U.S President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine from May 9 to May 11 on Friday. He said both sides had agreed to suspend fighting and undergo a large prison swap.
Trump took to Truth Social, posting a statement that the ceasefire would mean a temporary halt to “all kinetic activity” and an exchange of 1,000 prisoners from both countries.
He said the request was made directly by him and thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their co-operation.
“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. 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,” Trump posted.
He further added, “This Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each Country. This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War. Talks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Zelenskyy confirmed Trump’s announcement on his X handle, asserting that the ceasefire must be established from May 9 to 11 along with the prisoner swap.
“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. Ukraine is consistently working to bring its people home from Russian captivity. I have instructed our team to promptly prepare everything necessary for the exchange,” he wrote.
He further thanked Trump for mediating the negotiation process and hoped for an assurance of Russia’s adherence to the agreement.
