Putin’s Ally Claims Ceasefire Brings Brief Pause for Ukraine’s Military

Ushakov Says the 30‑Day Ceasefire Is Just a Brief Pause

Ushakov was not playing along. On state TV Thursday he told the world that a one‑month truce is nothing more than a temporary respite for Ukraine’s forces, and that the Russians will keep pushing until a lasting peace—one that protects Russia’s own interests.

US Sends a Diplomatic Sentry to Moscow

The US President dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow to try and nudge the Russians toward that proposed 30‑day pause. “We expect this meeting to be closed‑door,” Ushakov said, giving a nod to the word often used in diplomatic circles when nobody else needs to hear the conversation.

Ushakov “Clears the Air” with the US

“We’re aiming for a long‑term settlement,” he said, painting the picture of a future where both sides feel heard.
When asked about the US national security advisor Mike Waltz, Ushakov reminded him that the ceasefire is only a slight lull, not a full stop.

Emotion, Humor, & One Little Hint of Skepticism

And if you’re wondering whether professionalism took a back seat, you’re right: Ushakov kept it real, adding a dash of dry wit—after all, diplomacy can be a bit of a circus, and sometimes the best performance is a clear, no‑frills “nope.”

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Trump Drops a Reality Check on Moscow

In a high‑stakes showdown, former President Donald Trump has warned Kremlin officials that the war in Ukraine could come back with a heavy punch if negotiations stall. Think of it as a stern “back off” note from the U.S. due to the ongoing conflict.

Why Moscow Might Be a Bit Reluctant to Back Down

Front‑line Confidence: Russian troops are reportedly making headway in the Kursk district, tightening their grip on roughly 20% of eastern Ukrainian territory.
Strategic Gains: Each municipality Moscow claims appears to be a win on the tactical board—especially since Ukraine still sees the annexation as a threat.
Putin’s Play: A ceasefire could bend a little in favour of Ukraine, but the Russian president likely prefers keeping the pressure on, linking morale and political messaging.

The Weight of a Pause

Even if both sides pause for regrouping, it might still be less than ideal. Russia would give Ukraine a breather, whereas Ukraine would get extra time to fortify its own positions. It’s a win–win in the wrong context and on the wrong side of the battlefield.

Kremlin’s Stance on the Five Captured Regions

Last month, the Kremlin issued a blanket statement: no talks on Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson or Zaporizhzhia. The official line? “We claim these because of events in 2022” – a skinny joke that hardly convinces anyone outside Russian borders.

Zelensky: “We’re Not Compromising Our Red Lines”

President Volodymyr Zelensky keeps a tight grip on the narrative: Ukrainian civilians will never endorse Russian control over the occupied hubs, and these territories are “red lines” that can’t be crossed. He reminds the world that this isn’t just a political statement—it’s about the valor of soldiers whose sacrifice represents the fight to reclaim their homeland.

“Our heroes fought for this, and this is why we dismiss any compromise on territorial integrity,” Zelensky confides, framing the war as a matter of nationhood, not a bargaining chip.