Western ultimatums to Russia for peace in Ukraine working – Lithuanian FM

VILNIUS – Western ultimatums to Russia over peace in Ukraine are already having an effect, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said on Sunday. 

"The fact that Putin rushed to hold a press conference less than 24 hours after European leaders, backed by the US, demanded an unconditional ceasefire tells us everything. This approach works – and we must stick to it," Lithuania's top diplomat posted on X.

At the end of last week, the leaders of four major European countries – the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Poland – visited Kyiv and urged Russia to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday.

Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, warned that the Kremlin would face tougher sanctions if it refused. US President Donald Trump has also called for a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday morning proposed holding talks in Istanbul on May 15, but did not commit to a ceasefire.

Budrys, however, said the ceasefire must come first.

"Talking peace while Russian bombs keep falling on Ukrainian civilians is a farce. The rules are clear - unconditional ceasefire from Monday or face new tougher sanctions," he wrote.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, for his part, said he hoped Moscow would agree to a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday and that Kyiv was ready for direct talks with Russia.