From: Transform Ukraine By Douglas Landro / May 13, 2025
As Germany Issues Midnight Sanction Threat to Russia, Zelensky Accepts Putin’s Invitation While Trump Signals Possible Personal Attendance at Istanbul Talks
Summary of the Day – May 12, 2025
In a day of rapid diplomatic maneuvers, Germany delivered an ultimatum to Russia: accept a 30-day ceasefire by midnight or face new European sanctions. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky upended the diplomatic chessboard by accepting Vladimir Putin’s invitation to direct talks in Istanbul, declaring he would “personally” await the Russian leader on Thursday. U.S. President Donald Trump injected new uncertainty, suggesting he might attend the summit himself. The diplomatic dance played out against continued Russian attacks, with overnight drone strikes injuring seven civilians, the elite FSB Presidential Regiment deployed to Chasiv Yar, and a freight train struck in Donetsk Oblast. European foreign ministers gathered in London to coordinate their response, the EU prepared its 17th sanctions package, and Polish authorities closed a Russian consulate in retaliation for alleged sabotage operations, creating a multi-dimensional crisis that tests the resilience of both Ukraine’s military defenses and diplomatic positioning.
Germany’s Midnight Ultimatum: The Diplomatic Clock Ticks
Germany issued a stark ultimatum to Russia on Monday, giving Moscow until midnight to implement a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine or face new European sanctions. “The clock is ticking — we still have 12 hours until the end of this day,” German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius stated, confirming that Berlin was coordinating with European partners on potential penalties.
The ultimatum followed Russia’s rejection of the ceasefire proposal backed by Ukraine, France, the UK, Germany, and Poland during their weekend summit in Kyiv. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov immediately dismissed Germany’s deadline, declaring, “This kind of ultimatum language is unacceptable for Russia. It’s not appropriate. You cannot talk to Russia in this language.”
Voice of Ukraine 