Russia Ukraine Agree To 3-Day Ceasefire And Prisoner Swap Announced By Trump

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary three-day ceasefire and a large prisoner exchange in a major development in the ongoing war between the two countries. The announcement was made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said both sides had accepted a short pause in fighting from May 9 to May 11. The ceasefire is expected to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, which mark the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II.

According to Trump, the agreement includes a “suspension of all kinetic activity,” meaning military attacks and active fighting will temporarily stop during the three-day period. Trump also confirmed that Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners from each side as part of the deal. The U.S. president described the agreement as a possible turning point and said he hopes it could become “the beginning of the end” of the long-running conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later confirmed the ceasefire and thanked the United States for its diplomatic involvement in helping both countries reach the agreement. Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s priority remains the safe return of prisoners and reducing civilian suffering caused by the war. Russian officials also confirmed their acceptance of the temporary truce, with Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov saying the agreement was reached through discussions with the U.S. administration.

The Russia-Ukraine war has continued for more than four years since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. During this time, several ceasefire attempts and peace discussions have failed because both countries accused each other of violating agreements. Earlier temporary truces linked to Orthodox Easter and humanitarian corridors also collapsed after renewed attacks and drone strikes from both sides.

The latest ceasefire comes at an important moment for Russia as Moscow prepares for its annual Victory Day military parade in Red Square. Reports suggest Russia reduced some military displays this year because of security concerns and the ongoing war. Ukraine had earlier warned that Russian celebrations would not stop its military operations, but Zelenskyy later approved a temporary humanitarian pause linked to the agreement.

International leaders and analysts are now closely watching whether the temporary ceasefire can lead to wider peace negotiations. While fighting has slowed during previous truces, trust between Moscow and Kyiv remains extremely low. Both sides still disagree over occupied territories, border security, and future political arrangements. Despite these challenges, the new prisoner swap and ceasefire are being seen as one of the biggest diplomatic steps in recent months.

Officials said preparations for the prisoner exchange are already underway and could involve soldiers captured during some of the war’s heaviest battles. Families of prisoners in both countries welcomed the announcement and expressed hope that more humanitarian agreements could follow in the future. The United States also indicated that additional discussions between Russian and Ukrainian representatives may continue after the three-day truce ends.