US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a three-day ceasefire and a prisoner exchange following US-mediated talks, saying negotiations to end the war were continuing and “we are getting closer and closer every day”.
“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 posted on social media. “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.”
The pause in fighting will take place over Victory Day in Russia, celebrated on May 9, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
Trump claimed the ceasefire request was made directly by him, adding that he appreciated “its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy” in the post.
“Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly and hard fought War.”
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the American mediation of the three-day ceasefire and that both countries would exchange 1,000 prisoners, a long-standing priority for Ukraine.
