In a significant diplomatic development, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire lasting three days, alongside a prisoner exchange, following an unexpected intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump. Announced by Trump on Truth Social, the ceasefire is scheduled to occur from May 9 to May 11 to align with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. This agreement includes a mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the agreement on X, emphasizing the importance of recovering captured Ukrainian soldiers over engaging in military actions during Moscow’s annual Victory Day parade. Zelensky expressed gratitude towards Trump and his negotiation team for facilitating the agreement, underscoring the humanitarian priority of the prisoner exchange over potential military strikes on Moscow.
The Kremlin also confirmed its participation in the ceasefire through a statement from foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov. President Zelensky has tasked his team with swiftly organizing the prisoner exchange and has called on the United States to ensure that Russia complies with the terms of the agreement.
This development concludes a perplexing week of mixed ceasefire proposals from both nations. Russia had independently declared a ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 for Victory Day, while Ukraine countered with its own proposal for May 5 to May 6. Each side has accused the other of breaching these unilateral ceasefires, with the Russian Defense Ministry issuing a warning of a major strike on Kyiv should Ukrainian actions impede the Victory Day celebrations.
