Yury Ushakov: On the instructions from President of Russia Vladimir Putin, I confirm that the Russian side considers acceptable the initiative just proposed by US President Donald Trump concerning a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine for the purpose of conducting a prisoner exchange.
The relevant understanding was reached during our telephone contacts with the US Administration. In turn, US representatives were in contact with Kiev.
The key agreement is to carry out, during the ceasefire period from May 9 to May 11 inclusive, an exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side.
We welcome this initiative, which follows up on the recent telephone conversation between the Presidents of Russia and the United States, during which the leaders specifically noted that our countries had been allies during the Second World War and also discussed the possibility of a ceasefire during the Victory Day celebrations.
It is important that President Trump’s initiative is specifically timed to coincide with the 81st anniversary of Victory over Nazism, our sacred holiday.
Thank you.