Russia’s recent deadly missile strike on Kyiv prompted US President Donald Trump to issue a rare public criticism of Moscow. Days later, Trump had a “nice” meeting Zelensky at the Vatican during Pope Francis’ funeral. Now, to appeal to Trump, Putin has announced a unilateral ceasefire at the battle lines from May 8 to 11. Putin believes that as long as he has the battlefield advantage, he can gain benefits not only in terms of seizing territory, but also in terms of undermining Ukraine’s defense capability and demoralizing the Ukrainian people. n18oc_world n18oc_crux