Trump Vows to End Ukraine War

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday, May 8, 2026, a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, effective from May 9 to May 11. The announcement, made via social media, coincides with Russia's commemoration of the end of World War Two and includes a suspension of all kinetic activity and a prisoner swap involving 1,000 individuals from each nation.

The ceasefire follows earlier discussions between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 29 regarding a temporary truce. This initiative marks a U.S.-brokered effort to de-escalate the conflict, which has seen peace talks stall, particularly over Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. Both Russia and Ukraine have previously declared separate ceasefires, with each side accusing the other of violations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the arrangement, which also includes a prisoner exchange. The U.S.-brokered talks have been deadlocked over the status of Ukraine's Donetsk region, with Moscow demanding troop withdrawals from areas it has not captured, and Kyiv refusing to cede controlled territory. Ukraine had previously proposed an open-ended ceasefire starting May 5.