Russia and Ukraine have officially agreed to a three-day ceasefire brokered by the United States, set to take place from May 9 to May 11. President Donald Trump expressed his hopes for an extension of the ceasefire, which he announced earlier on Truth Social. As part of the agreement, the two nations, embroiled in a prolonged conflict, will conduct a swap of 1,000 prisoners of war each.
During a press briefing, Trump mentioned his desire for a potential prolongation of the ceasefire. Both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of breaching separate ceasefires declared earlier in the week, particularly as Russia prepares for a Victory Day parade on May 9, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
Trump, who has been increasingly impatient with the lack of progress in resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict, sees the temporary halt in hostilities as a positive development. The ceasefire entails a suspension of all “kinetic activity” and the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side, as outlined by Trump on Truth Social.
President Zelenskyy confirmed the ceasefire through negotiations facilitated by the U.S., emphasizing the importance of addressing humanitarian concerns. He also humorously issued a decree allowing Russia’s military parade on May 9 to proceed without interference from Ukrainian forces.
The news of the ceasefire followed substantial discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Miami, with further visits planned for U.S. envoys to Kyiv in the upcoming months. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov affirmed Russia’s acceptance of Trump’s initiative, reached during telephonic exchanges with the U.S. administration.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has persisted since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite Trump’s promises to swiftly resolve the conflict upon returning to office, the war continues unabated, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations and ongoing military engagements.
As the ceasefire takes effect, tensions remain high, with Russia warning of severe consequences if Ukraine disrupts the Victory Day parade. Kyiv has rejected a temporary ceasefire for the occasion, instead calling for an indefinite truce, which Moscow disregarded. In light of these developments, this year’s parade in Moscow will notably exclude military displays.
Experts speculate that Russia’s caution stems from concerns about Ukrainian capabilities in warfare, particularly drones and long-range missiles. This wariness is evident in Moscow’s decision to avoid showcasing military equipment during the upcoming parade.