Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, marking a significant diplomatic development mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Announced by Trump on Truth Social, the agreement will halt hostilities from May 9 to May 11, aligning with Russia’s Victory Day festivities. As part of this accord, each country will exchange 1,000 prisoners, a move highlighting the humanitarian focus amidst ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the agreement on X, prioritizing the return of captured troops over military actions during Moscow’s Victory Day parade. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Trump and his team for their role in brokering the deal, emphasizing that “Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be brought home.”
In Moscow, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov acknowledged Russia’s participation in the ceasefire, indicating a rare moment of cooperation between the two nations. Zelensky has directed his team to prepare swiftly for the prisoner exchange and urged the United States to ensure compliance from Russia.
This agreement concludes a tumultuous week of conflicting ceasefire declarations from both nations. Russia had initially announced a ceasefire for May 8-10, while Ukraine proposed its own for May 5-6, leading to mutual accusations of ceasefire violations. The Russian Defense Ministry even threatened a severe strike on Kyiv should Ukrainian actions disrupt their Victory Day commemorations.