Donald Trump has announced on social media that a three-day ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine will take effect from 9 to 11 May. The US president stated on Truth Social that the ceasefire would include a suspension of all 'kinetic activity' and a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals from each side.
Trump's Statement
In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote: 'Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War.' He added that there is constant progress in talks aimed at ending the conflict.
Background and Reactions
Russia had previously announced a two-day unilateral ceasefire to coincide with its 9 May Victory Day, which commemorates the Soviet Union's victory in World War II. Ukraine had also offered a truce earlier but claimed Moscow ignored it.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Trump's announcement on Friday night via Telegram, stating: 'We received Russia's agreement to conduct a prisoner exchange in the format of 1,000 for 1,000. A ceasefire regime must also be established on May 9, 10, and 11.'
Kyiv had previously criticised Moscow's call for a ceasefire, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of seeking a pause to stage the annual military parade on Red Square. Ukraine proposed a short-term ceasefire earlier this week, which Zelenskyy described as a test of Russia's sincerity regarding a temporary halt in the four-year war.
Russia had threatened a massive strike on Kyiv if Ukraine disrupted the Victory Day parade and urged foreign diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital beforehand. Both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of violating previous ceasefires declared unilaterally. As of now, Russia has not commented on the latest development.
