U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that the ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia could extend beyond its initial dates of May 9 to 11. During a press conference, he expressed hope for a longer-lasting peace.
When asked by reporters if he anticipated the three-day ceasefire would last longer, Trump responded, “Maybe. It would be nice. I would like to see it stop. Russia and Ukraine represent the worst human losses since World War II, with 25,000 young soldiers lost each month. It’s madness. So it very well could be.”
Earlier this week, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire for May 8 and 9. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged for a ceasefire to begin on the night of May 6 instead.
In a turn of events, Russia violated the ceasefire by launching attacks on several Ukrainian cities, prompting Kyiv to respond in kind on the night of May 8. Cities such as Moscow, Yaroslavl, and Rostov were reportedly targeted in the Ukrainian response.
On the evening of May 8, Trump confirmed the three-day ceasefire and announced a prisoner exchange would also take place. Following this, Zelensky affirmed the plans for the exchange and issued a directive not to exclude the Red Square in Moscow from potential targets during the parade. He also indicated that Ukraine would respond symmetrically to any further violations of the ceasefire by Russia.
President Trump has indicated that the ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia may extend beyond its initial three-day period. Following a series of attacks, both nations have engaged in reciprocal military actions, while plans for a prisoner exchange are underway.