Following prior calls for a truce, including Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a ceasefire for May 8th and 9th and Ukraine’s earlier demand for an indefinite ceasefire starting May 6th, former US President Donald Trump has also made a statement. On his personal platform, Trump announced, “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”. He further specified that the truce includes halting all hostilities and facilitating a prisoner exchange of 1,000 captives from each side.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy subsequently confirmed Trump’s claims. According to statements made on social media, Zelenskyy noted that through a negotiation process mediated by the United States, “we have obtained Russia’s consent to carry out a prisoner exchange in a 1,000-for-1,000 ratio”. He reaffirmed that a ceasefire must take effect on May 9th, 10th, and 11th, adding that Ukraine remains committed to repatriating its citizens from Russian captivity. He stated that he had instructed his team to make all necessary preparations for the exchange immediately.
The timing of these announcements coincides with major historical commemorations. Ukraine observes the casualties of World War II on May 8th, while Russia holds a military parade on Red Square in Moscow on May 9th for Victory Day. Tensions had been high recently, with both Kyiv and Moscow accusing each other of violating unilaterally declared lulls in fighting. Russia had previously cited evidence of more than 1,000 violations in the conflict zone, alongside reports of drone attacks near Moscow. Conversely, Ukraine maintained that Russia was continuing to target its positions.
