QAPLO (Moscow) – Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia will immediately approve a proposal from United States President Donald Trump regarding the extension of a ceasefire with Ukraine, including plans for a prisoner of war exchange between the two countries currently in conflict. The statement was delivered by Putin to journalists on Saturday (May 9). He said Trump’s proposal carries humanitarian value and reflects respect for the shared victory against Nazism in the past. “We immediately approve the proposal. In my view, this is the right step because it is based on humanitarian considerations and respect for the shared victory against Nazism,” Putin said. In his remarks, Putin also addressed Russia’s position regarding what he described as threats originating from Kyiv. He emphasized that Moscow had issued a firm response through Russia’s Ministry of Defense concerning potential disruptions to Victory Day celebrations. According to Putin, the Russian government not only issued warnings through official statements from the Ministry of Defense but also through diplomatic notes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to what it considered provocative statements from the Ukrainian side. Nevertheless, Putin stressed that Russia has no intention of escalating tensions with any party. However, he warned that provocations during Victory Day commemorations could further increase tensions. The Russian president also said he had not yet received an official report from the Ministry of Defense regarding whether any provocations occurred during the Victory Day celebrations. At the end of his statement, Putin reaffirmed that the main focus of the Russian military remains on the ongoing “special military operation.” “The armed forces must focus their attention on the final resolution of the enemy through the special military operation,” Putin said.
