US-Brokered Ceasefire Announced: Russia and Ukraine Agree to Three-Day Pause in Fighting

"This could be the beginning of the end." – President Donald Trump

Washington D.C. – US President Donald Trump announced on May 8, 2025, that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire from May 9 to May 11, 2025. The agreement includes a suspension of all kinetic activity and a prisoner exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each country. The ceasefire coincides with Russia's Victory Day holiday, which commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Confirmation from Both Sides

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the agreement via Telegram, stating that humanitarian issues remain a priority. Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov also confirmed Russia's agreement.

In a significant gesture, Zelensky issued a decree declaring Red Square off-limits for Ukrainian strikes during the parade. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed this decree as a "silly joke."

Background: A History of Failed Truces

The ceasefire follows previous failed attempts at de-escalation:

• Russia had previously announced a separate ceasefire for May 9-10, which collapsed with mutual blame.
• Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire, which Kyiv did not agree to.
• Both countries have independently declared ceasefires and accused each other of violations.

Negotiations mediated by the US have stalled in recent months. The latest sticking point is Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, about three-quarters controlled by Russia. Moscow demands Kyiv withdraw troops from parts of the region not captured by Russian forces; Ukraine refuses to cede territory under its control.

Diplomatic Efforts

Trump stated that the agreement was reached directly with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He characterized the ceasefire as potentially the "beginning of the end" of a conflict that began in February 2022.

Ukraine's top negotiator and former defense minister Rustem Umerov arrived in Miami for meetings with US representatives as peace talks have stalled.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio described US mediation efforts as having "stagnated" and without a "fruitful outcome" so far.

Ceasefire Violations Reported

On March 30, 2025, Russia accused Ukraine of breaking a US-brokered ceasefire, while Ukrainian officials reported casualties from Russian drone and artillery strikes.

Russian Accusations

Russia's Ministry of Defense accused Ukraine of over 1,000 ceasefire violations, including attacks on civilian targets and Russian military positions. The ministry stated that Russian forces responded in kind.

Ukrainian Accusations

Ukrainian officials reported multiple attacks:

• Zaporizhzhia region: 1 killed, 3 injured by artillery and drone strikes.
• Kherson region: 7 injured over the past 24 hours.
• Kharkiv region: 5 injured when a drone damaged an apartment block.
• Russian-occupied Kherson: Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-installed leader, said 2 people were injured by Ukrainian shelling.

Air Defense

Ukraine's air force said it shot down all 27 drones launched by Russia overnight.

Context of the Conflict

The conflict began with Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. The United Nations has verified approximately 15,000 Ukrainian civilian deaths, noting that the true number is likely higher. The estimated cost for post-war reconstruction over the next decade is $588 billion, according to a joint report by the World Bank, EU, UN, and Kyiv.

Russia currently occupies approximately 20 percent of Ukrainian territory. Moscow is seeking full control of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region and has indicated a willingness to use force if diplomatic solutions fail. Ukraine has rejected these demands, insisting on security guarantees from allies, including the US, to prevent future invasions.

Ongoing Peace Negotiations

President Zelensky is scheduled to meet with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. No Russian representative is expected to participate in the Ankara meeting, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Peskov noted that while there are "no concrete plans" for Russian President Vladimir Putin to communicate with either the Turkish side or Witkoff in the immediate context of this meeting, Putin remains "open to a conversation."

Senior US military officials, including US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, US Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, top US Army Commander in Europe Gen. Chris Donahue, and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer, arrived in Kyiv for discussions. Secretary Driscoll met with Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Reports of a Secret Peace Plan

Reports emerged indicating that the United States and Russia have privately developed proposals to end the conflict. These reports, citing individuals familiar with the matter, suggest that the plans involve Ukraine ceding certain territories and weaponry, alongside a significant reduction in its armed forces. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, are believed to have been involved in the development of a 28-point peace plan.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the reports, stating that Russia had "no additional innovations to what we call 'the spirit of Anchorage.'"

President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently rejected any territorial concessions to Russia. Ukraine and its Western allies, including the United States, have advocated for an immediate ceasefire along the front line. Moscow has rejected this, reiterating demands that Ukraine considers equivalent to de facto capitulation.

Recent Casualties

On Wednesday, officials in Ukraine reported that at least 26 individuals were killed in a Russian missile and drone attack on the western city of Ternopil.