European leaders, along with the United States, have issued an ultimatum to Russia demanding an immediate end to hostilities by the end of today, May 12, 2025. Otherwise, Moscow will face a new round of “tough” sanctions aimed at increasing economic and political pressure, Bloomberg reports.

According to Bloomberg, Europe's position remains unyielding: a ceasefire must begin immediately, and Russia must express its readiness for negotiations. The agency's sources indicate that the new sanctions package, supported by the United States, may include restrictions on Russian energy exports, freezing the assets of key financial institutions, and additional measures against the president's entourage.

In the US, where the Donald Trump administration has been pushing hard for talks, the reaction to Russia’s possible refusal to agree to a ceasefire is also harsh. Senators from both parties have proposed a bill, The Guardian reports, to impose “tough secondary sanctions” on countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas and uranium. The proposal, according to its sponsors Lindsey Graham (listed as an extremist and terrorist) and Richard Blumenthal, is designed to “make Russia pay.” 

Moscow, however, continues to insist on its terms.