The Guardian: Proposed ceasefire just ‘temporary respite’ for Ukraine says Kremlin aide. It sounds like Njet in advance to Witkoff’s Arrival 

The US delegation under Special Envoy Witkoff has arrived in Moscow today. They aim to have the Russians agree to a 30 days immediate ceasefire.

The Bild News of Germany headline reads that Moscow says “No” to a ceasefire. The Guardian hoping that this is not the last word of President Putin and tries to review differently the Russian answer to a ceasefire.

Moscow’s first reaction was:

“Russia seeks long-term settlement that takes its interests and concerns into account;

Proposed ceasefire is nothing more than temporary respite for Ukrainian forces;

‘No one needs steps that just imitate peace actions’ in Ukraine;

Ukraine joining Nato cannot be discussed in the context of crisis resolution;

Russia hopes the US will take into account its demands.”

As far as this Russian reaction can be interpreted, a ceasefire may not be interesting for Russia, unless more detailed conditions are met. It is not a pure “Njet” but it is a “Nein, aber”.

The US will have to go into some tough negotiations … not with Russia where the demands are clear, but with its proxy Ukraine and its leading European partners.