Donald Trump announces three-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, prisoner swap: Here’s what we know

Russia and Ukraine on Friday confirmed a temporary three-day ceasefire brokered through US-led diplomatic efforts, with the truce scheduled to remain in effect from May 9 to May 11 as negotiations to end the prolonged conflict continue.

US President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Truth Social, saying both countries had agreed to stop ‘all kinetic activity’ during the period. He also revealed that Russia and Ukraine would carry out a large-scale prisoner exchange involving 1,000 prisoners from each side.

‘This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,’ Trump wrote. ‘Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War.’

Ceasefire linked to ongoing peace talks

Trump later expressed hope that the ceasefire could continue beyond the initial three-day period. He said discussions aimed at ending the war were still underway and claimed progress was being made regularly.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed the agreement through a post on Telegram. He stated that the ceasefire arrangement was reached through negotiations mediated by the United States and stressed the importance of humanitarian concerns during the talks.

‘That is why today, within the framework of the negotiation process mediated by the American side, we received Russia’s agreement to conduct a prisoner of war exchange in the format of 1,000 for 1,000,’ Zelenskyy said.

Russia confirms participation in truce

The Kremlin also acknowledged the agreement, with Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirming Moscow’s participation. According to Ushakov, the understanding was reached during phone conversations with the US administration on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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In a symbolic move, Zelenskyy jokingly announced that Ukraine would ‘allow’ Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9 to proceed without interference. He said Ukrainian forces would not target Moscow’s Red Square during the parade events.

The ceasefire announcement came even as both nations accused each other of violating earlier unilateral truces declared this week.

Earlier, Putin had announced a separate two-day ceasefire to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. Ukraine rejected the proposal as too limited and instead pushed for an open-ended ceasefire beginning earlier, which Moscow declined.

Despite diplomatic developments, overnight attacks continued on both sides. Russia claimed it intercepted 264 Ukrainian drones, while officials reported strikes targeting Moscow and the Perm region.

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Ukraine, meanwhile, said it had carried out attacks on a Russian oil refinery in Perm for the second straight day and also targeted another oil facility in Yaroslavl. Zelenskyy accused Russian troops of continuing attacks on Ukrainian positions overnight despite the ceasefire discussions.

Security concerns around victory day parade

Russia has warned that any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt the upcoming Victory Day parade in Moscow would lead to a major missile response targeting Kyiv. Reports also suggested that Moscow advised diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital in case of escalation.

Victory Day is considered Russia’s most important national holiday and marks the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 after suffering an estimated 27 million deaths during World War II.

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This year’s parade in Moscow, usually known for displaying tanks and intercontinental ballistic missiles, is expected to take place under heightened security, with reports suggesting heavy military hardware may not be showcased.

War continues beyond four years

The Russia-Ukraine war, which began after Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has now extended beyond four years. Russia currently controls nearly 19.4% of Ukrainian territory, although analysts believe Moscow’s territorial gains have slowed significantly in recent months.