Russia has until midnight Monday to abide by a 30-day ceasefire in its war against Ukraine or face a new round of sanctions, Germany has said. The ultimatum from Berlin comes as Ukraine said Russia was still carrying out attacks along the front line,

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his government’s top priority is to transform the nation’s armed forces into Europe’s strongest conventional army to help counter the rising threat from Russia.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday urged the West not to be divided on Ukraine and said he was working to ensure unity between allies in Europe and the United States on how to end the war.

German prosecutors say three Ukrainian nationals have been arrested in Germany and Switzerland on suspicion of agreeing to send parcels containing explosive or incendiary devices from Germany to Ukraine,

European allies have stressed the urgency of growing and improving their military capabilities to counter Russia.

Russia gave a clear and strong response to a proposal made by Western countries. The proposal called for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. It was meant to stop the fighting for a short time and possibly open the door to peace talks.

Russia has celebrated the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, with President Vladimir Putin presiding over a massive parade of tanks, missiles and troops through Red Square

Germany will demand stronger sanctions against Russia if there is no progress this week in resolving the war in Ukraine, states the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz. Merz believes that Russia should declare its readiness for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.