Donald Trump says the leaders of Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange following direct discussions requested by the United States.
According to Trump, the ceasefire will run from May 9 to May 11 and includes a suspension of military activity as well as the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side.
The agreement was separately confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov.
Trump described the development as a possible “beginning of the end” of the war that began in February 2022.
The ceasefire period coincides with Victory Day celebrations in Russia, marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s participation was influenced in part by the opportunity to secure the return of prisoners of war, which Kyiv has consistently prioritized throughout the conflict.
He also issued a presidential decree temporarily authorizing Russia to hold its Victory Day parade in Red Square without Ukrainian strikes during the ceasefire period.
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the decree as a “silly joke.”
Zelenskyy thanked Trump and the American diplomatic team for mediating the arrangement and said Ukraine expects the United States to ensure Russia adheres to the agreement.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio acknowledged earlier that broader negotiations to permanently end the conflict have so far failed to produce a major breakthrough, although diplomatic efforts remain ongoing.
