Putin's aide casts doubt US ceasefire proposal as envoy Witkoff arrives in Moscow

A senior Russian official has cast doubt on the U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, shortly before American special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow to brief Kremlin officials on the peace plan.

Yuriy Ushakov, a presidential aide, stated on March 13 that Russia is not in favor of a temporary ceasefire, describing it as a mere “respite” for the Ukrainian military, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

Ushakov explained Russia’s position in a phone call with U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz on March 12, ahead of the scheduled talks.

“This is nothing more than a temporary respite for the Ukrainian military, and nothing more,” Ushakov told Russian state media, signaling Moscow’s strong opposition to the U.S. initiative before the discussions began. “We believe that our goal is a long-term peaceful settlement. That is what we are striving for.”

The Russian position directly contrasts with the U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, which emerged from recent discussions between the United States and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. Kyiv has reportedly accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal that would cover the entire frontline, as part of efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, speaking earlier on March 13, reiterated that Russia would formulate its official position only after receiving direct information from the American side.

In addition to rejecting the ceasefire, Ushakov also reiterated Moscow's stance that discussions on Ukraine's future cannot involve NATO, a contentious issue that has remained central to Russia's grievances with the West.

By Khagan Isayev