Russia and Ukraine have confirmed a three-day ceasefire, set to begin May 9 and conclude May 11, brokered by the United States. This period of reduced hostilities is to coincide with Russia's Victory Day commemorations. As part of the agreement, both nations are slated to exchange approximately 1,000 prisoners of war each.
The confirmation follows a period of mutual accusations and unilateral ceasefire declarations by both Russia and Ukraine. President Donald Trump of the United States announced the temporary ceasefire and prisoner swap on his social media platform, Truth Social, indicating he had requested the pause in fighting. Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have acknowledged the terms of the agreement.
Pre-Ceasefire Exchanges and Disagreements
Prior to the formal ceasefire announcement, both nations engaged in reciprocal attacks, including drone strikes. Ukraine’s air force reported a reduction in overnight Russian drone launches, numbering 67, the lowest in nearly a month. Ukraine had previously dismissed Russia's unilateral ceasefire, declared for Victory Day, as a propaganda tactic intended to secure the observance of the May 9 parade. Zelenskyy had also issued warnings against allies attending the Russian parade and suggested a willingness to target it, though he later indicated that prisoner repatriation was a more pressing concern than disrupting the parade.
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Russia, for its part, had warned of significant missile strikes on Kyiv should Ukraine attempt to disrupt the Victory Day celebrations. President Trump expressed hope that the three-day ceasefire could be extended beyond its initial duration.
Background to the Agreement
The agreement emerged after President Trump had previously raised the idea of a ceasefire for Victory Day following a call with President Putin in April. Subsequently, after a request from Trump, Russia agreed to the pause in fighting in exchange for the prisoner swap. Putin had initially announced a two-day ceasefire unilaterally for Victory Day, Russia's most significant national holiday commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed Russia's agreement to Trump's initiative.
