Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov participates in a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Belarus at the Kremlin in Moscow on Thursday.
Maxim Shemetov/AFP via Getty Images
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Maxim Shemetov/AFP via Getty Images
As U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff begins discussions with Russian officials in Moscow regarding a Trump administration proposal for a 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine has already agreed to, President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, has rejected the proposal.
During an appearance on Russian state television, Ushakov characterized a 30-day ceasefire as merely a “breather” for Ukrainian troops, emphasizing that Moscow is advocating for genuine peace negotiations.
Ushakov reiterated Russia’s conditions: Ukraine must acknowledge Russia’s annexation of Crimea and four southeastern regions, withdraw its forces from territories claimed by Russia, and pledge to never join NATO. He expressed hope that the United States understands Russia’s stance and believes they will consider it while cooperating in future endeavors.
Additionally, Moscow is seeking restrictions on Ukraine’s military capabilities, protections for Russian-speaking individuals, and elections to replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have retaken much of the territory lost during last summer’s Ukrainian offensive in Russia’s Kursk region.
The United States has restored military assistance to Ukraine following ceasefire talks held on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. President Trump, advocating for a ceasefire, cautioned Russia about financial repercussions should Putin resist.
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