Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, May 9: US President Donald Trump has announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary three-day ceasefire, raising hopes of a possible breakthrough in efforts to end the prolonged conflict between the two nations.
In a public statement, Trump said the ceasefire would remain in effect from May 9 to May 11 and would coincide with Russia’s annual Victory Day observances.
He noted that while Victory Day is primarily celebrated in Russia to mark the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II, Ukraine also played a major role in the war and shares that historical legacy.
According to Trump, both countries have agreed to suspend active military operations during the ceasefire period. He stated that the arrangement would involve a complete halt to ongoing combat activity for the three days.
The US President also revealed that the agreement includes a significant prisoner exchange, with Russia and Ukraine each set to release 1,000 prisoners.
Trump said the proposal for the temporary truce was initiated directly through his efforts and thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for accepting the terms.
Describing the development as a potentially important moment in the conflict, Trump expressed hope that the ceasefire could pave the way for broader peace negotiations and eventually bring an end to the war, which has caused massive destruction and loss of life over the past several years.
He added that diplomatic discussions between the involved parties are continuing and suggested that progress toward a larger settlement is gradually being made.
If successfully implemented, the pause in hostilities would represent one of the most notable coordinated ceasefires since the war intensified. Earlier attempts at temporary truces have largely failed to hold for long periods.
The announcement comes amid increasing international pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv to pursue diplomatic solutions, even as fighting continues in multiple regions.
Russia observes Victory Day every year on May 9 to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II, while Ukraine also honours the historical significance of the war though it has increasingly moved away from Soviet-era traditions in recent years.