Donald Trump has announced a three-day cessation in hostilities between Russia and Ukraine to mark a holiday. The US president said that the deal, agreed for the Victory Day celebration in Russia, included a swap of 1,000 prisoners for each country.
Ceasefire Details
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized that the deal was brokered due to a 'request made directly by me.' The ceasefire will run from Saturday until Monday, May 11. Victory Day in Russia, held this Saturday, commemorates the nation's victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War. The day is marked by a military parade in Moscow's Red Square, although officials have said this year's show of strength will be scaled back due to increased security risks and will not include any military hardware.
International Attendance
While the event normally attracts leaders from around the world, only a few dignitaries and the leaders of Belarus, Malaysia, and Laos are set to attend this year's parade. Mobile internet access will be limited across Moscow and St Petersburg over the holiday.
Trump's Hopes
Trump voiced hopes that the three-day pause would mark the 'beginning of the end' of the four-year 'very long, deadly and hard fought' war. He wrote: 'Talks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day.'
Security Incidents
The latest agreement comes as the Latvian army said Nato jets had been jammed after a pair of drones entered the country from Russian territory. Defence minister Andris Spruds said the drones were likely to be Ukrainian and launched towards Russia, the Independent reported.
Previous Ceasefire
Earlier this week, Putin unilaterally declared a two-day ceasefire for his nation's holiday. Russia had threatened to strike Kyiv if Ukraine failed to uphold the ceasefire. It warned diplomatic missions to evacuate staff from the Ukrainian capital in case hostilities reignite.
Ukrainian Agreement
Russia is said to have agreed to Trump's ceasefire suggestion with Ukraine, according to TASS news. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky gave a green light to the proposal on May 9-11 and a prisoner exchange, a post on his public Telegram channel said.
