A surprising diplomatic initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump has resulted in Russia and Ukraine agreeing to a three-day ceasefire and a significant prisoner exchange. Announced by Trump on Truth Social, the ceasefire will take place from May 9 to May 11, aligning with Russia’s Victory Day festivities. As part of this agreement, each nation will exchange 1,000 prisoners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the breakthrough with a message on X, emphasizing the priority of rescuing captured troops over military actions against Moscow during the Victory Day parade. Zelensky credited the negotiation process, mediated by the United States, and expressed gratitude to Trump and his team for their involvement. “Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be brought home,” he stated.
In Moscow, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov confirmed Russia’s commitment to the ceasefire, as reported by local media. The announcement marks the end of a tumultuous week characterized by competing ceasefires proposed by both nations. Initially, Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire for May 8-10 to celebrate Victory Day, to which Ukraine responded with its own proposal for May 5-6.
The preceding week saw both countries accusing each other of violating these proposed ceasefires. Amidst these tensions, the Russian Defense Ministry issued a warning of potential major strikes on Kyiv if Ukrainian forces disrupted the Victory Day celebrations with attacks. Zelensky has instructed his team to prepare quickly for the prisoner exchange and called upon the United States to ensure Russia honors its commitments under the agreement.