Germany issues ultimatum to Putin: ceasefire or new sanctions
13 May 10:34
The German government has officially warned Russia about the possible imposition of new sanctions if there is no positive response to the proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. This was stated by German government spokesman Stefan Cornelius, according to The Guardian, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Cornelius said that Russia had until the end of Monday, May 12, to accept the proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. In case of refusal, Moscow will face new sanctions from the European Union and its partners.
“Time is running out,” Cornelius emphasized, answering journalists’ questions.
This ultimatum is part of a broader initiative of the “coalition of the resolute”, which includes the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland and the United States.
on May 10, a meeting was held in Kyiv with the participation of French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, and Poland, Donald Tusk. During the summit, the leaders agreed on a common position on a ceasefire and further sanctions in case of Russia’s refusal.
Context: why did the ultimatum appear now?
The proposal for a 30-day ceasefire was first voiced by the United States on March 11, 2025, during talks in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine supported the initiative, emphasizing its readiness to take mirror steps if Russia stopped its attacks.
However, Moscow has repeatedly evaded fulfilling the conditions, putting forward its own demands, such as stopping the supply of Western weapons to Ukraine and recognizing Russia’s “territorial gains.”
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was ready for meetings and negotiations in any format after a complete ceasefire.
In turn, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin rejected the proposal of the Coalition of the Willing to hold a truce from May 12 and suggested resuming direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul.
