The Kremlin has clarified that the latest agreement between Russia and Ukraine provides for only a three-day ceasefire, dismissing speculation about a longer halt in hostilities as diplomatic efforts continue amid the ongoing war.
Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov confirmed on Thursday that the current arrangement covers a temporary truce from May 9 to May 11, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations. According to Ushakov, the agreement does not include provisions for extending the ceasefire beyond the three-day period.
The ceasefire announcement came after renewed diplomatic contacts involving the United States, with US President Donald Trump stating that both Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to pause military operations temporarily and carry out a large-scale prisoner exchange.
Under the agreement, Russia and Ukraine are expected to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each during the ceasefire window, marking one of the largest swaps since the conflict began in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed the arrangement, saying humanitarian priorities and the return of prisoners remained central to Kyiv’s position.
However, despite the temporary pause, Moscow indicated there was no broader breakthrough in peace negotiations. Ushakov reiterated the Kremlin’s long-standing position that Ukraine must withdraw troops from territories claimed by Russia before discussions on a lasting settlement could move forward.
“Kyiv needs to take only one serious step,” Ushakov said earlier this week, referring to Russia’s demand linked to the Donbas region. He argued that only after such a move could military operations be suspended for a longer period and negotiations on a long-term settlement begin.
The temporary truce also comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding Russia’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow. Russian authorities had warned of severe retaliation if Ukraine targeted events linked to the celebrations. Meanwhile, Ukraine maintained that any ceasefire must serve humanitarian objectives rather than symbolic political events.
Although both sides publicly backed the three-day arrangement, reports from the battlefield suggested continued distrust and accusations of violations even before the ceasefire formally began.
The latest development highlights the fragile nature of ongoing diplomatic contacts, with no confirmation yet from either Moscow or Kyiv regarding any roadmap toward a broader or permanent peace agreement.