The Kremlin is weighing options for a concession to US President Donald Trump that could include an air truce with Ukraine to try to head off the threat of secondary sanctions, even as Russia remains determined to continue its war.

This is essentially a trap, as it shows no intention to end the war,” said Andriy Kovalenko, the CCD director. “On the contrary, Russia aims to prolong the conflict, avoid painful strikes deep within its territory,

Russia and Ukraine have until Friday to reach a ceasefire agreement before the US takes economic action. The deadline was set several days ago when US President Donald Trump sent nuclear submarines to the region after threatening comments from Russia’s former president.