WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, saying the truce will remain in effect on May 9, 10, and 11.
In a social media post, Trump said both countries would observe Victory Day celebrations during the ceasefire period. He noted that the occasion commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II, when Russia and Ukraine fought together.
The US president also said that 1,000 prisoners would be exchanged between the two sides during the temporary truce.
Trump added that progress was continuing in negotiations aimed at ending the war. Earlier, after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 29, Trump had hinted that efforts for a temporary ceasefire were underway.
Previously, Russia had announced a ceasefire for May 8 and 9 to ensure peaceful Victory Day celebrations and military parades at Red Square.
Meanwhile, Ukraine also proposed an indefinite ceasefire starting Tuesday night and urged Moscow to implement it.
Ukraine’s top negotiator, Rustam Umarov, has arrived in Miami for meetings with US officials regarding the ceasefire and peace talks.
According to reports, US-mediated negotiations have remained stalled for months, with the main dispute centered on the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
Moscow is demanding that Ukraine withdraw forces from areas that Russia claims, while Kyiv has refused to surrender territory under its control.
Both Russia and Ukraine have also accused each other of violating previous ceasefire agreements
