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By Brendan Cole
Senior Reporter
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Ukraine and its European allies have threatened to increase sanctions on Russia if Moscow does not agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday.
A meeting among Kyiv's allies concluded with the ultimatum on Saturday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a press conference. The Kremlin had earlier warned that there could be no truce, unless the West halted arms deliveries to Kyiv.
Newsweek has contacted the Russian Foreign Ministry for comment.
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Why It Matters
Vladimir Putin has already rejected the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, but the demands by Ukraine and its allies on Saturday add to a call by President Donald Trump for such a move. The threat of further sanctions on Russia could add to pressure on Putin, whose country's economy already faces turbulence.
What To Know
Saturday was the last day of a unilateral three-day ceasefire declared by Russia that Ukraine says Moscow itself had repeatedly violated.
The same day, talks were held in Kyiv between the leaders of Ukraine, France, the U.K., Germany and Poland, which are part of the so-called "coalition of the willing," pushing to fight against Putin's aggression.
The leaders had earlier held a phone call with Trump, whom The Wall Street Journal reported is expressing his frustration in private to donors about his inability to broker an end to the war.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said allies are ready for a complete unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting as early as Monday.
Zelensky told a press conference that Moscow must agree to the unconditional 30-day ceasefire or face increased sanctions, including on Russia's energy and banking sectors.
This reinforces Trump's call for an "unconditional" 30-day ceasefire, which, if Moscow did not respect it, would see the U.S. and its partners impose further sanctions
The proposal for such a ceasefire was the result of U.S.-led talks in April, although Putin had rejected this truce, holding out for better conditions.
European leaders also said on Saturday that increasing Ukraine's military capabilities will be a key deterrent against Russia, and this requires supplying Ukraine with arms and investing in its defense sector.
In the event of a truce, all parties can focus on defining the security, political, and humanitarian foundations of a lasting deal, Zelensky said.
What People Are Saying
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "We agreed that a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin on Monday, May 12, for at least 30 days. We jointly demand this from Russia, and we know we are supported in this by the United States."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said to ABC News: "Why should we grant such an advantage to Ukraine?"
What Happens Next
Peskov told ABC News that Russia would reject a 30-day ceasefire as long as Ukraine receives weapons. This signals that Moscow would refuse the proposal tabled by Kyiv's allies on Saturday, potentially prompting an imminent response from them and Trump.
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