US allows Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba as Trump says 'we don't mind'
The U.S. is allowing a Russian tanker carrying crude oil to reach Cuba, the New York Times reported on March 29, amid a de facto oil blockade imposed by Washington.
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Sonya Bandouil
North American news editorSonya Bandouil is a North American news editor for The Kyiv Independent. She previously worked in the fields of cybersecurity and translating, and she also edited for various journals in NYC. Sonya has a Master’s degree in Global Affairs from New York University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Houston, in Texas.
Articles
Rheinmetall backtracks, praises Ukraine's innovation after CEO derides 'Lego' drones made by 'housewives'
German defense company Rheinmetall issued a statement on March 29 expressing respect for Ukraine’s defense efforts after facing backlash over comments that appeared to downplay Ukrainian innovation in warfare.
Russia auctions off gold deposit in occupied Luhansk, Reuters reports
Russia is auctioning off natural resource assets in occupied Ukrainian territories, including a major gold deposit in Luhansk Oblast, Reuters reported on March 26, citing auction documents.
Canada adds 100 Russian shadow fleet vessels to sanctions list
Canada announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, adding 100 oil tankers to its sanctions list, Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced on March 26.
US security guarantees tied to Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbas, Zelensky says
The United States is proposing security guarantees to Ukraine in exchange for Kyiv withdrawing its troops from parts of Donbas still under Ukrainian control, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Reuters published on March 25.
Zelensky appoints new heads of SBU counterintelligence departments
The two positions had remained vacant since Jan. 5, when Zelensky dismissed Andrii Tupikov and Oleksandr Dubrovin. The dismissals in January came amid a wider government reshuffle following a major corruption scandal last year.
Russia’s oil exports plummet to historic low amid Ukrainian drone strikes, Reuters reports
About 40% of Russia’s oil export capacity has been halted amid Ukrainian drone strikes, pipeline damage, and tanker seizures, Reuters reported on March 25.
Largest anti-government protest since 2019 draws massive crowds in Prague
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Prague on March 21 for the largest anti-government protest in the Czech Republic since 2019, Czech media reported.
Fico backs Orban, considers joining Hungary in blocking 90 billion EU loan for Ukraine
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that Slovakia could consider blocking a 90-billion-euro EU loan for Ukraine in the future, while defending Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s opposition to the measure.
Slovakia’s Fico warns of 'further measures' over Druzhba pipeline dispute with Ukraine
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Slovakia may take further measures against Ukraine after a halt in Russian oil supplies, which he said has triggered a “state of emergency” in the country’s oil sector.
Ukraine’s negotiating team heads to US for planned meeting this weekend, Zelensky announces
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 19 that a Ukrainian negotiating team is heading to the United States for a meeting scheduled for Saturday, as efforts continue to revive stalled peace talks.
Iran war risks delaying Ukraine peace talks, Zelensky says, urges Trump-Starmer reconciliation
President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 18 urged U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to meet and find common ground, amid growing strains in their relationship.
Drone attack on Russia's Krasnodar kills 1 and damages multiple apartment buildings, mayor says
An overnight drone attack in Krasnodar killed one person after a drone struck an apartment in a multi-story residential building, Mayor Evgeny Filipov said on March 18.
Moldova declares environmental alert as Russian strike pollutes key water supply
"We are acting to protect our people," Moldovan President Maia Sandu said.
Russia rebuffs French proposal for European role in Ukraine peace negotiations, FT reports
Russia has rejected attempts by European allies to take on a greater role in Ukraine peace negotiations, the Financial Times reported on March 15, citing European diplomats involved in the talks.
