Topline
A three-day ceasefire agreement has been reached between Ukraine and Russia, President Donald Trump announced Friday, potentially marking progress between the two nations that have been at war since 2022 and accused each other of breaking previous ceasefires.
Trump announced the ceasefire Friday afternoon.
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Key Facts
Trump said he requested the ceasefire, which will begin May 9 and “include a suspension of all kinetic activity” the president added.
One thousand prisoners from each country will be swapped as part of the ceasefire, according to Trump.
Ukraine and Russia have reached multiple temporary truces or ceasefire agreements as they have warred, but both countries have accused the other of violating prior peace deals.
The ceasefire will coincide with Victory Day celebrations in Russia that commemorate the acceptance of Nazi Germany’s surrender in World War II.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to give a speech for the celebrations in Russia, according to the Associated Press, which noted events will be scaled down over security concerns.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree Friday prohibiting Ukrainian military strikes against Moscow’s Red Square, where a parade will be held Saturday.
Zelensky said his decree was made “for the humanitarian purpose outlined in the negotiations with the American side on May 8, 2026.”
Ukraine And Russia’s Failed Ceasefires
Russia accused Ukraine of violating its own proposed ceasefire earlier this week, saying its air defenses shot down over 50 Ukrainian drones, the Associated Press reported. An Orthodox Easter ceasefire declared by Putin in April largely failed, with a Ukrainian military official telling PBS News the truce was violated with drone strikes and “not being observed by the Russian side,” adding Ukraine responded to Russian forces with “silence to silence and fire to fire.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged in a contentious meeting with Trump last year that Russia had violated 25 ceasefire deals since 2014, when Russia began its occupation and eventual annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
Key Background
Trump’s fiery meeting with Zelensky last year resulted in Trump ordering a freeze on military aid given to Ukraine. Months later, Trump, who has positioned himself as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, said he made no progress on a peace deal following a call with Putin. Dealmaking efforts between Trump and Putin failed again in August 2025, when the two gathered for a meeting in Alaska. Despite there being “no deal,” Trump claimed to reporters he and Putin made “headway” and “great progress” in regard to the war. Trump also met with Zelensky in December, saying negotiators were getting “closer” to a peace deal as “thorny issues” remained. The president has not provided an estimate for when a longer-term truce might be reached between Russia and Ukraine, which have yet to strike a major breakthrough in negotiations.
Further Reading
Trump Says ‘No Deal’ With Putin Following Meeting In Alaska (Forbes)
Trump Says He Made No Progress On Ukraine-Russia War In Call With Putin (Forbes)
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