KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Russia on Sunday to confirm an unconditional ceasefire beginning on May 12, saying Ukraine would then be ready to meet for direct talks with Russia.

Ukraine’s Western allies said they would strengthen sanctions if Russia refused an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

Ukraine and European leaders agreed on Saturday to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from May 12 with the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump, threatening President Vladimir Putin with new "massive" sanctions if he failed to comply.