Trump announces 3-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine

US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled for May 9th, 10th, and 11th. This agreement follows US-mediated talks and includes a prisoner exchange. The ceasefire coincides with Russia's Victory Day, a commemoration of the Soviet Union's World War II victory. Trump stated that negotiations to end the conflict are ongoing and progressing. The pause in fighting aims to facilitate these diplomatic efforts.

Donald Trump announced on social media a three-day ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, scheduled from May 9th to 11th. This ceasefire, confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, includes a suspension of all "kinetic activity" and a prisoner exchange of 1,000 individuals from each side. The announcement comes as Russia had previously declared a unilateral two-day ceasefire for its Victory Day celebrations on May 9th. Ukraine had also proposed a truce, which it claims Moscow ignored. This development marks a potential step towards ending the conflict, though both nations have a history of accusing each other of violating previous ceasefire agreements. Russia has not yet officially commented on Trump's announcement.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, scheduled to begin Saturday, May 9th, and conclude Monday, May 11th. Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Kremlin confirmed the truce, which was arranged through U.S. diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict. The ceasefire will involve a suspension of all military actions and a prisoner exchange, with 1,000 prisoners to be swapped from each country. Trump stated that talks are continuing to end the war, expressing hope that this ceasefire marks the beginning of the end of the conflict. This development comes as Russia had previously announced a unilateral ceasefire for Victory Day.

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a temporary ceasefire declared by Moscow for Victory Day, which commemorates the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany. Russia claimed to have downed numerous Ukrainian drones, including attempts targeting Moscow and the Perm region, and reported that 13 southern Russian airports suspended operations due to drone attacks. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces continued to attack overnight, deeming the ceasefire ineffective. The truce, intended to cover celebrations from May 8 to May 10, was announced by Russia, which had warned of a large-scale missile response to any disruptions.

Russia is scaling back its annual Victory Day celebrations on May 9, a significant holiday commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. For the first time in nearly two decades, the traditional military parade in Moscow's Red Square will exclude tanks, missiles, and junior cadets. This reduction in military displays is attributed to heightened security concerns amid ongoing Ukrainian assaults, which have increasingly targeted Russian territory with drones. While ground troops from higher military academies will still march, the aerial aerobatic show is expected to proceed as usual. The Kremlin cited "the current operational situation" and threats of "Ukrainian terrorist activity" as reasons for the altered celebrations.

Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine resulted in at least 27 fatalities on Tuesday, with one strike alone claiming 12 lives. This escalation occurred just hours before a proposed open-ended ceasefire by Ukraine, set to begin at midnight on Wednesday. Russia had previously announced a ceasefire for May 8-9, coinciding with World War II victory commemorations and a military parade in Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia's proposal, stating it was unacceptable to halt strikes for a single day while continuing to heavily bombard Ukraine. Ukraine urged Russia to reciprocate its offer for an open-ended ceasefire.

Russia has continued its attacks across Ukraine, disregarding Kyiv's unilateral ceasefire announcement for May 9th. On Tuesday, 27 people were killed nationwide, with 12 fatalities in Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine's Foreign Minister stated Russia's actions demonstrate a lack of diplomatic intent, prioritizing military parades over human lives. Russia has not responded to Ukraine's ceasefire demand but has threatened a "massive missile strike" on Kyiv if Ukraine violates Russia's truce. Meanwhile, Ukraine has successfully targeted Russian cities, including an attack on Cheboksary, over 1,500 km from its border, killing two people. Russia has cited "terrorist threats" from Kyiv for scaling down its May 9th military parade and warned of mobile internet disruptions in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Russian drone and missile strikes killed at least 22 people and wounded over 80 across Ukraine on Tuesday, just before a planned Ukrainian ceasefire and ahead of a unilateral pause announced by Moscow for Victory Day. Cities including Kramatorsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv were hit, with glide bombs causing civilian casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as "absolute cynicism," stating Russia could end the war at any time. Russia's Defense Ministry had previously announced a ceasefire for Friday and Saturday, warning of retaliation if Ukraine disrupted events. The United Nations welcomed the planned pauses and urged a full, immediate ceasefire.

