Trump announces proposed three-day ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war
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WASHINGTON – United States President Donald Trump has announced a proposed three-day ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, suggesting a temporary halt to fighting from May 9 to May 11 to coincide with World War II commemorations in Russia. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the planned pause would include a complete suspension of military operations, along with a proposed exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side. He described the initiative as a potential step toward ending the prolonged conflict, saying there was “constant progress” in diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace. Trump also referred to his earlier phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 29, after which he indicated that discussions on a temporary ceasefire were underway. Russia had previously announced a similar unilateral truce last year lasting three days, though it was not agreed with Ukraine. The latest proposal comes as Russia has separately declared a ceasefire from May 8 to May 9, aligning with Victory Day celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany, including military events in Moscow’s Red Square. Ukraine, meanwhile, has proposed an open-ended ceasefire that began earlier this week and has urged Russia to reciprocate, but no joint agreement has been reached so far. Diplomatic efforts to end the war have stalled in recent months, with key disagreements persisting over territory in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Moscow has demanded that Kyiv withdraw from parts of the area it claims control over, while Ukraine has rejected any territorial concessions. Officials also confirmed that Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov recently travelled to the United States for talks with American representatives as part of ongoing, though stalled, peace discussions. Both Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused each other of violating previously declared ceasefires, casting uncertainty over the prospects of any new truce holding. Iran ac