Russia has officially rejected the proposal for a 30-day temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, advanced by the United States and accepted by Kyiv.
Kremlin diplomatic advisor Yuri Ushakov reaffirmed that Moscow is aiming for a lasting peace agreement, emphasizing that a temporary truce would merely provide a “momentary respite” for Ukrainian forces.
“Our goal is a long-term peaceful solution that considers the legitimate interests of our country and our well-known concerns,” Ushakov stated in an interview with Russian television. The advisor also criticized “actions that imitate peace,” deeming them ineffective at this stage of the conflict. Ushakov added that President Vladimir Putin, during his official visit to Minsk as a guest of Aleksandr Lukashenko, will provide further details on Russia’s stance.
The Kremlin’s decision comes at a time of heightened diplomatic strain. The United States, which negotiated the ceasefire with Ukraine, had hoped that Russia would accept the proposal as a step toward de-escalation. However, the Kremlin made it clear that any agreement must include security guarantees for Russia, including Ukraine’s commitment not to join NATO.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to claim lives and destabilize the region, Russia’s position highlights the complexity of achieving a peace agreement. The international community is watching closely, aware that the future of the war hinges on the ability of all parties involved to reach a lasting compromise.