Trump announces three-day ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war from May 9-11 amid ongoing peace talks

The long-running war between Russia and Ukraine may see a brief pause soon, after United States President Donald Trump announced a proposed three-day ceasefire.

The announcement has been described as part of renewed diplomatic efforts involving Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv, even as deep disagreements continue over territory and long-term peace conditions.

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Leaders from all three sides have confirmed elements of the arrangement, though many questions remain about whether it will hold and what it could lead to next.

Trump announces short ceasefire on Truth Social

US President Donald Trump made the first public announcement on Friday through his social media platform Truth Social. He said there would be a “THREE DAY CEASEFIRE” in the Russia-Ukraine war, scheduled from May 9 to May 11.

In his post, Trump wrote that he was pleased to share the news of the temporary pause in fighting. He also said the idea for the ceasefire came directly from him and thanked both Russian and Ukrainian leadership for agreeing to it.

According to Trump, the ceasefire would not only stop military actions but also include a pause in “all kinetic activity.”

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He further added that the agreement would involve a prisoner exchange, with 1,000 prisoners to be swapped from each side.

He also expressed hope that this development could mark “the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War.”

Trump added that negotiations were still ongoing and suggested that progress was being made daily toward a possible broader settlement.

Ukraine confirms agreement and prisoner swap

Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a three-day truce had been agreed upon. He shared the update on X, saying the arrangement was part of US-led diplomatic efforts to bring the war closer to an end.

Zelenskyy also supported the inclusion of a prisoner exchange in the deal, confirming that both sides would release 1,000 detainees each.

The Ukrainian leader has been consistently involved in peace discussions although he has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not accept any agreement that involves giving up its territory.

Earlier Ukraine had proposed its own temporary ceasefire. But it was reportedly ignored by Moscow citing difficulties in achieving mutual agreement between two countries.

Moscow links ceasefire to World War II Victory Day

Russian officials also responded to the announcement. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that an agreement had been reached through communication with the US administration. He said American representatives had also been in contact with Kyiv during the process.

Ushakov added that the discussion followed a recent phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. During that call, both leaders reportedly discussed the possibility of a ceasefire during the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Russia.

Russia had already announced a separate two-day unilateral ceasefire to coincide with its May 9 Victory Day commemorations, which mark the country’s role in World War II.

Ushakov also noted that both countries referenced their historical alliance during World War II while discussing the temporary pause in fighting.

Deep divisions remain over territory and war goals

Even with temporary ceasefire agreement, major differences remain between Russia and Ukraine especially over territory. One of the biggest sticking points is Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Much of it is currently controlled by Russian forces.

Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from areas it has been unable to capture. However, Ukraine has strongly rejected this demand and says it will not surrender land that is still under its control.

President Zelenskyy has repeatedly said that giving up territory is not acceptable under any peace agreement.

At the same time, some international voices, including Trump and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, have previously suggested that Ukraine may eventually have to make difficult choices if it wants a peace settlement.

Trump, who made ending the war a central promise of his 2024 presidential campaign, once claimed he could resolve the conflict within 24 hours of returning to office. However, more than a year later, a lasting breakthrough has not been achieved.

Analysts say the war has now turned into a war of attrition, with both sides suffering heavy losses while neither appears close to a decisive victory. Russian President Vladimir Putin is believed to see the conflict as one Russia can eventually win due to its larger military strength.