Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Russia, Ukraine confirm truce by Trump
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Both Russia and Ukraine have officially confirmed their participation in a US-brokered three-day ceasefire, marking the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in the conflict to date.
The agreement, which is set to begin Saturday, May 9, and run through May 11, was secured following direct personal mediation by US President Donald Trump.
Russia agreement
The Kremlin, speaking through state-run Sputnik and Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Ushakov, confirmed that the initiative was finalized during recent phone conversations between President Vladimir Putin and President Trump.
The formula: Ushakov highlighted that a core component of the deal is a "thousand-for-thousand" prisoner swap.
Symbolic timing: Moscow has agreed to the pause to coincide with Victory Day celebrations, an annual holiday commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Ukraine agreement
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s acceptance of the truce today, shifting away from earlier skepticism regarding Russian-proposed "silence regimes."
"Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be brought home," Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing that the humanitarian need to recover 1,000 captured troops was a primary factor in his decision.
Zelenskyy credited the "negotiating process mediated by the American side" and confirmed that his administration is moving to "promptly prepare" for the mass prisoner exchange.
Blockade of combat activity
The ceasefire mandates a total suspension of all kinetic activity, including artillery fire, missile strikes, and drone operations.
While the truce is temporary, President Trump expressed optimism that it could serve as "the beginning of the end" of the war, noting that negotiations for a permanent resolution are continuing daily.
International observers remain watchful, as both nations had previously exchanged threats earlier this week, with Russia warning of strikes on Kyiv if Victory Day events were disrupted.
This three-day window now stands as a high-stakes test of the new diplomatic backchannel.
