Trump Announces 3-Day Ceasefire and Prisoner Swap Agreement Between Russia and Ukraine
President Donald Trump announced that Russian and Ukrainian leaders have agreed to a three-day ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, describing the move as a potential 'beginning of the end' for the ongoing war. The ceasefire is scheduled from May 9 to May 11, coinciding with Russia's Victory Day celebrations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the agreement, emphasizing the priority of freeing prisoners over symbolic targets like Red Square, which he declared off-limits for strikes during the period. The deal includes the exchange of 1,000 prisoners by each side. While Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. for its diplomatic mediation, Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin had not immediately commented. This announcement contrasts with earlier remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described negotiation efforts as stagnated. The development follows previous failed unilateral ceasefires, raising questions about enforcement, though Zelenskyy expressed confidence in U.S. oversight to ensure Russian compliance. The agreement marks a significant diplomatic intervention by the Trump administration in the four-year conflict.
Wire timeline
Trump Announces 3-Day Ceasefire and Prisoner Swap Agreement Between Russia and Ukraine
President Donald Trump announced that Russian and Ukrainian leaders have agreed to a three-day ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, describing the move as a potential 'beginning of the end' for the ongoing war. The ceasefire is scheduled from May 9 to May 11, coinciding with Russia's Victory Day celebrations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the agreement, emphasizing the priority of freeing prisoners over symbolic targets like Red Square, which he declared off-limits for strikes during the period. The deal includes the exchange of 1,000 prisoners by each side. While Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. for its diplomatic mediation, Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin had not immediately commented. This announcement contrasts with earlier remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described negotiation efforts as stagnated. The development follows previous failed unilateral ceasefires, raising questions about enforcement, though Zelenskyy expressed confidence in U.S. oversight to ensure Russian compliance. The agreement marks a significant diplomatic intervention by the Trump administration in the four-year conflict.
The Mainichi