Russia and Ukraine Agree to US-Brokered Three-Day Ceasefire and Major Prisoner Swap

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary three-day ceasefire starting today, May 9, following mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump. The truce, scheduled to run through May 11, includes a suspension of all "kinetic activity" and a significant exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war from each side.

President Trump announced the breakthrough on Truth Social, expressing hope that this halt in the four-year conflict could signal "the beginning of the end" of the war. While both nations have accused each other of violating separate unilateral truces earlier this week, this coordinated agreement appears more stable, backed by U.S. diplomatic pressure.

In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the arrangement via Telegram, emphasizing that the release of 1,000 Ukrainian prisoners was a decisive factor in accepting the pause. Zelenskiy also noted that while Russia proceeds with its annual Victory Day parade in Red Square, Ukrainian forces would prioritize humanitarian outcomes over targeting the event.

Moscow confirmed its participation through Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, following direct telephone discussions with the U.S. administration. The ceasefire comes at a critical time as the Kremlin marks the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany, though this year’s parade reportedly lacks the usual display of heavy military hardware due to the ongoing demands of the front lines.

While the international community welcomes the pause, experts remain cautious, as peace talks regarding territorial sovereignty remain stalled. President Trump stated that negotiations are continuing daily to move toward a permanent resolution.