Putin’s aide rejects US 30-day ceasefire plan, calls it a ‘Respite’ for Ukraine

A senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the United States’ proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, calling it merely a way to give Kyiv’s forces time to regroup.

Speaking on Thursday, Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s top foreign policy adviser and a former ambassador to Washington, revealed that he had communicated Moscow’s stance to US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz during discussions on Wednesday.

“I made it clear that this proposal is nothing more than a temporary pause that would allow the Ukrainian military to recover,” Ushakov said on state television, as reported by Reuters. He added that Russia seeks a long-term peaceful settlement that considers its “legitimate interests and concerns.”

Trump’s Peace Push Amid Moscow’s Gains

The ceasefire proposal is part of US President Donald Trump's broader efforts to broker a peace deal, as Russia continues to make battlefield gains. Concerns are growing that Ukraine, despite Western backing, might struggle to hold its ground.

Adding to the diplomatic activity, Trump’s Middle East special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow on Thursday for talks with Putin. Meanwhile, Russian officials confirmed that the US had shared further details about the ceasefire plan, and Moscow is open to discussions.

Trump Optimistic About Ceasefire Agreement

On Wednesday, Trump expressed hope that Russia would accept the temporary ceasefire, a proposal Ukraine has already agreed to. However, Ushakov hinted that Putin is unlikely to be swayed, emphasizing that Moscow’s current military advantage strengthens its position in negotiations.

Putin is expected to address the media later on Thursday to further clarify Russia’s stance.

Trump’s Warning: Financial Pressure on Russia

While urging for peace, Trump also signaled that he could exert financial pressure on Moscow if necessary.

“I don’t want to harm Russia financially because I want peace,” he stated. “But if needed, we have economic tools that could be devastating.”

With Moscow skeptical of the ceasefire and Washington pushing for a diplomatic breakthrough, the next steps in the ongoing conflict remain uncertain.