Donald Trump has declared a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine to mark Victory Day, stating that the prolonged conflict is nearing an end. The US President expressed gratitude to Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky for accepting his proposal to halt hostilities from May 9 to May 11. Trump shared the news on his social media platform, emphasizing that the ceasefire encompasses the suspension of all combat activities and a planned exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each country.
Victory Day commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, with the holiday originating in the Soviet republics after the German surrender. Despite the ceasefire announcement, Ukraine reportedly launched drone attacks on Russia, causing a significant fire at a key oil refinery. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned Moscow’s actions, accusing Russia of continuing to kill Ukrainian civilians.
In response to the attacks, Russia retaliated with over 140 strikes and 850 drone attacks, disregarding the ceasefire declared for Victory Day. Russian President Putin, set to attend a military parade in Red Square, has implemented heightened security measures following the escalating tensions between the two nations.