Zelensky Confirms 1000-for-1000 Exchange and Ceasefire with Russia May 9-11
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed a «1000 for 1000» prisoner exchange and a ceasefire with Russia from May 9-11. The agreement was reached on May 8 through US mediation. Zelensky thanked Trump for his diplomatic involvement, prioritizing the lives of prisoners over other issues.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the prisoner exchange planned for May 9 in a «1000 for 1000» format. He also affirmatively responded to US President Donald Trump's statement regarding a truce with the Russian Federation, which is expected to be in effect on May 9, 10, and 11.
According to Zelensky, on May 8, within the framework of the negotiation process facilitated by the American side, Russia's consent was obtained for the prisoner exchange in the specified format. Additionally, a ceasefire regime is to be established for three days. The President of Ukraine instructed the Ukrainian team to promptly prepare everything necessary for the exchange.
Volodymyr Zelensky thanked US leader Donald Trump and his team for their effective diplomatic participation, expressing hope that the United States would ensure the fulfillment of the agreements by the Russian side. The President of Ukraine also noted that there had been many appeals and signals regarding the configuration of May 9 in Moscow in connection with Ukrainian long-range drones, emphasizing that «the principle of mirroring in our actions is well-known and has been proven to the Russian side».
An additional argument for Ukraine in determining its position is always the resolution of one of the key humanitarian issues of this war – the release of prisoners of war. Zelensky stressed that «Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be returned home». Earlier, on May 8, US President Donald Trump announced a three-day truce in the war between Ukraine and Russia.