Image@ Anna Moneymaker/Getty Image
In a surprising development, President of the United States, Donald Trump, yesterday declared a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, following mutual accusations of violations concerning previously established ceasefires during the celebrations commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.
”This truce will entail a halt to all military actions, along with a prisoner exchange of 1,000 individuals from each side,” he stated.
Shortly after the announcement, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, confirmed Ukraine’s agreement to the ceasefire, while Russian state media reported that Russia had also consented to the terms.
Earlier, both nations had claimed that the other continued to assault their positions, with Moscow’s mayor reporting drone strikes targeting the city overnight.
In his statement, President Trump emphasized that he had personally sought the three-day pause and expressed gratitude for the agreement from both President Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky.
Putin had previously called for a ceasefire on May 8-9 in anticipation of Victory Day celebrations scheduled for Saturday. Kyiv had earlier requested an indefinite truce starting May 6.
Russia has cautioned Ukraine against any attempts to disrupt the Victory Day parade in Red Square.
The Russian Defense Ministry threatened to execute a “retaliatory, massive missile strike” on central Kyiv if attacked. Foreign diplomats have been advised to evacuate the Ukrainian capital ahead of May 9.
This year marks the first time in nearly two decades that military hardware will be absent from the parade, as Moscow remains on high alert amid concerns of potential disruptions by Ukraine. Residents in Moscow and St. Petersburg have also been informed that mobile internet access will be restricted for security purposes.
Traditionally, the celebrations attract numerous foreign dignitaries to Moscow, however, this year’s attendees will include only leaders from Belarus, Malaysia, Laos, and a few other officials.
Both sides exchanged accusations yesterday regarding violations of the ceasefire.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Ukraine was targeting civilian areas in the Kursk and Belgorod regions near the conflict zone. In response, Russian armed forces reported a “mirror response” to these alleged violations.
Moscow Mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, noted that around 20 drones were intercepted near the city within the initial hours of the ceasefire. Reports also indicated Ukrainian strikes on industrial sites in the Perm and Yaroslavl regions, as well as locations in Rostov and Grozny.
Thirteen airports in southern Russia suspended operations following a drone attack.
Meanwhile, Zelensky reported over 140 assaults on Ukrainian positions in the first few hours of the ceasefire, alongside more than 850 drone strikes. He declared that Ukraine would “respond in kind.”
The ongoing dialogue regarding ceasefires follows comments from European Council President, António Costa, who expressed optimism about the EU’s potential role in negotiating an end to the conflict with Russia, stating that he had Zelensky’s support in this endeavor.
”I am engaging with the twenty-seven national leaders of the EU to determine how best to organize ourselves and identify what we need to discuss with Russia when the time is right,” he remarked in a recent interview with the Financial Times.
”We cannot alter geography, we are in Europe and neighbors with Russia, so it is essential to address future security arrangements on the continent.”
Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, stated that Russia is open to discussions but “will not initiate such communications ourselves.”
The United States has facilitated multiple rounds of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, yet no significant progress has been achieved so far.
There are worries that Washington is now preoccupied with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
During a visit to Italy yesterday, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, expressed that the US remains willing to mediate but is reluctant to spend time if no advancements are being made.
President Zelensky mentioned that he anticipates US representatives will arrive in Kyiv within the next few weeks.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong