Trump announces three-day ceasefire and prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of a three-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. The truce will remain in effect from May 9 through May 11, according to Trump’s statement on Truth Social and a post by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"This ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each country. This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy," Trump wrote.
He also expressed hope that this could be "the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought war."
"Talks are continuing on ending this major conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day," the US President added.
Ukraine’s reaction
Zelenskyy confirmed agreement on both the ceasefire and a prisoner exchange with Russia mediated by the American side.
"In recent days, there have been many appeals and signals regarding the setup for tomorrow in Moscow in connection with our Ukrainian long-range sanctions. The principle of symmetry in our actions is well known and has been clearly communicated to the Russian side," Zelenskyy wrote.
Ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia
Earlier, Russia announced a temporary ceasefire regime from 12:00 a.m. on May 8 to May 10. According to Moscow, Russian forces were expected to halt combat operations along the entire front line during that period.
However, during the night of May 8, Russian troops continued attacks on Ukrainian positions despite the Kremlin’s declared ceasefire. Military activity and strikes were recorded even after the truce officially came into force.
Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy advised representatives of countries maintaining friendly relations with Russia to avoid traveling to Moscow on May 9.
