On Friday, Russia and Ukraine officially agreed to a three-day ceasefire brokered by the U.S., set to take place from May 9 to May 11. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope for a potential extension of the ceasefire. The agreement also includes a planned exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war between the two countries.
President Trump, in an announcement on Truth Social, highlighted the ceasefire and prisoner exchange. He mentioned his desire for a significant extension of the ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of the agreement. Both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of violating previous ceasefires declared earlier in the week as Russia prepares for a Victory Day parade on May 9 commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
The ceasefire news comes amidst Trump’s growing frustration over the lack of progress in resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The temporary halt in hostilities brings some positive development for the U.S. president, who has faced challenges in his international relations, particularly with Israel and Iran. Efforts to end the ongoing Iran conflict have faced obstacles, with recent escalations in the Gulf region.
The ceasefire terms include a cessation of all “kinetic activity” and the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side, as detailed by Trump on Truth Social. The President expressed his appreciation for the agreement reached between himself, President Vladimir Putin, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump indicated ongoing talks to advance towards concluding the long-standing conflict.
Zelenskyy confirmed the ceasefire through a statement on Telegram, acknowledging U.S. mediation efforts and underscoring the importance of humanitarian issues in the negotiations. He highlighted the prisoner exchange agreement and humorously addressed the permission for Russia’s military parade on May 9, assuring that Ukrainian weapons will not target Red Square.
Following significant discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Miami, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Russia had agreed to Trump’s initiative, a decision reached during telephonic discussions with the U.S. administration. Meanwhile, Moscow reported intercepting Ukrainian drones en route to the capital over a seven-hour period.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia, ongoing since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, has persisted despite Trump’s promises to swiftly resolve the war. Previous ceasefire attempts by both parties have been violated, leading to continued military engagements without a clear resolution in sight. Peace negotiations remain deadlocked, with Ukraine rejecting demands to cede contested territories.
As preparations for Russia’s Victory Day parade intensify, tensions rise between the two nations, with warnings of potential missile strikes and concerns over military displays during the event. The absence of military equipment in this year’s Moscow parade is seen as a precaution against possible Ukrainian interference using advanced weaponry.
