Russia and Ukraine Agree to Three-Day Temporary Ceasefire, "1,000 Prisoners to Be Exchanged on Each Side"

[Financial News] Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day temporary ceasefire under U.S. mediation. However, it is not a deal that amounts to a full end to the war or a long-term peace agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 8th local time that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to halt military operations for three days, from the 9th to the 11th. The agreement also includes an exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side.
The ceasefire was pursued to coincide with Russia's Victory Day celebrations marking its World War II victory. The United States has reportedly continued mediation efforts to ease tensions on humanitarian grounds amid the recent escalation in fighting between the two countries.
Ukraine also acknowledged that the ceasefire agreement had been reached.
Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly agreed in the past to limited ceasefires and the establishment of humanitarian corridors, but fighting has often resumed after each side accused the other of violating the deal first. Analysts say it remains unclear whether this ceasefire will hold steadily on the ground.
In particular, since both sides are describing the measure as a "temporary ceasefire," analysts say the chances of it leading to long-term peace talks remain slim. Experts view the agreement as more of a test of de-escalation and the possibility of further negotiations than a step toward ending the war.
Meanwhile, the war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022 when Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a "special military operation" against Ukraine. Russian forces advanced simultaneously from the north, east, and south in an attempt to quickly seize Kyiv, but they failed to achieve their initial objectives amid strong Ukrainian resistance and Western support. More than four years into a prolonged war, Russia is occupying parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, while Ukraine continues its defense with military aid from the West. However, major issues such as the status of occupied territories, Ukraine's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the continuation of Western support remain unresolved, leading to a prevailing view that a complete end to the war will take considerable time.

ronia@fnnews.com Lee Seol-young Reporter