In a surprising turn of diplomatic events, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary ceasefire and a mutual prisoner exchange, following an unexpected mediation effort by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement, announced by Trump on Truth Social, stipulates a halt in hostilities from May 9 to May 11, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Under the terms of this deal, both nations will exchange 1,000 prisoners each.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the significance of this development through a post on X, emphasizing the humanitarian urgency of freeing captured soldiers over military engagements with Moscow during the Victory Day parade. “Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be brought home,” Zelensky noted, expressing gratitude towards the U.S. diplomatic efforts that facilitated this agreement. He credited the “negotiating process mediated by the American side” for achieving this breakthrough and extended thanks to Trump and his team.
In Moscow, confirmation of Russia’s participation in the ceasefire was provided by Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov. Zelensky has directed his administration to swiftly arrange the prisoner exchange and has urged the United States to ensure that Russia adheres to the agreement. This diplomatic resolution comes after a week of conflicting ceasefire announcements between the two countries.
Previously, Russia had declared a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 in alignment with Victory Day celebrations, a move often seen in past years. In response, Ukraine proposed its own ceasefire for the earlier dates of May 5-6. The situation escalated as both sides accused one another of breaching these respective ceasefires. Furthermore, the Russian Defense Ministry issued a warning of a potential major strike on Kyiv should Ukrainian actions interfere with the Victory Day events.