Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared a ceasefire to take effect from May 9 to May 11 amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. This announcement also includes a significant prisoner exchange agreement between Ukraine and Russia, with each side set to release 1,000 individuals.
Zelensky shared the details via Telegram, stating, “Today, through negotiations facilitated by the American side, we received Russia’s agreement to conduct a prisoner exchange in the format of 1,000 to 1,000. A ceasefire will also be established on May 9, 10, and 11. Ukraine is consistently working to bring our people back from Russian captivity.”
The Ukrainian president expressed hope that the United States would ensure compliance with the agreements reached with Russia.
According to Zelensky, the prisoner exchange serves as a crucial factor in Ukraine’s decision-making regarding the ceasefire from May 9 to 11.
Additionally, a decree was published on the president’s official website allowing for a parade in Moscow on May 9, 2026. The decree states, “During the parade (starting at 10 AM Kyiv time on May 9, 2026), the territorial area of Red Square will be excluded from the plan for the use of Ukrainian weaponry.”
Previously, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a three-day ceasefire would be in effect during the specified dates, along with the prisoner exchange.
Background on Ceasefire Discussions
On April 29, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a lengthy phone conversation with Trump, discussing the possibility of declaring a ceasefire on May 9.
Trump later indicated during a briefing that he had suggested a “brief cessation of hostilities” to Putin, expressing confidence that the Russian leader could implement it. He also implied that Putin had been ready to finalize an agreement for some time, but external factors had complicated the process.
On May 4, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire from May 8 to May 9, warning that any violations from Kyiv would result in a massive retaliatory strike on the capital.
On the same day, Zelensky announced a ceasefire for the night of May 5 to 6. However, on May 6, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga claimed that Russia had violated the ceasefire established by Ukraine, citing attacks involving 108 drones and three missiles against Ukrainian territory that night.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a ceasefire with Russia from May 9 to 11, coinciding with a significant prisoner exchange. The agreements were reached through U.S. mediation, and Zelensky expressed hope for compliance from the Russian side.