Putin given 12 hours to accept ceasefire as Germany issues ultimatum to Russia

According to German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius, "the clock is ticking" for Russia. If Moscow does not accept the demand, "preparations" for new sanctions will begin.

"If Russia doesn't acknowledge the truce before the end of the day, Europeans will start preparing sanctions," Kornelius said.

Ceasefire proposal

The administration of US President Donald Trump has launched an active political and diplomatic campaign aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Currently, Washington is proposing a 30-day ceasefire on the front line between Kyiv and Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is putting forward counter-demands: halting mobilization in Ukraine and stopping weapons deliveries from Western countries.

During the summit in Kyiv on May 10, leaders of the countries in the Coalition of the Willing set a deadline for Russia to agree to the 30-day ceasefire. If Moscow refuses, the aggressor faces a new package of international sanctions.

Read our exclusive article to find out whether the West will pressure Putin into announcing a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.

Future Russia-Ukraine negotiations

On the night of May 11, Putin rejected the ceasefire proposal and instead suggested resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine and holding a meeting on May 15 in Istanbul.

The following day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready for dialogue but emphasized that a confirmed ceasefire, set to begin on May 12, is a necessary condition. This initiative had earlier been supported by Ukraine, the United States, and the Coalition of the Willing.

Later, Türkiye officially declared its readiness to mediate between Ukraine and Russia.

Donald Trump's Special Envoy in Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, also stressed that negotiations can begin only after an actual cessation of hostilities.