Trump Announces Three-Day Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire and Major Prisoner Exchange
The May 9–11 truce will suspend military operations and include the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side, as negotiations over a broader settlement continue.
United States, PUREWILAYAH.COM — President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire from May 9 to 11, accompanied by one of the largest prisoner exchanges since the conflict began.
In a post published on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the agreement would involve a “suspension of all kinetic activity” and the exchange of 1,000 detainees from each side.
According to Trump, both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to the arrangement at his request.
“This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement,” Trump wrote.
The U.S. president described the move as a potential turning point in what he called the most significant conflict since World War II.
“I hope this will be the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought war,” he said.
Ceasefire Coincides With Victory Day
The ceasefire is scheduled to coincide with Victory Day on May 9, when Russia marks the Soviet Union’s decisive role in defeating Nazi Germany during World War II.
Trump also acknowledged Ukraine’s historical contribution to that war.
The temporary truce is expected to halt active combat for three days while allowing both sides to carry out the large-scale prisoner exchange.
Parallel Diplomatic Efforts
Recent statements from both Moscow and Kyiv suggest that the ceasefire may reflect an alignment of initiatives already under discussion.
Russian officials had previously proposed a short humanitarian pause tied to Victory Day, while Ukrainian authorities had indicated openness to limited ceasefires centered on prisoner exchanges and humanitarian measures.
As a result, some observers view the announcement as a convergence of parallel diplomatic efforts rather than solely a U.S.-driven initiative.
Negotiations Toward a Broader Settlement Continue
Trump said negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent settlement are ongoing and that progress is being made.
Previous temporary ceasefires have repeatedly broken down, with both Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of violating the terms.
The announcement comes amid growing tensions between Washington and several European allies over broader foreign policy issues, including the direction of Ukraine diplomacy and calls within Europe for greater strategic autonomy from the United States.
Despite those divisions, the three-day ceasefire represents one of the most significant coordinated pauses in fighting in recent months and could provide a basis for further negotiations if successfully implemented. (PW)