President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary ceasefire and large-scale prisoner exchange tied to Victory Day commemorations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump announced Friday that Russia and Ukraine will observe a three-day ceasefire beginning May 9 as both countries commemorate Victory Day, the annual observance marking the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II.
In a Truth Social statement, Trump said the temporary truce would last through May 11 and include a suspension of active combat operations as well as a major prisoner exchange between the two countries.
“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.
“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,” he added.
According to Trump, the ceasefire agreement also includes the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side.
“This Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each Country,” Trump stated.
The president said the arrangement was made following direct discussions involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” Trump wrote.
“Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War.”
The Kremlin had previously announced a unilateral ceasefire tied to Russia’s annual “Great Patriotic War” celebrations, the term used in Russia for World War II. Russian officials also warned Ukraine against attempting strikes targeting Moscow during Victory Day ceremonies.
The Russia-Ukraine war has now entered its fifth year, with repeated diplomatic efforts failing to produce a permanent settlement.
Temporary pauses in fighting have occurred periodically throughout the conflict, particularly during major religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter, though many previous ceasefires were followed by renewed military operations.
Trump said negotiations aimed at ending the broader conflict remain ongoing.
“Talks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day,” he wrote.
Original article
Comments