In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, United States President Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The truce, which began Saturday and is set to run through Monday, May 11th, was coordinated as part of a broader American effort to mediate an end to the four-year conflict.
Taking to Truth Social on Friday, President Trump shared the news of the temporary halt in hostilities.
“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. He later added, “This request was made directly by me,” while expressing gratitude toward the Russian and Ukrainian leaders for their cooperation.
The timing of the ceasefire aligns with Victory Day, the commemoration of the end of World War II. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the deal was finalized through intense communications between the U.S. administration, Moscow, and Kyiv.
Ushakov noted that the agreement stemmed from a phone call between President Vladimir Putin and Trump, during which they “emphasised that our countries were allies during World War II and also discussed the possibility of a ceasefire during the Victory Day celebrations.”
Trump echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared history of the two nations currently at war. “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,” he said.
The agreement goes beyond a mere pause in fighting. According to the U.S. President, the truce includes a total suspension of all “kinetic activity” and a substantial humanitarian exchange.
“This Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each Country,” Trump stated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the arrangements via a post on X (formerly Twitter), verifying that the prisoner swap would proceed as scheduled. This development follows a period of tension where previous truce offers from Ukraine had reportedly been overlooked by Moscow.
As the three-day window begins, President Trump expressed optimism regarding the long-term prospects for peace. “Talks are continuing” on ending the war, he noted, claiming that “we are getting closer and closer every day.”
“Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War,” Trump concluded.
