Russian officials expressed strong resistance to a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine on Thursday, as U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow to present the plan.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov dismissed the ceasefire proposal, stating it would only serve as 'a temporary respite for the Ukrainian military, nothing more' [2]. The response comes after Ukraine agreed to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan earlier this week.

President Trump has threatened 'devastating' financial consequences if Russia refuses to accept the deal [2]. However, multiple Russian sources indicate President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to agree to the terms in their current form, citing Russia's perceived military advantages [1].

Putin made a symbolic visit to the Kursk region on Wednesday, appearing in military fatigues to review operations against Ukrainian forces there. The visit was widely interpreted as a signal of his intent to continue military operations [1,2].

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that 'Russia's position is not formed abroad through agreements or efforts by other parties' [1]. The Kremlin has indicated it will likely counter with its own conditions, including demands to halt future military support for Kyiv [2].

The diplomatic tensions come as Russian forces claim to have regained control of 86% of previously occupied territory in the Kursk region [1]. Meanwhile, Russian military bloggers and nationalist channels have strongly criticized the proposed ceasefire, arguing it would only benefit Ukraine's military reorganization [1].

Sources within the Russian government revealed to The Moscow Times that Russia is seeking to arrange a personal meeting between Trump and Putin in a third country in April or May, suggesting ongoing diplomatic efforts despite public resistance to the ceasefire proposal [1].