Trump announces three-day ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war
US President Donald Trump
Abdullateef Fowewe
United States President Donald Trump has revealed a temporary halt to hostilities in the Russia-Ukraine war, effective May 9-11, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations.
The announcement, shared via Trump’s social media handle on Friday, includes a suspension of all combat and a significant 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,” Trump wrote.
He credited the initiative to his direct involvement, noting, “This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.”
The ceasefire aims to honour the roles of both nations in World War II, with Trump highlighting that “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.”
It mandates “a suspension of all kinetic activity,” alongside the prisoner swap.
This development follows phone discussions between Trump and Putin, where Russia proposed a truce tied to WWII commemorations.
While short ceasefires and POW exchanges have occurred previously in the three-year conflict, they have yet to address underlying issues like territorial control and security assurances.
Trump expressed optimism, stating, “Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War. Talks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day.”
