Germany warns Russia of sanctions if ceasefire not accepted by day’s end

Kornelius stated that “the clock is ticking” for Russia to accept the unconditional ceasefire proposal, adding that preparations for new sanctions will begin if Moscow fails to comply.

Proposal for a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine 

On May 10, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv, holding a call with U.S. President Donald Trump to confirm Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire starting May 12.

"If Russia agrees and effective monitoring is ensured, there will be a reliable ceasefire, and confidence-building measures can pave the way for peace talks," said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Starmer warned that any Russian counter-demands would be treated as a rejection of the ceasefire, with several countries ready to impose additional sanctions. 

That day, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks “without preconditions” with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 without addressing the 30-day ceasefire initiative. 

In his May 11 address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the ceasefire proposal remains “on the table.” 

“Starting tomorrow, we await a ceasefire — this proposal is on the table,” he said in a post on X.

“A full and unconditional ceasefire, one that lasts long enough to provide a necessary foundation for diplomacy, could significantly bring peace closer. Ukraine has long proposed this, our partners are proposing it, and the whole world is calling for it. We await a clear response from Russia.”

Zelenskyy also confirmed he will be in Türkiye on May 15, stating, “I expect Putin to come to Türkiye as well. Personally.”