Russian dictator Vladimir Putin must respond to the ceasefire proposal in Ukraine by the end of the day, The Guardian reports. According to German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius, "the clock is ticking" for Russia.

Vladimir Putin's 25-year vice-like grip on Russia ends if he accedes to peace talks with Ukraine, experts say. The despot faces mutiny on all fronts at home - notably his army and the rise of "armed" opposition - with acceding to a ceasefire seen as a show of ultimate weakness.

There was no negotiation process with Ukraine, with the Kremlin only saying that Kyiv "should follow" its lead.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that sanctions will be imposed on Russia in the coming days if it does not comply with the ceasefire, La Repubblica informs. "We want to impose sanctions against Russia in the coming days,

Kyiv has backed a U.S. proposal made in April for a 30-day ceasefire, which has been rejected by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Moscow has hit back at Europe's 30-day ceasefire ultimatum as “unacceptable” and “unsuitable” following Western threats of sanctions.Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it was wrong to “use such language with Russia” as Europe’s deadline for Russia to agree to a truce with Ukraine got closer.

Russia did not support the idea of a ceasefire today, May 12, but Russian dictator Vladimir Putin proposed negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed. Read more about what happened over the weekend.