The White House has declared that United States President Donald Trump supports a permanent end to hostilities in Ukraine, rather than a limited or symbolic pause in response to a proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin for a short ceasefire.
Speaking at a press briefing on 28 March, White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt confirmed the position of the US administration. “He wants to see a permanent ceasefire,” Leavitt stated, referring to President Trump’s stance. She added that Putin had proposed a temporary truce earlier that morning, which the White House sees as insufficient and lacking in genuine intent.
Putin’s proposal suggested a ceasefire from 8 to 11 May, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. However, Ukrainian officials have strongly criticised the idea, warning that it is another instance of Russian manipulation under the guise of diplomacy.
Ukraine believes that the proposal is part of a wider Kremlin strategy to secure a pause in Ukrainian attacks, particularly missiles and drones, ahead of Russia’s propaganda events on 9 May. That day holds significant symbolic importance for Russia, as it commemorates the Soviet victory in World War Two, often with elaborate public ceremonies.
It is likely and even convenient for Russia to seek calm skies free of Ukrainian strikes on that day, especially as dignitaries and foreign guests may be visiting. For a country under war economy and international isolation, creating the illusion of strength and stability on a day of national pride would serve both military and political goals.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Counteracting Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, dismissed the move as a calculated tactic. “Everything that is not a comprehensive ceasefire is a Russian manipulation for informational and military purposes,” Kovalenko posted.
He accused the Kremlin of using the temporary truce as cover to regroup forces, deceive international observers and avoid deeper accountability for its ongoing war against Ukraine. Kovalenko warned that such gestures should not be trusted, as they serve only to further Russian military objectives and influence campaigns.
Russia’s announcement also included a threat that any violations of the proposed truce would be met with an “adequate response”, a phrase Ukrainian officials view as a signal of continued aggression rather than a step towards peace.
Ukraine remains sceptical of any Russian ceasefire offers that fall short of a full withdrawal and permanent halt to hostilities. The government in Kyiv maintains that any genuine effort at peace must involve a total and unconditional cessation of violence by Russian forces.
Putin’s attempt to reframe the war as an occasion for ceremonial pauses has failed to convince Ukraine or its Western allies, who are demanding real, lasting solutions instead of staged shows of restraint.
