**Tension rises as both sides remain steadfast in their positions amid ongoing conflict.**
**E.U. Urges Russia to Agree to Cease-Fire as Deadline Approaches**
**E.U. Urges Russia to Agree to Cease-Fire as Deadline Approaches**
**Leaders issue ultimatum, warning of further sanctions if no truce is accepted by end of the day.**
European leaders are intensifying their demands for Russia to accept an unconditional cease-fire in Ukraine, threatening to impose new sanctions if the Kremlin does not comply by the end of Monday. German government spokesman, Stefan Kornelius, characterized the situation as urgent, stating, “The clock is ticking — we still have 12 hours until the end of this day.” This ultimatum marks a critical point in the ongoing diplomatic efforts amid frustrations from the United States regarding the lack of progress towards ending this prolonged conflict.
In response to the escalating pressure, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov dismissed the sanctions threat as unacceptable, asserting, “The language of ultimatums is unacceptable — you cannot talk to Russia like this.” Russian President Vladimir V. Putin has consistently rejected the proposed 30-day truce initially suggested by the U.S. in early March, which Ukraine readily accepted.
Instead, President Putin has called for renewed direct negotiations with Ukraine. In a bold move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Putin to engage in face-to-face discussions. As diplomatic tensions rise, the international community watches closely, awaiting the Kremlin's next move.
In response to the escalating pressure, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov dismissed the sanctions threat as unacceptable, asserting, “The language of ultimatums is unacceptable — you cannot talk to Russia like this.” Russian President Vladimir V. Putin has consistently rejected the proposed 30-day truce initially suggested by the U.S. in early March, which Ukraine readily accepted.
Instead, President Putin has called for renewed direct negotiations with Ukraine. In a bold move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Putin to engage in face-to-face discussions. As diplomatic tensions rise, the international community watches closely, awaiting the Kremlin's next move.
