U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding a potential extension of the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting it could last longer than the three days initially announced. Speaking to reporters on May 8, he stated, “It would be good. I would like to see this (war) stop.”
In response to questions about whether he would send representatives to Moscow for negotiations, Trump indicated his willingness, saying, “If I decide it will help, I will do it. I would like to see this war end.” This statement follows Trump’s earlier announcement of a three-day ceasefire, set to occur from May 9 to May 11, which includes a halt in hostilities and a prisoner exchange of 1,000 individuals from each side.
Both Kyiv and Moscow later confirmed the agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree allowing for a parade in Moscow on May 9, responding to requests made during negotiations with the U.S. The decree specifies that Ukrainian weaponry will not be used during the parade, particularly avoiding the Red Square.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reacted to Zelensky’s decree, stating, “Woe to anyone who tries to mock Victory Day. Such foolish jokes are rather a great misfortune for him,” emphasizing that Russia requires no permission for its actions.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov also confirmed the ceasefire agreement from May 9 to May 11. Prior to this, a unilateral ceasefire was declared by the Russian Ministry of Defense starting at midnight on May 8, coinciding with Victory Day celebrations. Ukraine announced it would respond in kind, following Russia’s earlier decision not to adhere to a ceasefire that Ukraine had declared on May 6.
On the night of May 8, both Russia and Ukraine reported drone strikes, with targets in Russia including Rostov-on-Don, Perm, and Grozny. Ukrainian officials claimed that Russian forces continued active assaults along the front lines.
During the day on May 8, President Zelensky stated that Ukraine’s actions on May 9 would depend on Russia’s behavior. He called for a long-term ceasefire, asserting that a temporary halt solely for the parade in Moscow was unacceptable. Zelensky previously noted that the Kremlin fears a Ukrainian strike on Moscow on May 9.
President Trump has suggested a possible extension of the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, originally set for three days. Both nations have confirmed agreements, while Ukraine's President Zelensky calls for a more lasting peace, emphasizing that a temporary ceasefire for a parade is insufficient.