According to Russian state-owned news outlet Tass, the Kremlin’s foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, is set to meet the United States’s White House Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, today “in a closed format.” This comes as the U.S. has reportedly received the Russian response to the U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire proposal. The response mirrors much of Russia’s past demands but notably has additional demands pertaining to the U.S.-NATO Eastern European force-posture. 
Discussion
Trump’s ceasefire proposal has been officially rejected by Russia. According to the Russian government, the agreement is nothing more than a pause designed to benefit Ukraine. Russia has made it clear that its goal is a long-term deal that meets its demands, including international recognition of the Ukrainian territories it has invaded and occupied.
Yesterday, Trump stated that he would destroy Russia’s economy if his proposal was rejected. Now, we wait to see how the U.S. president will respond to Russia’s refusal. https://video.nostr.build/de9dbbcc2ccfb36266da9d269f7c8e7b83daf9b16e8426e14a30e8edc4635e9d.mp4