U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, marking a significant breakthrough in international mediation efforts. The announcement was made via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Friday.

According to the President, the ceasefire will commence today, Saturday, and remain in effect through Monday (May 9, 10, and 11).

"I am pleased to announce that a three-day ceasefire will take effect between Russia and Ukraine," Trump wrote, expressing hope that this could signal the beginning of the end for the "long, lethal, and difficult struggle."

Immediate Confirmation from Kyiv and Moscow
Shortly after the announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the news via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Zelenskyy noted that the three-day arrangement is part of a broader U.S. peace initiative aimed at ending the war, which has lasted for over four years.

In Moscow, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the agreement resulted from a recent telephone conversation between President Vladimir Putin and President Trump.

Ushakov stated that the two leaders emphasized their countries' historical role as allies during World War II and discussed the possibility of a truce to coincide with Victory Day celebrations.

A Symbolic Window for Peace
The ceasefire aligns with Russia’s "Victory Day" on May 9, which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany.

While Moscow had previously declared a unilateral two-day truce for the holiday, the new three-day agreement incorporates Ukrainian participation following U.S. diplomatic intervention.

President Trump personally thanked both the Russian and Ukrainian leaders for agreeing to the request, which he noted was made directly by him. "I hope this marks the start of the end of this war," he added.
Source: Al Jazeera