Russian dictator vladimir putin is using a unilateral ceasefire to gain informational and military advantage in the war in Ukraine, contrary to US President Donald Trump's goal of using a general ceasefire as a step towards achieving a long-term and sustainable peace agreement in Ukraine.
The US Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports this.
"Putin appears to be opportunistically announcing ceasefires during major religious and military holidays to force Ukraine to agree to a truce or risk appearing intransigent to the West," analysts say.
In addition, it is indicated that the unilateral declaration of a truce also allows putin to divert attention from his rejection of the US-Ukrainian 30-day general ceasefire in March 2025 and maintain the illusion that he is interested in peace negotiations, while maintaining full control over the terms and timing of any ceasefire agreements.
In particular, analysts recall that russian troops took advantage of the Easter truce to shell and scout advanced Ukrainian positions and damage equipment along the front line in preparation for future russian offensive actions.
"... and russian troops are likely to use the Victory Day truce for similar preparatory measures. Putin probably views the Victory Day truce as an opportunity for russian troops to rest before future combat operations on the front in Ukraine," the report says.
As noted by ISW, this is also a way to ensure that Ukraine does not launch any significant long-range strikes on russia during the Victory Day celebrations.
“Putin probably does not view the Victory Day truce as a serious step towards lasting peace in Ukraine,” the analysts added.
As a reminder, on April 28, russian dictator vladimir putin announced plans to declare a new temporary truce from 00:00 on May 8.
The Office of the President of Ukraine emphasized that the ceasefire by the aggressor country of russia must be unconditional.
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