BREAKING: Trump Announces 3-Day Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine
Reflecto News | Breaking News | Russia-Ukraine War
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire from May 9 to May 11, 2026, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations, along with a major prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals from each side .
The announcement comes as Moscow prepares to mark the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II — a date of profound symbolic significance for Russian President Vladimir Putin . Trump acknowledged Ukraine’s role in the war effort as well, noting that Ukraine “were also a big part and factor of World War II” .
“I am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE (May 9th, 10th, and 11th) in the War between Russia and Ukraine. The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II.”
— President Donald J. Trump, via Truth Social
📅 Terms of the Ceasefire
The three-day truce will take effect on Saturday, May 9, and will run through Monday, May 11 .
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days (May 9–11, 2026) |
| Military Activity | Suspension of all “kinetic activity” |
| Prisoner Exchange | 1,000 prisoners from each side |
| Trigger Event | Victory Day (World War II anniversary) |
Trump stated that the request for the ceasefire was made directly by him, and he expressed appreciation to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their agreement .
🎖️ Victory Day Context
The ceasefire coincides with Russia’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany on May 9, 1945. This year’s parade has been significantly scaled back. For the first time in decades, the traditional display of tanks, missile launchers, and other heavy military equipment will be absent from Red Square, a decision widely attributed to heavy battlefield losses in Ukraine and security concerns over drone threats .
“The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II.”
— President Donald J. Trump
🕊️ Prisoner Exchange
A key component of the three-day truce is the mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side . If executed, this would represent one of the largest prisoner swaps since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Trump expressed hope that the ceasefire could mark “the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War,” adding that negotiations to permanently end the conflict “are continuing” and that “we are getting closer and closer every day” .
⚠️ Competing Ceasefire Declarations
Both Russia and Ukraine had previously announced separate unilateral ceasefires for the Victory Day period, though with significant differences in timing and scope .
- Russia’s Unilateral Ceasefire: The Russian Ministry of Defense declared a ceasefire from midnight local time on May 8 to midnight on May 10. The Russian MoD called on Ukraine to “follow this example” and reiterated warnings of a “massive” missile strike against Kyiv City if Ukraine did not comply .
- Ukraine’s Counter-Proposal: President Zelenskyy announced a separate Ukrainian ceasefire from midnight on the night of May 5-6, stating that it was “not serious” to expect Ukraine to observe a ceasefire during a Russian military holiday while Russian forces continued attacks .
“This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.”
— President Donald J. Trump
Trump’s announcement of a mutually agreed three-day ceasefire from May 9 to 11 represents a departure from the earlier, uncoordinated unilateral declarations, though skepticism remains given the history of failed truces .
📊 What’s Next
As the ceasefire is set to begin on Saturday, attention will turn to whether both sides adhere to the suspension of “all kinetic activity” — a phrase encompassing drone strikes, artillery barrages, missile attacks, and ground combat operations.
The Kremlin had previously threatened a “massive missile strike” on the center of Kyiv if Ukraine attempted to disrupt Victory Day celebrations, and civilian evacuation warnings have been issued for the Ukrainian capital .
Trump’s statement expressed optimism that the temporary truce could be the “beginning of the end” of the war. However, both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of violating previous ceasefires, leaving the durability of this three-day pause uncertain .
📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Ceasefire Duration | May 9–11, 2026 (three days) |
| Key Terms | Suspension of all “kinetic activity”; exchange of 1,000 prisoners per side |
| Announced By | President Donald Trump via Truth Social |
| Stated Agreement | Both Russia and Ukraine agreed to the terms |
| Context | Victory Day (81st anniversary of WWII victory) |
| Trump’s Outlook | “Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end” |
| Previous Declarations | Russia: May 8-10; Ukraine: May 5-6 (separate and uncoordinated) |
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Updated: May 8, 2026