Explainer: Will Russia Accept a US-Backed Ceasefire in Ukraine, or Is a Long-Term Deal the Only Option?

A top Russian official has cast doubt on a proposed US-backed ceasefire in Ukraine, arguing that it would serve only to give the Ukrainian military a break rather than lead to a lasting peace. The statement comes as American special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow to brief Kremlin officials on Washington’s latest peace initiative.

Kremlin aide Yuriy Ushakov made Russia’s stance clear ahead of the diplomatic talks, revealing that he had communicated Moscow’s position to US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz in a phone call on Wednesday.

“I outlined our position that this is nothing more than a temporary respite for the Ukrainian military and nothing more,” Ushakov told Russian state media. “We believe that our goal is a long-term peaceful settlement. That is what we are striving for.”

While Moscow has previously ruled out temporary ceasefires, Ushakov’s remarks mark the first direct response from a senior Russian official since US and Ukrainian negotiators met in Saudi Arabia earlier this week. At that meeting, Kyiv tentatively agreed to consider a 30-day US-backed ceasefire that would cover the entire front line.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov struck a more measured tone earlier Thursday, saying that Russia would wait to receive direct details from the US delegation before finalizing its position.

Beyond the ceasefire proposal, tensions are flaring over the potential deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine – a scenario that Russia has repeatedly deemed unacceptable.

Ushakov claimed ahead of Thursday’s discussions that the US and Russia share the view that “there can be no talk about NATO in the context of the Ukrainian settlement and in the context of Ukraine’s future.”

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova went even further, warning that Moscow would not tolerate any foreign military presence in Ukraine, regardless of the circumstances.

“For us, it is absolutely unacceptable to deploy units of the armed forces of other states in Ukraine under any flag, whether it be a foreign contingent, military bases, or some peacekeeping operations,” Zakharova said, adding that Russia would respond “with all available means.”

Trump: “It’s Up to Russia Now”

As diplomatic efforts unfold, US President Donald Trump suggested that responsibility for ending the war now rests with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We’re going to have to see. It’s up to Russia now,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday. However, he declined to confirm whether a direct meeting with Putin was on the horizon.

Explainer: What’s at Stake in These Talks?

This latest round of diplomacy between Russia and the United States comes at a pivotal moment in the Ukraine war. While the US-backed 30-day ceasefire proposal aims to reduce hostilities, Russia remains deeply skeptical, fearing it could allow Kyiv to regroup militarily.

The question of foreign troop deployments – especially any NATO involvement – further complicates peace efforts, with Moscow signaling it views such a move as a direct provocation.

As Witkoff meets with Russian officials, the world will be watching to see whether diplomatic engagement can bring meaningful progress, or if the battle lines remain firmly drawn.