Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed today that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a three-day ceasefire from May 9 to May 11, as part of diplomatic efforts led by the United States to help end the war, which has continued for more than four years.

In messages posted on X and Telegram, Zelensky also announced an agreement for the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war from each side.

Russia had previously declared a unilateral ceasefire to coincide with celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Moscow had warned that any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt the commemorations in Moscow would trigger a “massive missile strike” on central Kyiv.

In a decree signed tonight, Zelensky stated that he had ordered Ukrainian forces “to allow a parade to take place in the city of Moscow on May 9, 2026,” adding that Red Square would be excluded from the targets of the Ukrainian armed forces.

“Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who will be able to return home,” the Ukrainian president wrote earlier in a separate post.

Zelensky also thanked Donald Trump and his administration for their diplomatic initiatives, adding that he expects Washington to ensure that the Russian side complies with the agreed terms.