‘Air Ceasefire’: Putin’s Tactic to Mislead Trump and Dodge Sanctions

The Kremlin is reportedly exploring the idea of offering symbolic concessions to the U.S. President Donald Trump, including the possibility of an “air ceasefire” with Ukraine.

According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Moscow hopes to use these gestures to sidestep the threat of secondary sanctions while still demonstrating its resolve to continue the conflict.

According to sources, this week’s visit of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia is seen as a last chance to reach an agreement with the U.S. President Trump – despite the low likelihood of success.

One source indicated that the Kremlin might offer a cessation of drone and missile airstrikes as a gesture of de-escalation on the condition that Ukraine also signs a corresponding agreement.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin firmly refuses to agree to a complete ceasefire, as Russia’s strategic objectives remain unchanged.

It is currently unclear whether such an initiative will be presented with terms that would make it unacceptable to Kyiv and its allies.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose increased tariffs starting Friday on countries – including China and India – that purchase Russian oil and goods.

The aim is to intensify economic pressure on the Kremlin and compel Putin to end the war, which has now entered its fourth year.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has also referred to the topic of the “air ceasefire” in his public statements alongside Putin.

Amid these statements from Russian politicians, a new wave of tension has escalated between Moscow and Washington.

According to American media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to “key regions” following a verbal dispute with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

On July 28, Dmitry Medvedev publicly engaged in a debate on X (formerly Twitter) with the U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who had called for new sanctions against Russia.

In response to Washington’s proposal to reduce the deadline for reaching an agreement on Ukraine from 50 to 10 days, Medvedev described it as a “threat” and a “step toward war” between the U.S. and Russia. Additionally, he insulted both Donald Trump and Senator Graham, referring to them as “old men.”