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Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday a proposed three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, saying both sides agreed to suspend 'all kinetic activity' from May 9 through May 11 and to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, according to a post on his Truth Social account. The proposal followed a reported April 29 phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and coincided with Russia's Victory Day commemorations. Trump had previously hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House and in a later meeting admonished him that he 'had no cards.' The new proposal comes as Western leaders weigh further support for Kyiv. Moscow: Russian authorities scaled back Victory Day events, closed some airports and intermittently restricted cell service amid concerns about Ukrainian long-range drones and missiles, and President Vladimir Putin reduced public appearances, analysts and officials said. Kyiv has expanded domestic drone production, deployed long-range drones and new 'Flamingo' cruise missiles to strike Russian military and energy infrastructure, slowed or reversed advances in the Donbas and deepened defense ties with Western Europe while selling anti-drone interceptors to Gulf states. Analysts including Fiona Hill and Jim Townsend said the developments illustrate a reversal of fortune for Ukraine, while Tatiana Stanvaya and John Bolton warned of differing timelines and motives for future negotiations.

By James Porter | JQJO News