Pavlo Klimkin explains why Putin’s ceasefire is merely a maneuver for the West

Putin’s announcement of a so-called “ceasefire” for May 9 aims to create the illusion of a Kremlin-led initiative, but it lacks any genuine intent to halt hostilities.

This opinion was expressed by former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin on Ukrainian Radio.

Klimkin recalled that the White House had already articulated Donald Trump’s clear stance: it supports only a complete, reliable, and lasting ceasefire, not temporary actions tied to Russian holidays. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has expressed a similar position — Kyiv is ready to support only a genuine end to hostilities, not symbolic “pauses” for parades on Red Square.

“Putin wants to show that he holds the initiative. This is very important to him; it’s a signal to the Americans and Europeans. But it’s not a particularly strong signal, as everyone can see the satellite imagery. In other words, it’s all just talk we’re familiar with,” Klimkin explained.

He also noted that the ceasefire announcement coincided with Trump’s growing frustration over the lack of quick results. For the current U.S. President, it is critical to show some progress in Ukraine-related negotiations by early summer, otherwise he will face pressure with questions about new deadlines.

Klimkin further emphasized that Trump seeks to reset relations with Putin not out of personal affinity but due to strategic interests:

“Trump wants to reset relations with Putin. And he needs this not because he loves Putin so much, but because there are strategic issues — strategic arms, the Middle East, and other aspects.”

At the same time, he points out that Trump is currently using the available levers of influence on Russia sparingly, although the U.S. still has significant opportunities to pressure the Kremlin, particularly through economic sanctions.