Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to respect a three-day ceasefire proposed by Donald TrumpThis truce, coinciding with the Russian commemorations of May 9th, a central date in Moscow's political calendar, is intended to allow Russia to hold its Victory Day parade in Red Square, amidst the still tense war between Kyiv and Moscow.
Zelensky orders that the parade not be struck
The Ukrainian president has instructed his army not to target the parade organized in Moscow. The measure directly affects the area around Red Square, where Russia annually commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. This gesture is presented as acceptance of the truce sought by Donald Trump, but it comes amid a climate of extreme mistrust between the two sides.
Trump attempts a diplomatic coup
Donald Trump announced this agreement as a three-day military pause between Ukraine and Russia, from May 9 to 11. The stated objective is twofold: to secure Russian commemorations and to open a diplomatic window in a conflict that remains stalemate. Washington hopes that this cessation of hostilities can serve as a springboard for renewed discussions.
Moscow also accepts the truce
Russia has also confirmed its agreement. Beyond the temporary cessation of hostilities, a prisoner exchange is being discussed, with 1,000 captives from each side. This humanitarian aspect gives more concrete weight to the truce, even if there is no guarantee that it will last beyond the announced framework.
A parade under maximum tension
May 9th is a show of force for Vladimir Putin. But this year, the event is taking place in a particularly tense atmosphere. Moscow fears possible drone attacks, especially since Ukraine has intensified its strikes against Russian infrastructure in recent months. The parade is therefore going ahead, but under heightened security.
A symbolic gesture, but a very calculated one.
By agreeing not to strike the parade, Zelensky avoids appearing to derail an American diplomatic initiative. For his part, Trump can present this truce as a personal victory on the international stage. As for Putin, he secures his patriotic event without publicly abandoning his military objectives.
