Russia and Putin · Second term · № 130
Announced a three-day ceasefire on the dates Russia had demanded for its Victory Day parade
“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. 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.”
- Said
- , Truth Social and White House statement
- Subject
- Victory Day ceasefire
- Type
- Ukraine
- Topic
- Ukraine & Russia
- Era
- Second term
What happened
In early May 2026 Russia's defense ministry demanded that hostilities cease on May 8 and 9 so that Moscow could hold its Victory Day parade, threatening a 'massive missile strike on the centre of Kyiv' if not, while Zelensky offered an open-ended ceasefire from May 6 and said Russia feared 'drones may buzz over Red Square.' On May 8 Trump announced a three-day ceasefire for May 9 to 11 and a swap of 1,000 prisoners each, saying the request 'was made directly by me' and that both Putin and Zelensky 'agreed' to it 'readily.' Asked why he had asked Zelensky 'for a ceasefire that Putin wanted,' he said 'everyone is happy.' Both sides accused each other of violations, and the pause was described as a humanitarian one rather than a settlement. He said he would like 'a big extension'; the war continued, with about 25,000 soldiers a month killed by his own account.