Trump announces three-day ceasefire, prisoner swap between Russia, Ukraine
More than four years into the war between Russia and Ukraine, President Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between the two countries.
The ceasefire will go into effect May 9-11, marking the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day during World War II.
“This ceasefire will include suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each country. This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate [the] agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” Trump posted on Truth Social Friday afternoon. “Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought war. Talks are continuing on ending this major conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day.”
It is estimated that the number of casualties (killed, injured and missing) on both sides could be as high as two million since the war began in February 2022, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Since taking office for the second time, Trump has worked to bring an end to the deadly war, meeting with Putin and Zelenskyy, the latter multiple times.
The president has expressed his frustration over ending the war, with Putin pulling away each time Trump believed a deal could be reached between the two Eastern European countries.
Latest News Stories
Ammons pleads not guilty, wants to delay House investigation
Advocate calls for stronger IDOC oversight after payroll fraud guilty plea
Illinois Quick Hits: FAFSA applications rise with increase in state taxpayer funding
Appeals court: Chicago’s ‘climate disinformation’ case belongs in Cook County
Bipartisan bill would force vote before Social Security cuts hit
Court OKs $45M verdict in talc asbestos case, including $30M for ‘reduced lifespan’
Taxpayers to fund $424.9M soccer stadium infrastructure
Illinois Quick Hits: Benton pulls name from ballot after resignation
Everyday Economics: Inflation may have peaked. That does not mean the Fed is ready to cut
Zillow analyst names culprit of flat home sales, high housing prices
Senate to vote to confirm Blanche, other key nominations next week
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after sudden illness