On April 29, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a phone conversation, as confirmed by Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov. During the call, Putin proposed the idea of declaring a ceasefire in light of the upcoming Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
Ushakov did not specify the exact duration of the proposed ceasefire. Trump expressed a positive view regarding a recent 32-hour ceasefire declared by Russia during Easter, which included eight hours on Saturday, April 11, and a full day on Sunday, April 12. In response, Putin informed Trump of Russia’s willingness to announce a ceasefire for the Victory Day festivities, a proposal that Trump actively supported.
According to Ushakov, Trump indicated that a peaceful agreement was within reach. However, the White House has yet to confirm the details of the conversation between the two leaders.
This year’s Victory Day events in major Russian cities are expected to occur in a limited format due to drone attacks from Ukraine. Notably, the Moscow parade on May 9 will, for the first time in nearly two decades, take place without the display of military equipment.
The last ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was announced during Easter, although it was uncoordinated. Putin declared a unilateral ceasefire, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine would respond in kind. Both sides accused each other of numerous violations while claiming to have adhered strictly to the ceasefire terms.
In 2025, Putin had previously announced a three-day ceasefire for May 8, 9, and 10.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a potential ceasefire during a phone call on April 29, ahead of the May 9 Victory Day celebrations. The conversation highlighted ongoing tensions and the limited format of this year's events due to security concerns.