President Donald Trump announced Friday that both Russian and Ukrainian leadership have accepted his proposal for a temporary halt in fighting, along with a major prisoner exchange that could mark a turning point in the ongoing conflict.
The ceasefire will span three days from Saturday through Monday, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebration that honors their World War II triumph over Nazi Germany, Trump revealed on social media.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed his country’s participation in the agreement, though Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kremlin officials had not yet issued public statements about the deal.
“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,” Trump posted. “The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II.”
The Republican commander-in-chief explained that all combat operations will cease during this period, while both nations will release 1,000 prisoners each as part of the arrangement.
This development comes after a previous Russian-declared ceasefire for Friday and Saturday fell apart quickly, with each side accusing the other of violations, similar to how Ukraine’s earlier unilateral ceasefire attempt also failed.
Trump revealed he contacted both leaders personally to request the ceasefire. “Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War,” he stated.
The president indicated that discussions about permanently ending the conflict that started in February 2022 are ongoing, saying “we are getting closer and closer every day.” Trump’s stance on the war has shifted between optimistic predictions of resolution and suggestions that the warring parties should continue fighting until a decisive outcome.
For Ukraine, the prisoner exchange component proved crucial in their decision to participate, as Zelenskyy noted that securing the return of captured soldiers has remained a top priority throughout the war.
“Red Square matters less to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners of war who can be brought home,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram, referencing the location where Russia traditionally holds its Victory Day military parade.
Following his initial statement, Zelenskyy issued an official presidential order “authorizing” Russia’s parade to proceed, while declaring Moscow’s Red Square off-limits for Ukrainian attacks during the celebration. This move appeared calculated to demonstrate Ukraine’s military reach into Russian territory while publicly linking their restraint to the ceasefire terms.
Zelenskyy credited American diplomatic efforts for facilitating the agreement and expressed gratitude to Trump and his administration for their involvement in the negotiations. He emphasized Ukraine’s expectation that Washington will ensure Russian compliance with the deal.
“We are counting on the United States to ensure that Russia fulfills its commitments,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian leader also directed his staff to immediately begin preparations for the prisoner exchange process.
Trump’s optimistic announcement contrasted sharply with earlier comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who expressed pessimism about diplomatic progress in ending the four-year conflict.
“While we’re prepared to play whatever role we can to bring it to a peaceful diplomatic resolution, unfortunately right now, those efforts have stagnated,” Rubio told reporters during a visit to Rome and the Vatican. “But we always stand ready if those circumstances change.”