Russia's Foreign Ministry has advised diplomatic missions in Kyiv to evacuate their staff due to the possibility of retaliatory mass strikes. This warning comes in response to potential Ukrainian attacks aimed at disrupting Russia's May 9th Victory Day commemorations. Russian officials cited President Zelenskyy's "aggressive and threatening statements" regarding these commemorations as a basis for the warning. The Russian Defence Ministry had previously issued a similar warning about a potential strike on Kyiv. The move highlights heightened tensions surrounding the upcoming Victory Day events and Russia's stated concerns about Ukrainian actions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Russia's "utter cynicism" for launching deadly attacks while simultaneously proposing a ceasefire. Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire for May 8th and 9th, coinciding with World War Two victory celebrations, and threatened Kyiv with missile strikes if the truce was violated. Ukraine, however, declared its own open-ended ceasefire starting May 6th, stating it would respond symmetrically to any violations. Overnight attacks across Ukraine killed five people and injured dozens, occurring as these ceasefire proposals were made. Zelensky criticized Russia's actions as propaganda-driven, urging them to disarm and engage in genuine diplomacy. The proposed ceasefires appear unilateral, lacking mutual agreement on terms or monitoring.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia's "utter cynicism" after overnight strikes killed five people in Ukraine, occurring as Russia sought a truce for its Victory Day parade. The attacks, which hit a gas facility in Poltava and killed two emergency responders in a follow-on strike, injured 37 others. Zelenskyy stated Russia could end the war by ceasing fire, highlighting that Moscow's request for a ceasefire for propaganda celebrations while continuing daily strikes is hypocritical. Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire for its Victory Day parade on Friday, which will feature less military hardware due to concerns about Ukrainian drone attacks. Ukraine has offered its own 24-hour ceasefire if Russia reciprocates, a condition previously unmet.

Russian air attacks targeted Ukrainian state-run gas facilities in the Poltava and Kharkiv regions overnight, resulting in the deaths of five people. The victims included three Naftogaz employees and two emergency service rescuers, with an additional 37 individuals wounded. Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretskyi reported significant damage and production losses, stating the attack involved drones and ballistic missiles, and cut gas supply to nearly 3,500 customers. This occurred shortly after both Ukraine and Russia announced unilateral ceasefires to take effect later in the week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as "utter cynicism" from Russian authorities, emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to peace but also its readiness to respond.

Moscow has intensified security measures ahead of its annual Victory Day parade on May 9th, a significant national celebration. Airports in the capital were temporarily shut down, and mobile internet access was disrupted for many residents on Tuesday. These actions are being taken amid concerns of potential Ukrainian drone strikes, particularly after a recent drone incident near the Kremlin. Russia has also proposed a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine for May 8th-9th, which Ukraine has dismissed as a tactic to protect the parade. The parade itself will be scaled back, notably excluding heavy military hardware for the first time in nearly two decades due to these security fears.

Russia has announced a two-day ceasefire in Ukraine on May 8 and 9, coinciding with Victory Day, which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that President Vladimir Putin ordered the truce and expects Ukraine to observe it. The ministry also warned that if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the Victory Day celebrations, Russian armed forces will launch a retaliatory missile strike on Kyiv. This announcement comes as Russia prepares to mark the 81st anniversary of the Great Patriotic War.

Moscow conducted a rehearsal for its annual Victory Day parade, scheduled for May 9th, which commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. In conjunction with the celebrations, Russia announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine. This annual parade is a significant event for Russia, showcasing its military might and honoring the sacrifices made during the war. The ceasefire in Ukraine is intended to allow for the uninterrupted observance of Victory Day. The rehearsal and the ceasefire announcement highlight the importance Russia places on this historical commemoration.

A Ukrainian drone struck an upscale residential building in Moscow early Monday, causing visible facade damage but no casualties. This marks the third consecutive night of drone attacks on the Russian capital ahead of Victory Day celebrations. Two other drones were intercepted, and operations at Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports were temporarily suspended. The Russian defense ministry reported intercepting 117 drones across several regions, with 60 targeting the St. Petersburg area. The Moscow building hit is located in a wealthy neighborhood near the Kremlin, and while drone attacks on Moscow have occurred previously, strikes this close to the city center are uncommon.

Russia and Ukraine have declared competing unilateral ceasefires in their ongoing conflict. Russia announced a truce from May 8-9, coinciding with its traditional Victory Day celebrations and a military parade in Moscow, hoping Ukraine would reciprocate. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he received no official notification from Russia and announced Ukraine's own ceasefire would begin at midnight on May 5-6. Zelenskyy emphasized the value of human life over anniversaries and urged Russian leaders to take real steps to end the war. The competing declarations highlight the ongoing tensions and differing approaches to de-escalation.