Russia and Ukraine have confirmed their agreement to a three-day ceasefire brokered by the United States, scheduled to take place from May 9 to May 11. President Donald Trump expressed hope for a potential extension of the ceasefire. The temporary agreement, announced by Trump on his Truth Social platform, includes the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war between the two countries.
Both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of violating previous ceasefire agreements this week, especially as Russia prepares for a Victory Day parade on May 9, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. Trump, who has been frustrated by the lack of progress in resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict, sees the ceasefire as a positive development amidst other challenges, including tensions with Iran.
The ceasefire, as outlined by Trump, entails a cessation of all “kinetic activity” and the mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. Trump expressed gratitude for the agreement by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing the potential for this ceasefire to mark the beginning of the end of a prolonged and deadly conflict.
Zelenskyy, confirming the ceasefire on Telegram, highlighted the prioritization of humanitarian issues in the negotiations mediated by the United States. As part of the agreement, a reciprocal prisoner exchange of 1,000 individuals from each side was established. Additionally, Zelenskyy issued a wry decree permitting Russia’s military parade on May 9 and assuring that Ukrainian weaponry would not target Red Square.
The announcement follows significant discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Miami, with further engagements expected in Kyiv in the near future. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, speaking on behalf of President Putin, indicated Russia’s acceptance of Trump’s initiative, which emerged from telephone conversations with the U.S. administration.
In a conflict that has persisted since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, efforts to achieve lasting peace have faced numerous setbacks. Despite previous ceasefire violations and ongoing hostilities, the agreement reached under U.S. mediation signals a potential breakthrough in the conflict, with both sides cautiously optimistic about the prospects for peace.
