Donald Trump has declared a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine to mark Victory Day, announcing the news on his social media platform. The US president revealed that he had requested a pause in the conflict between May 9 and May 11, expressing gratitude to leaders Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky for agreeing to the proposal.

The ceasefire, as outlined by Trump, will involve a cessation of all military activities and a mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each country. Trump expressed hope that this ceasefire could signify the beginning of the end of the prolonged and deadly war, which he described as one of the most significant conflicts since World War II.

Victory Day is observed to commemorate the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, initially established in the Soviet Union following the signing of the German Instrument of Surrender on May 8, 1945.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, reports emerged earlier today that Ukraine had violated the truce by launching drone attacks on Russia, resulting in a major fire at a key oil refinery in Yaroslavl. Ukrainian forces conducted these long-range strikes deep within Russian territory, prompting a swift response from Moscow with over 140 attacks and 850 drone strikes.

The Kremlin had announced a Victory Day ceasefire from May 8 to 10, prior to the escalation of hostilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to attend a military parade in Red Square, leading to heightened security measures in the region.