Trump says Russia, Ukraine agree to his request for three-day ceasefire, prisoner swap

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday (May 8, 2026) that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine have agreed to his request for a three-day ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners, adding that such a halt to hostilities could be the “beginning of the end” of the long war between them.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the agreement.

Mr. Trump announced on social media that the ceasefire would run Saturday (May 9, 2026) through Monday (May 11, 2026). Saturday (May 9, 2026) is Victory Day in Russia, a holiday that commemorates 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,” Mr. Trump wrote. “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.”