In a significant diplomatic development, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire, accompanied by a prisoner exchange, following an unexpected intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement, which Trump initially revealed on Truth Social, will halt hostilities from May 9 to May 11, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. As part of this accord, each nation will exchange 1,000 prisoners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the humanitarian importance of retrieving captured soldiers, stating that these efforts took precedence over military actions against Moscow during the annual Victory Day parade. In a post on X, Zelensky expressed gratitude for the “negotiating process mediated by the American side,” crediting Trump and his team for their pivotal role in securing the deal. “Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be brought home,” he remarked.
Confirmation of Russia’s participation in the ceasefire was provided by Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov. Zelensky revealed that he has directed his team to swiftly prepare for the prisoner exchange and appealed to the United States to ensure Russia adheres to the agreement’s terms. This development marks a resolution to a week of conflicting ceasefire proposals from the two nations.
Earlier, Russia had unilaterally declared a ceasefire for May 8-10, aligning with Victory Day. Ukraine, in turn, suggested its own ceasefire for May 5-6. Tensions escalated as both sides accused each other of breaching these proposed ceasefires. The Russian Defense Ministry had even issued a warning of a significant strike on Kyiv’s center if Ukrainian actions on Saturday disrupted the Victory Day festivities.