Putin Calls War ‘Just’ as Trump Triggers Ceasefire
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- Putin framed the war as a fight against an “aggressive force” backed by NATO and asserted the cause was just during his May 9 Victory Day address.
- Red Square hosted a scaled‑back Victory Day parade, with no military hardware displayed for the first time in nearly two decades and only a few foreign dignitaries, mainly from Russia’s allies.
- Trump announced a three‑day ceasefire effective May 9, coupled with a prisoner exchange of 1,000 detainees per side.
- Zelensky ordered Ukrainian forces not to attack the parade and complied with the ceasefire to facilitate the detainee swap.
- North Korea troops marched alongside Russian units, underscoring the event’s limited foreign participation.
Why it matters: The ceasefire lets 2,000 prisoners return home, easing humanitarian pressure on both sides and giving Trump a diplomatic win that bolsters his political standing amid ongoing legal battles.
