Zelensky Backs Down on Threat to Strike Moscow’s Red Square After Trump-Brokered Truce

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a direct order to his armed forces on Friday, instructing them to refrain from striking Moscow’s Red Square during Russia’s May 9 “Victory Day” parade. The move marks a sharp reversal from earlier threats, coming hours after US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

In a statement posted on X, Zelensky acknowledged receiving “numerous inquiries and signals” about arrangements in Moscow for the following day, specifically regarding Ukraine’s long-range sanctions. He emphasized that the principle of reciprocity in Ukrainian actions is well known and has been demonstrated to the Russian side. The key factor shaping Kyiv’s position, he explained, was the resolution of a major humanitarian issue in the war: the release of prisoners of war.

“Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be returned home,” Zelensky wrote. “For this very reason, today, within the framework of the negotiation process mediated by the American side, we received Russia’s consent to conduct an exchange of prisoners of war in the format of 1,000 for 1,000.”

The Ukrainian leader confirmed that a ceasefire must be implemented on May 9, 10, and 11. He stated that Ukraine is working continuously to bring its people back from Russian captivity. “I have instructed our team to prepare everything necessary for the exchange immediately,” he added, thanking US President Trump and his team for their “effective diplomatic engagement.” Zelensky said Kyiv is relying on Washington to ensure Moscow upholds the agreements.

President Trump announced the ceasefire earlier on Friday, posting on Truth Social that the truce would last for three days, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, 10, and 11. The announcement came after what Trump described as his efforts to secure the deal.

Just a day earlier, on Thursday, Zelensky had warned officials from countries allied with Russia against attending the Victory Day parade in Moscow.