Washington, United States. Russia and Ukraine confirmed on Friday that they agreed to a U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire running from May 9 to May 11, and U.S. President Donald Trump said he hoped it would be extended. Trump also said both sides would exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each.
Ceasefire and prisoner exchange terms
Trump said on Truth Social that the ceasefire would include a suspension of all “kinetic activity” and a swap of 1,000 prisoners from each country. He said the request was made directly by him and that he appreciated the agreement by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Trump calls for extension
“I’d like to see a big extension,” Trump told reporters on Friday evening. “It could be.”
Accusations of ceasefire violations and Victory Day preparations
Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of violating ceasefires declared separately this week, as Russia prepares to hold a Victory Day parade on May 9 marking the 1945 Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
Ongoing talks and Zelenskiy statement
Trump said talks were continuing to move toward an end to the war and that “we are getting closer and closer every day.” Zelenskiy, writing on Telegram, confirmed the ceasefire was arranged as part of U.S. negotiating efforts and said humanitarian issues remained a key priority. He said Ukraine received Russia’s agreement to conduct a prisoner of war exchange in the format of 1,000 for 1,000.
What do you think a three-day ceasefire could mean for further negotiations between Russia and Ukraine?
