Russia has dismissed an ultimatum from European leaders to accept a ceasefire proposal from Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "The language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia, it is not suitable. You can't use such language with Russia." His comments came after leaders from Europe threatened further sanctions on Russia if it failed to join a truce.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Monday (May 12) urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept. German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said if the ceasefire didn't stand by the end of yesterday, then the European side would keep to an agreement to implement further sanctions.
Russia shunned a ceasefire proposal tabled by the US and European leaders, but offered direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey on Thursday. Kyiv, along with European allies, had demanded that Moscow accept a ceasefire starting yesterday before holding peace talks. Russia effectively rejected that proposal and instead called for direct negotiations in Istanbul.
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