Zelenskyy confirms three-day ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Russia has agreed to a three-day ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange involving 1,000 captives from each side.

In a statement published on social media, Zelenskyy said humanitarian considerations, particularly the release of prisoners of war, remained one of Ukraine’s key priorities in determining its position during negotiations.

“For us, Red Square is less important than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can return home,” Zelenskyy wrote.

The President noted talks mediated by the United States resulted in Russia agreeing to a “1,000-for-1,000” exchange of military prisoners.

Zelenskyy added that a ceasefire should come into force on 9, 10 and 11 May.

“Ukraine is continuously working to bring its citizens back from Russian captivity. I instructed our team to prepare everything necessary for the exchange in a timely manner,” he said.

He also thanked US President Donald Trump and his team for what he described as effective diplomatic involvement, adding that Kyiv expected Washington to ensure Russia complied with the agreements.

Earlier, Trump announced on social media that a three-day ceasefire would be introduced in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

“I am pleased to inform you that a three-day ceasefire will be declared in the war between Russia and Ukraine (9, 10 and 11 May),” Trump wrote. “The ceasefire will include a halt to all combat operations, as well as the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side.”

Trump said the proposal had been made directly by him and praised both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy for agreeing to it.

“I hope this will be the beginning of the end of this very long, bloody and difficult war,” he added.

Zelenskyy also signed an official order allowing Russia to hold its 9 May military parade in Moscow as part of the ceasefire arrangements.

The decree states that, for humanitarian reasons discussed during negotiations with the American side on 8 May 2026 and taking into account multiple requests, Russia would be permitted to hold the military parade in Moscow.

According to the order, the area surrounding Red Square would be excluded from Ukraine’s military targeting plans during the parade, specifically from 10:00am Kyiv time on 9 May 2026.