The Ukrainian government has announced a temporary ceasefire during the upcoming May 9 parade in Moscow, as part of a broader agreement with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine would refrain from military actions in the vicinity of the parade, which is set to take place on Red Square.
According to Zelensky, the decision to allow the parade to proceed without interference was made in exchange for the return of 1,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war. “We will act in a mirror fashion. If they do not fire, we will not fire. If they do not launch missiles, we will not launch,” a source close to the president stated.
The ceasefire will be in effect from May 9 to May 11, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on May 8. During this period, a prisoner exchange is also scheduled, with both sides agreeing to swap 1,000 prisoners each.
Following the announcement, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine had received communications regarding the Moscow parade and had agreed to the ceasefire terms. He also issued a decree allowing the parade to take place without Ukrainian military intervention. “For the duration of the parade, the designated area of Red Square will be excluded from the plans for the use of Ukrainian weaponry,” the decree stated.
Russia has also acknowledged its agreement to the ceasefire and the prisoner exchange, as confirmed by Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president.
Ukraine has agreed to a temporary ceasefire during the May 9 parade in Moscow, allowing for a prisoner exchange with Russia. This decision reflects a strategic move to facilitate the return of Ukrainian prisoners while maintaining a cautious military stance.