WASHINGTON DC, May 9 – US President Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, after both countries accused each other of violating separate ceasefires declared by each side to cover the celebrations of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.
“This ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each country,” the US President said.
Shortly afterwards Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Ukraine’s participation, while Russian state media also said Russia had agreed to the proposal.
Earlier both sides said the other had continued to attack their positions and Moscow’s mayor said the city had been targeted by drones overnight.
In his post Trump said he had personally requested the three-day truce and “I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy”.
Putin had announced a ceasefire for 8-9 May ahead of Victory Day celebrations on Saturday. Kyiv had earlier called for an indefinite truce, starting 6 May.
Russia has warned Ukraine not to try to attack the Victory Day parade in Red Square.
Its Defence Ministry has threatened to launch a “retaliatory, massive missile strike” on the centre of Kyiv if Moscow is attacked. It has warned foreign diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital ahead of 9 May.
