Donald Trump surprises world by brokering a three-day ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine.
The announcement comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares a grand celebration in Moscow this weekend to mark the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 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,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social.
‘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.’
The President stated that the ceasefire will halt all military operations and include a 1,000-prisoner swap from each country.
Russia allegedly holds upwards of 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers as prisoners of war, while Ukraine has captured 4,000 Russians.
‘This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,’ Trump added.
Trump said he hopes the ceasefire will help bring an eventual end to a ‘very long, deadly’ war, adding, ‘talks are continuing on ending this major conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day.’
Last week, Trump told reporters that he had raised the possibility of a ceasefire in a private 90-minute phone call with Putin, but nothing was confirmed at the time.
