WASHINGTON D.C May 8, 2026 — President Donald J. Trump announced today that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire in the ongoing war, scheduled to take effect on May 9 through May 11.
In a statement shared by the White House on X (formerly Twitter), Trump said:
“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. 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. This Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each Country. This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.”
The announcement coincides with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations on May 9, which mark the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Trump noted Ukraine’s significant role in the same conflict as a basis for mutual observance of the pause.
The deal also includes a major prisoner exchange: 1,000 detainees from each side.
Trump framed the temporary halt in fighting as a potential breakthrough, stating it could mark “the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War.” He added that negotiations are ongoing to resolve the broader conflict, which he described as “the biggest since World War II.”
The ceasefire is the latest diplomatic move by the Trump administration aimed at de-escalating Europe’s largest conflict in decades. Details on verification mechanisms, enforcement, or whether both sides have publicly confirmed the agreement were not immediately released in the White House statement.
This development comes amid continued fighting on the ground, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces engaged in active operations across the front lines.
Further updates are expected as the ceasefire window approaches.
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