European leaders, backed by the United States, have issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding Russia accept a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine starting May 12—or face sweeping new sanctions targeting its energy and financial sectors.
At a Glance
- EU and U.S. leaders demand a 30-day Ukraine ceasefire beginning May 12
- Russia offers talks in Istanbul without agreeing to halt attacks
- Ukraine, Trump, and EU insist on a ceasefire before negotiations
- New sanctions would target Russia’s oil exports and banking system
- A “coalition of the willing” may enforce peace terms
VE Day in Kyiv, Diplomacy on the Table
On May 10, in a symbolic show of unity, leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland gathered in Kyiv to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and pressure Moscow to halt hostilities. The delegation—Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk—stood with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to present a unified front for peace.
“All of us, together with the U.S., are calling Putin out,” Starmer declared, urging Moscow to “extend the VE Day peace to a full 30-day ceasefire,” as reported by CBS News.
Watch a report: European leaders demand 30-day Ukraine ceasefire after Kyiv summit (YouTube).
Putin Counters with Talks—No Truce
Rather than accept the ceasefire, President Vladimir Putin proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, arguing they would “eliminate the root causes of the conflict.” However, the Kremlin has not agreed to halt military action in the meantime. According to The Sun, Putin’s proposal was met with skepticism in Kyiv and allied capitals.
Zelenskyy, speaking after a joint call with President Trump, reaffirmed Ukraine’s stance: “An immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire is needed. We propose it begin on Monday, May 12.” He thanked Trump for backing the plan and called the conversation “positive and concrete.”
Sanctions and Force Options
Should Russia fail to comply by the deadline, leaders have prepared an aggressive sanctions package targeting oil exports and global financial access. Parallel discussions are underway to form a “coalition of the willing” that could deploy monitors or peacekeepers to oversee any ceasefire implementation.
President Macron described the moment as “historic for European defense,” calling it “a Europe that sees itself as a power,” according to CBS News.
Ceasefire Games and Consequences
In a possible attempt to undermine the ultimatum, Russia announced a separate three-day unilateral ceasefire. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha dismissed it as “a smokescreen,” citing repeated violations and stating that “this isn’t peace—it’s theater.”
With global pressure mounting, European and American leaders are clear: the next 24 hours will determine whether Moscow chooses diplomacy or faces economic isolation—and a reinvigorated Western alliance.
