Moscow: Yuri Ushakov, a senior aide to Russia's President Vladimir Putin, has described a ceasefire proposal presented by the United States and Ukraine as merely a 'temporary respite' for the Ukrainian military.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the 30-day truce plan was characterized by Ushakov as "nothing else than a temporary respite for the Ukrainian military, nothing more," during his appearance on Russia's state television. Ushakov, who serves as Putin's foreign policy aide, emphasized the Kremlin's desire for "a long-term peaceful settlement" that takes into account Russia's "legitimate interests and concerns."

Ushakov's remarks followed a phone conversation with U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. During the call, Ushakov reportedly communicated Russia's stance to the U.S. advisor, as reported by NBC News.

The ceasefire initiative was unveiled by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Ukrainian counterpart at a meeting in Saudi Arabia. This development comes as President Donald Trump's administration pushes for an immediate halt to the hostilities between Kiev and Moscow.

In response, Trump has dispatched his envoy to Russia to discuss the ceasefire proposal and has concurrently issued threats of sanctions against Moscow. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow on Thursday and is scheduled to meet President Putin in a closed-door session, Ushakov confirmed.