By — Darlene Superville, Associated Press Darlene Superville, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/trump-says-russia-and-ukraine-have-agreed-to-his-request-for-a-3-day-ceasefire-prisoner-swap Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Trump says Russia and Ukraine have agreed to his request for a 3-day ceasefire, prisoner swap World May 8, 2026 3:07 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine have agreed to his request for a three-day ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners, adding that such a halt to hostilities could be the "beginning of the end" of the long war between them. Trump announced on social media that the ceasefire would run Saturday through Monday. Saturday is Victory Day in Russia, a holiday that commemorates its victory over Nazi Germany 81 years ago in World War II. READ MORE: Russian strikes kill 22 in Ukraine before looming ceasefire "I am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE (May 9th, 10th, and 11th) in the War between Russia and Ukraine," Trump wrote. "The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II." Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. The Republican president said the ceasefire includes a suspension of all kinetic activity and the exchange of 1,000 prisoners by each country. WATCH: Inside Chornobyl, 40 years after the world's worst nuclear disaster "This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy," Trump said. "Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War." Trump added that talks continue over ending the war "and we are getting closer and closer every day." A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Darlene Superville, Associated Press Darlene Superville, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine have agreed to his request for a three-day ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners, adding that such a halt to hostilities could be the "beginning of the end" of the long war between them. Trump announced on social media that the ceasefire would run Saturday through Monday. Saturday is Victory Day in Russia, a holiday that commemorates its victory over Nazi Germany 81 years ago in World War II. READ MORE: Russian strikes kill 22 in Ukraine before looming ceasefire "I am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE (May 9th, 10th, and 11th) in the War between Russia and Ukraine," Trump wrote. "The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II." Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. The Republican president said the ceasefire includes a suspension of all kinetic activity and the exchange of 1,000 prisoners by each country. WATCH: Inside Chornobyl, 40 years after the world's worst nuclear disaster "This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy," Trump said. "Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War." Trump added that talks continue over ending the war "and we are getting closer and closer every day." A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now