The Kremlin is prioritizing a long-term settlement over a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said on March 13, calling the U.S. truce proposal a "respite for the Ukrainian military."
His remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, reportedly arrived in Moscow for talks on a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will determine Moscow's stance on the idea of a temporary ceasefire later on March 13, Ushakov added.
"We believe that our goal is a long-term peaceful settlement, and we are striving for that, a peaceful settlement that takes into account the legitimate interests of our country and our known concerns," Ushakov said on state television.
Ushakov added that he outlined Russia's position on the ceasefire to U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
"I outlined our position that this (ceasefire) is nothing more than a temporary respite for the Ukrainian military, nothing more," Ushakov said.
https://kyivindependent.com/ushakov-comments-on-ceasefire/
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* Origin: Ukraine News from various sources (2:263/1)