Global Economy
Trump Brokers 3-Day Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire: 1,000 Prisoners to Be Exchanged From Each Side
In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, set for May 9–11, 2026. The agreement, brokered by Washington, includes the suspension of all military operations and a reciprocal exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war from each side. Both Kyiv and Moscow confirmed the deal, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issuing a decree to allow Moscow's Victory Day parade to proceed without threat, and Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov expressing Russia's full approval. Despite the breakthrough, both parties have accused each other of violating prior ceasefires, and long-term peace negotiations remain stalled.
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Trump Secures Short-Lived Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine
In what could mark a pivotal moment in one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, effective from May 9 to May 11, 2026. The ceasefire — confirmed by both warring nations — was brokered at Trump's direct request and represents a rare moment of diplomatic convergence between Moscow and Kyiv.
Prisoner Exchange and Suspension of Hostilities
Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump outlined the terms of the agreement: the complete suspension of all kinetic military activity and a reciprocal exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war from each side. The deal echoes Trump's broader strategy of leveraging U.S. diplomatic influence to push both parties toward de-escalation, after months of stalled negotiations.
Zelensky and the Kremlin Respond
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the ceasefire through his official Telegram channel, stating that the three-day truce was concluded under Washington's mediation. In a notable gesture of goodwill, Zelensky also issued a decree "authorizing" Russia's Victory Day parade in Moscow, assuring that no weapons would be aimed at Red Square during the May 9 commemorations — a symbolic move that underscores the temporary nature of the agreement.
On the Russian side, Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov formally approved the three-day ceasefire initiative, confirming Moscow's willingness to participate. This followed Russia's unilateral declaration of a ceasefire for the May 9 Victory Day celebrations, which had been set for May 8–10.
A Fragile Peace Amid Repeated Violations
It is worth noting that the path to this agreement has been anything but smooth. Earlier in the week, Ukraine had declared its own unilateral ceasefire starting Tuesday at 21:00 GMT, while Russia had already issued its own for the Victory Day holiday. Both sides accused each other of violating these respective truces — a pattern that raises serious questions about the durability of the newly announced agreement.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Separately, Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov arrived in Miami on Thursday for a series of high-level meetings with American officials, signaling renewed diplomatic engagement. Trump himself struck a cautiously optimistic tone, stating: "Hopefully this is the beginning of the end of a very long and bloody war. Discussions are continuing to end this big conflict [...] and we are getting closer every day."
While the three-day ceasefire offers a brief respite, the broader conflict between Russia and Ukraine shows no signs of a lasting resolution. The international community will be watching closely to see whether this temporary truce can serve as a foundation for more meaningful peace negotiations — or whether it will fall victim to the same cycle of accusations and violations that has plagued previous attempts.