Former US President Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which he stated would commence on 9 May and last until 11 May. The declaration was made by Mr Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, detailing a pause in hostilities and a significant prisoner exchange.
According to Mr Trump's post, the proposed ceasefire would entail a complete suspension of all “kinetic activity” – a term typically referring to military combat operations. Furthermore, the plan includes a large-scale prisoner swap, with 1,000 prisoners from each country being exchanged during the three-day period.
This announcement by a former head of state, rather than an incumbent government official or an international mediator, introduces an unusual dynamic into the geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict. While Mr Trump has previously indicated a desire to resolve the war swiftly, this specific and detailed proposal marks a new development in his public statements on the matter.
The date of 9 May holds particular significance in Russia, as it is celebrated as Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Any cessation of hostilities around this date, even a temporary one, would be notable.
The feasibility and reception of such a proposal from a former president by the warring parties, as well as by international allies and organisations, remain to be seen. Neither the Ukrainian government nor the Russian government has yet publicly responded to Mr Trump's specific ceasefire announcement.