In a significant diplomatic development, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, with the agreement facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Announced by Trump on Truth Social, the ceasefire is set to take place from May 9 through May 11 to align with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. As part of the arrangement, each side will exchange 1,000 prisoners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the agreement on X, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the humanitarian need to recover captured troops over military actions against Moscow during the annual parade. “Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be brought home,” Zelensky stated, expressing gratitude to Trump and his team for their pivotal role in the negotiation process.
In Moscow, a Kremlin foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, confirmed Russia’s commitment to the ceasefire. The agreement follows a week of confusion with rival ceasefire proposals from both nations. Initially, Russia had unilaterally declared a ceasefire for May 8-10, while Ukraine countered with its own proposed ceasefire for May 5-6.
Allegations of ceasefire violations had marked the past week, with each side accusing the other of not honoring their respective commitments. The Russian Defense Ministry had even warned of a potential major strike on Kyiv should Ukrainian attacks interfere with the Victory Day festivities.
President Zelensky has tasked his team with preparing for the imminent prisoner exchange and urged the U.S. to ensure Russia adheres to the agreement. This ceasefire marks a temporary halt in hostilities, allowing both nations to focus on humanitarian efforts amidst the ongoing conflict.