In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine has received numerous requests regarding the celebration of Victory Day on May 9 in Moscow, particularly in light of ongoing sanctions. He emphasized that the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war is a higher priority than the celebrations in Moscow.
During a recent negotiation process facilitated by the United States, Zelensky revealed that Russia has agreed to a prisoner exchange of 1,000 soldiers from each side. He stated, “The Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian captives that can be brought home.” In conjunction with this, he has instructed his team to prepare for the exchange.
Zelensky expressed gratitude towards the U.S. President and his team for their diplomatic efforts, hoping that the U.S. will ensure compliance from the Russian side regarding the agreements reached.
In a related move, Zelensky’s office released a decree allowing for a parade in Moscow on May 9, 2026, which designates Red Square as an area excluded from Ukrainian military operations during the event.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the ceasefire, stating, “I am pleased to announce a three-day ceasefire from May 9 to May 11 in the war between Russia and Ukraine.” He noted that while Russia celebrates Victory Day, Ukraine also has its own significant history in World War II.
Trump clarified that the ceasefire would involve a halt to all military activities and the prisoner exchange of 1,000 soldiers from each side. He expressed hope that this agreement marks the beginning of the end of a prolonged and deadly conflict.
Russian state news agency TASS reported that Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president, confirmed Moscow’s acceptance of Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire and the prisoner exchange.
On May 8, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would respond in kind to any Russian attacks, stating that the celebrations in Moscow would depend on the developments that day. Earlier, on May 7, Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire from midnight on May 8 until May 10 in honor of Victory Day, urging Ukraine to follow suit.
However, Zelensky noted that fighting continued on the front lines, with no genuine attempts from Russia to cease hostilities. He had previously called for a ceasefire, but not merely for the sake of Moscow’s parade. A ceasefire he declared on May 6 was quickly violated by Russian forces, with no response from Moscow to Ukraine’s proposals for a truce.
Ukraine and Russia have reached an agreement for a prisoner exchange amid a temporary ceasefire coinciding with Victory Day celebrations. President Zelensky emphasized the importance of returning captives over military parades, while U.S. President Trump confirmed the ceasefire terms.