Putin says war winding down, Trump announces ceasefire
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- Putin said on May 9, 2026 that the Ukraine war is winding down and slammed Western aid to Kyiv.
- Moscow held a scaled‑down Victory Day parade after recent Ukrainian long‑range attacks, prompting heightened security and reduced pomp.
- Trump announced a three‑day ceasefire starting May 9, 2026, with a planned exchange of 1,000 prisoners per side.
- Russia accused Ukraine of ceasefire breaches, but no major strikes were reported; drone activity and civilian casualties persisted.
- Putin said he would meet President Zelenskyy only after all peace conditions are met and noted Russia has not yet received a Ukrainian proposal on the prisoner swap.
Why it matters: The 1,000‑prisoner exchange offers a tangible humanitarian win for families, but the lack of a Ukrainian proposal stalls the deal, leaving both militaries in a precarious stalemate that could affect future aid allocations.
