Zelensky 'allows' Putin to hold Victory Day parade as Trump declares 3-day Ukraine, Russia ceasefire

Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

U.S. President Donald Trump on May 8 announced a surprise prisoner exchange and three-day ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine from May 9-11 amid mounting tensions between Kyiv and Moscow on the eve of Russia's Victory Day celebrations.

The announcement was swiftly followed by a tongue-in-cheek official decree from President Volodymyr Zelensky in which he said he would "allow a parade to be held in Moscow."

"For the duration of the parade (beginning at 10:00 a.m. Kyiv time on May 9, 2026), the area of Red Square shall be excluded from the plan for the use of Ukrainian weapons," the declaration reads. It also includes the precise coordinates of Moscow's Red Square.

The declaration makes no mention of a ceasefire on attacks elsewhere in Russia.

"They were concerned about one specific square, and now, as part of the diplomatic process, permission has been granted to hold a parade in that square," an official from the Presidential Office told reporters.

The announcements come amid mounting tensions between Kyiv and Moscow on the eve of Russia's Victory Day celebrations. While the Kremlin declared a temporary truce in honor of the May 9 holiday, Ukraine has been skeptical that Russia will honor its own terms.

"I'm pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE (May 9th, 10th, and 11th) in the War between Russia and Ukraine," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day, but, likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II. This Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each Country."

Trump claimed he had personally requested the ceasefire and that it had been agreed to by both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky confirmed his team had received the request for a three-day ceasefire and prisoner swap, and said Ukraine is working to prepare for the exchange and would uphold "the principle of reciprocity," prioritizing the return of prisoners over strikes on Moscow.

"Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners, who can be returned home," he said.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov also said that Russia has agreed to Trump's proposed ceasefire from May 9-11 and to the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side.

In terms of a broader ceasefire, Ukraine will respond to Russia in kind, upholding the truce if Moscow does the same, the official said.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov took offense to Zelensky's declaration.

"Woe to anyone who tries to make light of Victory Day. That's their problem," he said in response.

"And we don't need anyone's permission," he added.

Zelensky said earlier in the day that Ukraine's actions would "mirror" Russia's over the course of the ceasefire period. Following Trump's declaration, Zelensky called on the U.S. to pressure Russia into maintaining the truce.

"We expect the United States to ensure the implementation of the agreements by the Russian side," he said.

Trump's surprise announcement follows two previous ceasefire declarations: one by Russia, and one by Ukraine.

Zelensky said on May 4 that Ukraine would declare a ceasefire beginning at midnight on May 6, following Putin's announcement of a temporary two-day "Victory Day ceasefire" on May 8–9.

When Ukraine's proposed truce came into effect on May 6, Zelensky said Russia had violated it a total of 1,820 times by 10 a.m. local time.

Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9, commemorating the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II with large-scale military parades and demonstrations throughout the country. In recent years, the day has become on opportunity to spread propaganda justifying the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This year, Russia's proposed truce was accompanied by plans to scale back the military displays in Moscow amid rising concerns over Ukrainian long-range strikes.

Ahead of Victory Day, Ukraine continued demonstrating its ability to strike targets in Russia with large-scale drone attacks, including launching dozens of drones at Moscow. A series of strikes in Perm, far from the Ukrainian border, already led the city to cancel its own Victory Day parade entirely.

Despite Russia's increasing nervousness, the Kremlin sent threatening signals to Kyiv, warning diplomats in Ukraine to evacuate their missions before May 9. Embassies refused to comply.

Zelensky has also warned foreign leaders not to attend the Victory Day parades in Moscow and has warned Russia of "long-range sanctions" in response to ceasefire violations.

Shortly before Trump's ceasefire declaration, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted that Washington's efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine "have stagnated."

Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have been stalled for over two months as the U.S. focused increasingly on its war against Iran. But in his Truth Social post, Trump claimed the peace talks were still underway.

"Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought War," he said. "Talks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day."

Trump's post came a day after Ukrainian security chief Rustem Umerov arrived in Miami for meetings with U.S. officials. According to Zelensky, Umerov's talks will focus on humanitarian matters, including POW exchanges and efforts to revive the peace process with Russia.