Russia and Ukraine agreed on a truce from May 9 to May 11. Russia initiated it. Rainer Saks said it was a major change compared to previous years.
The Russian president wanted television not to show bad images. Western journalists were not allowed on the stands because problems were feared. Russia feared drone attacks and cyberattacks.
The truce was a strategic move. Previously, Russia had not done this. It showed weakness. However, the exact agreement is not known.
There was no silence on the front. Drone attacks continued, but less so. Military activity did not change significantly.
Russia and Ukraine have not agreed on the exchange of prisoners of war. Ukraine speaks of 1,000 prisoners, Russia of 500. There was a plan to exchange thousands with US mediation, but Russia changed it.
The Russian president did not want large exchanges. Now only 200 people are allowed to be exchanged. Russia wants to show that it dictates the terms.
Russia's air defense has problems. They cannot protect themselves against Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian drones hit air defense systems.
Russia uses an average of 200 drones per day. Sometimes up to 500. Ukraine also uses more drones - up to 200 per day.