The United States President Donald Trump on Friday announced a surprise three-day ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, raising cautious global hopes for the first significant pause in fighting in months in the devastating war that has ravaged Eastern Europe since 2022.
Trump said the temporary ceasefire would begin on May 9 and continue through May 11, coinciding with Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
The US president made the announcement through his Truth Social platform from Washington, saying both Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to suspend “kinetic activity” for the three-day period while also conducting a large-scale prisoner exchange involving approximately 1,000 detainees from each side.
Trump described the development as a major diplomatic breakthrough and expressed optimism that the temporary truce could evolve into broader negotiations aimed at ending Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II.
The announcement comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts led by Washington in recent months to pressure both Russia and Ukraine toward negotiations.
Reports indicate Trump previously held direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the possibility of a temporary ceasefire linked to Victory Day commemorations.
According to Reuters, Trump revealed last week that he had personally suggested “a little bit of a ceasefire” during a lengthy phone conversation with Putin, who reportedly responded positively to the idea.
Despite the announcement, uncertainty remains over whether the ceasefire will hold across the vast front lines stretching through eastern and southern Ukraine.
Previous temporary truces declared during the conflict have frequently collapsed within hours, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly accused Russia of using ceasefire declarations for political and military advantage, especially during symbolic national events.
Earlier this week, Kyiv alleged that Russian forces launched drone and missile attacks despite Moscow’s earlier unilateral truce proposal linked to Victory Day ceremonies.
At the same time, Russia has warned Ukraine against any attacks during the Moscow Victory Day parade, amid heightened fears of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian territory and strategic installations.
The war, now in its fourth year, has caused catastrophic destruction across Ukraine, killing tens of thousands of civilians and soldiers while displacing millions of people.
Entire cities including Mariupol, Bakhmut and Avdiivka have been devastated by continuous bombardments and ground combat.
Analysts say even a brief ceasefire could provide humanitarian relief, facilitate prisoner exchanges, and potentially create momentum for broader diplomatic engagement.
However, many observers remain skeptical given the deep mistrust between both sides and the repeated collapse of earlier truce efforts.
International reactions began pouring in shortly after Trump’s announcement, with several world leaders cautiously welcoming the development while urging both sides to commit to a lasting peace process.
If implemented successfully, the ceasefire would represent the most significant pause in hostilities since temporary Easter truces earlier this year that lasted only briefly before fighting resumed.