"We are waiting for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's agreement and we agree that if there is no real progress this week, we want to work together at European level for a significant tightening of sanctions," Merz said at a news conference with his Greek counterpart.

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,

The clock is ticking; we have 12 hours left of this day,” Kornelius stated, emphasizing that Berlin is coordinating with its European partners on the sanctions package. The ultimatum followed Russia’s rejection of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s offer of a 30-day ceasefire.