More than 1,000 Russian government entities and 1,200 private companies are involved in the economy of occupied Mariupol, a major southeastern city occupied by Russia after it invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to a research paper published on May 14.
The measures target almost 200 ships of Russia's "shadow fleet," 30 companies involved in sanctions evasion, 75 sanctions on entities and individuals linked to the Russian military-industrial complex, and more.
The government has approved "reform roadmaps in the rule of law, public administration, and democratic institutions, as well as Ukraine’s negotiation position," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.
The statement did not name the ex-official by name, but details of the case indicate it relates to Oleh Hladkovsky, a former deputy secretary of Ukraine's top security body who has been wanted since mid-April.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva claimed that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had appealed to his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira, to ask Putin if he was willing to conclude a peace agreement.
"Trump needs to believe that Putin actually lies," Zelensky told journalists in Kyiv. "And we should do our part. Sensibly approach this issue, to show that it’s not us that is slowing down the process."
The EU plans to significantly increase tariffs on Ukrainian goods after the current duty-free deal lapses on June 6, the Financial Times reported on May 14, citing undisclosed diplomatic sources.
The blockade ended at 10:30 p.m. local time. Truck traffic in both directions is now moving as usual, according to Ukraine's State Border Guard's statement.
Russia seems to be preparing a significant offensive in Ukraine as it is moving troops toward key positions on the front, the Financial Times reported on May 13, citing undisclosed Ukrainian intelligence officials.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, but said both leaders are ready to fly to Istanbul if Russian President Vladimir Putin chooses to attend the talks there.
Members of Germany's Bundeswehr look at MIM-104 Patriot missile launching systems at the Luftwaffe Warbelow training center on Dec. 18, 2012, in Warbelow, Germany (Sean Gallup)
Patriot air defense systems have already shot down 15 Russian Kinzhal missiles since they were first used in May, Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on national television on Dec. 31.
"On May 4, the first 'unparalleled' Kinzhal missile was successfully intercepted. The count started from that moment," Ihnat said.
Ukraine's Air Force admitted in early May that it shot down a Russian Kh-47 Kinzhal ballistic missile for the first time since the start of the war.
In April, Ukraine received its first two Patriot systems from the U.S. and Germany. The Patriot system is viewed as one of the world's best air defense systems and enables Ukraine to shoot down ballistic missiles, lowering the risk of infrastructure damage and civilian casualties during Russian attacks.
However, Ihnat stressed that Ukraine is in need of more competent air defense systems to protect the country efficiently.
"A few batteries are not enough," he added.
In October, Germany pledged to deliver another Patriot system to aid Ukraine against an anticipated rise in Russian attacks during the winter months.
We are the news team of the Kyiv Independent. We are here to make sure our readers get quick, essential updates about the events in Ukraine. Feel free to contact us via email with feedback and news alerts.
Illia Ponomarenko
