Ultimatum to Russia: France and Germany Demand Ceasefire in Ukraine

On May 12, 2025, France and Germany issued a joint ultimatum to Russia, demanding a 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The ultimatum, delivered with a deadline of the end of the day, warns of increased sanctions should Russia fail to comply. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace, stating, "Now we all must be prudent. Either Russia is serious and wants peace, or it is not serious, and we must impose more sanctions." This sentiment was echoed by a representative of the German government, Stefan Cornelius, who stated at a press conference, "Time is running out; we have 10 hours left until the end of the day, and if there is no ceasefire by then, the European side will begin preparing for sanctions." The ultimatum follows a period of escalating tensions and raises the stakes considerably. Macron is scheduled to hold further talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders to discuss the situation and potential next steps. This development marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.