WASHINGTON: The US President Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, describing it as a potential step towards ending the ongoing war.
The temporary truce is set to coincide with Victory Day commemorations in Russia and will also be observed in Ukraine.
According to Trump, the ceasefire will run from May 9 to May 11 and include a full suspension of military activity, alongside a planned exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side.
“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 said in a social media post on Friday.
He added: The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II.
“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…” – President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/guFxkQRXwJ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 8, 2026
He went on to say the 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,” he said.
President Trump hoped the move would be the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard-fought war. T
“Talks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he said.
Earlier, Russia and Ukraine launched major attacks on each other despite a two-day unilateral ceasefire declared by Moscow ahead of its World War II Victory Day commemorations.
Russia’s defence ministry said its forces were responding “symmetrically” to Ukrainian attacks during the truce, which Kyiv never formally agreed to.
The ministry said Ukraine launched hundreds of drones across the frontline along with tank and artillery attacks, adding that Russian troops were responding accordingly.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of continuing attacks despite announcing the ceasefire.
“On the Russian side, there was not even a token attempt to cease fire on the front. As we did over the past 24 hours, Ukraine will respond in kind today as well,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
