Vladimir Putin has rejected the US-proposed ceasefire, with senior officials in the Kremlin warning that such a deal would primarily benefit Ukraine’s military forces. The Russian President’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, voiced his opposition to the ceasefire, calling it “hasty” and suggesting that it would merely offer a temporary respite to Ukrainian forces at a time when Russia is making significant territorial gains in the Kursk region.
In a televised interview, Ushakov stated: “This is nothing more than a temporary respite for the Ukrainian military. Our goal remains a long-term settlement that accounts for the legitimate interests of our country, and our concerns. No one needs steps that merely imitate peaceful actions in this situation.”
When questioned by TV host Olga Skabeeva, also known as Putin’s ‘Iron Doll’, Ushakov refrained from offering a definitive rejection of the ceasefire but implied that the President would soon issue a more concrete statement regarding Russia’s stance. Ushakov had already communicated Russia’s position on the ceasefire to US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
The comments come as Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrives in Moscow to push for a 30-day ceasefire. Ukraine had already agreed to this truce in talks with the US earlier this week, but Moscow has shown no sign of backing down.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration, stating that Moscow’s lack of a “meaningful” response to the proposals demonstrated that Russia was determined to prolong the conflict. He stated in a social media post: “Regrettably, the world has yet to hear a meaningful response from Russia to the proposals made. This once again shows that Russia seeks to extend the war and delay peace for as long as possible.”
In another sign that peace remains distant, the Kremlin issued a stark warning against the deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine, labelling such a move as a “direct armed conflict” with Russia. Moscow has rejected Ukraine’s requests for peacekeeping forces from European allies, stating that the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine would lead to direct involvement in the war.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a press briefing: “It is absolutely unacceptable to us that army units of other states are stationed in Ukraine under any flag. This would be an act of direct armed conflict with our country.”
Meanwhile, US negotiators are in Moscow presenting their proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which was backed by Kyiv earlier this week. President Trump revealed that American envoys were heading to Moscow to discuss the terms with the Kremlin.
Despite US pressure, Russia has continued its offensive, with heavy aerial bombardments in Ukraine’s eastern regions. Putin’s visit to the Kursk region, where Russian forces are close to regaining full control after a Ukrainian counteroffensive last year—has been interpreted as a sign that Moscow intends to continue its military operations. The Kremlin announced that the operation to retake Kursk is in its final stages.
In a rare appearance in military fatigues, Putin vowed to treat Ukrainian soldiers captured in the region as “terrorists” and not as prisoners of war. Footage emerged showing captured Ukrainian troops being humiliated by being forced to chant “Hail to Russia,” a clear violation of international law. Putin also reiterated his demand for a demilitarised zone on Ukraine’s border.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about Russia’s position on the ceasefire, saying Moscow was still awaiting detailed information from the US. He added that decisions would be made after thorough consideration.
Sources close to the Kremlin indicate that Putin is unlikely to accept the 30-day ceasefire in its current form. Russia, which holds the upper hand militarily, is pushing for conditions that align with its previous demands, including the cessation of military support for Ukraine and a halt to the continued presence of foreign troops in the region.
As Moscow digs in its position, European pressure on Putin is intensifying. In Paris, UK Defence Secretary John Healey delivered a strong message to the Kremlin, calling on Putin to accept the ceasefire, engage in negotiations, and bring the war to an end. “The pressure is now on Putin,” Healey stated, urging him to “start negotiations and end the war.”
The UK has committed to spending £4.5 billion on military support for Ukraine this year, the highest amount in history, and is working closely with European allies to secure long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Military discussions between 34 nations are ongoing, and the UK Prime Minister is scheduled to host another meeting on Saturday.
The US is also considering further financial pressure on Russia to compel a peace agreement, though President Trump has indicated that such measures would only be implemented if necessary.
As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen whether Russia will shift its stance or whether the conflict will continue to escalate.
