Trump Announces Three-Day Ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump declares a three-day ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, including a prisoner exchange, with both nations' leaders confirming the truce.
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, set to take place from May 9 to May 11. The truce includes a mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each country.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "I am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE (May 9th, 10th, and 11th) in the War between Russia and Ukraine." He expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for agreeing to the ceasefire, emphasizing that it will involve a suspension of all kinetic activity and the prisoner swap.
President Zelenskyy confirmed the arrangement on X, acknowledging the U.S. efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict, which has persisted for over four years. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov noted that the agreement was reached through telephone contacts with the U.S. administration, following a recent conversation between Putin and Trump.
Russia had previously announced a two-day unilateral ceasefire to commemorate its May 9 Victory Day celebrations. Ukraine had also proposed a truce, which it claimed was initially ignored by Moscow.
Trump highlighted the significance of the ceasefire coinciding with Victory Day, stating that the celebration is meaningful for both Russia and Ukraine, as both nations played significant roles in World War II. He expressed hope that this ceasefire marks the beginning of the end of a prolonged and deadly conflict.
Efforts to negotiate a lasting peace have faced challenges, particularly concerning the eastern Donetsk region, where Russia controls approximately three-quarters of the territory. Moscow has demanded Ukrainian troop withdrawal from areas it has not captured, a condition Kyiv has refused, insisting it will not cede territory under its control.
Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov has arrived in Miami for meetings with U.S. representatives, as peace talks have stalled in recent months.