Trump Confirms Three-Day Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine

As the war in Iran continues, US President Donald Trump confirmed yesterday that Russia and Ukraine will execute a three-day ceasefire to celebrate Victory Day and exchange prisoners.

Russia and Ukraine have been battling since 2022 – a testament to how long, costly, and arduous a war can be – and have rarely paused the near-continuous fighting since then. Every day, the sides work to bombard each other with drone strikes and launch ballistic missiles at their highest-priority targets, while innocent soldiers die on the battlefield and more money is poured into manufacturing new weapons and defense systems.

On the Russian side, at least 214,000 soldiers have been killed in combat, though estimates place the number closer to 325,000. On the Ukrainian side, between 100,000 and 140,000 militants have been killed, in addition to another 15,000 civilians as Russia continues to strike Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.

Nevertheless, despite this ongoing conflict, both sides have agreed to pause the conflict for three days to release tension, exchange prisoners, and celebrate a common holiday.

Victory Day commemorates the day that the Allied forces defeated Hitler in Nazi Germany, marking the end to World War II after six years of fighting and more than 70-85 million deaths. It is observed across Europe on May 8, but Russia celebrates the holiday on May 9 due to the time difference when the treaty ending the war was signed. The Soviet Union's step-in to assist the Allied forces was one of the decisive moves that helped end the war, making Victory Day a huge event in Russia. Ukraine, as a former member of the Soviet Union, also commemorates their victory on the same day.

This year, Russia and Ukraine will pause their conflict for May 9, 10, and 11, allowing for a three-day ceasefire. During this time, both sides will release 1,000 prisoners of war from the other, and the short ceasefire could make way for further talks down the road.

However, the ceasefire remains extremely fragile, and the two countries are likely to return to the war as soon as the deal comes to an end. Trump continues to claim that successful talks are taking place and the war could wind down in the coming months, but both sides have denied progressing in negotiations and remain at an impasse over various key issues.

Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): When George Washington died, Napoleon Bonaparte of France gave a personal eulogy and ordered a 10-day mourning period for France.

Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it. (William James)

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Wistful (adj, WIST-ful) - To be wistful is to have sad thoughts and feelings about something that you want to have or do, and especially about something that made you happy in the past. Wistful can also describe something, such as a smile or sigh, that shows or communicates such feelings.

In a Sentence: As the car pulled away, Lea cast one last wistful glance at the house where she'd spent so many happy years.

Image credit to Reuters