations. The Kremlin remains skeptical, believing that Ukraine and its allies are using ceasefire talks as a delaying tactic.
US and Ukraine Seek Immediate Halt to Fighting
Ukraine, following discussions with US officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, agreed in principle to the ceasefire. The US presented the proposal to Russia, hoping for a breakthrough. However, Moscow has made it clear that it sees little urgency in freezing the conflict.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that while Moscow is open to discussions, it will not allow foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine. “If deployed, they would be considered direct participants in the war,” she warned.
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Putin’s Reluctance to Pause the War
Putin has consistently rejected temporary ceasefires, insisting on addressing what he calls the root causes of the conflict. Analysts believe he aims to secure major concessions before agreeing to any truce.
Reports from Reuters and Bloomberg suggest that Russia has presented the US with a list of demands to end the war. These likely include:
- Ukraine’s demilitarization
- An end to Western military aid
- A commitment to keeping Ukraine out of NATO
- Recognition of Russian control over Crimea and four annexed Ukrainian regions
Moscow may also revive demands from 2021, including restrictions on NATO’s expansion and military presence in former Soviet states. These conditions could limit the West’s influence and strengthen Russia’s position in Eastern Europe.
Russian Gains Shift the Balance
Moscow’s confidence in negotiations is reinforced by its recent battlefield advances. On Thursday, the Kremlin announced it was in the final stages of expelling Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, which Kyiv had seized last year for leverage in talks.
The Russian military recaptured Sudzha, the region’s largest town under Ukrainian control. Kyiv confirmed an organized withdrawal, signaling shifting momentum on the ground.
Tense Diplomacy Continues
Putin is expected to publicly respond to the ceasefire proposal following talks with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, a close Moscow ally.
For now, Russia sees little reason to halt its offensive, while Ukraine and the US continue to push for peace. With both sides deeply entrenched, the prospect of a lasting ceasefire remains uncertain.
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