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 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.
Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's chief of staff, said that the new pontiff had a phone call with Zelensky on Monday, during which the pope expressed willingness to facilitate meetings between global leaders and vowed to support efforts for "a just and lasting peace."
In an interview with French broadcaster TF1 on May 13, Macron discussed new Russia sanctions and stationing French nuclear weapons in other European countries as a deterrent against Russia.
Performing their song "Bird of Pray," Ukrainian band Ziferblat passed the Eurovision semi-finals on May 13, qualifying Ukraine for the grand final on May 17.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a Russian delegation will be in Istanbul on May 15 for direct peace talks with Ukraine. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov will likely represent Russia.
The move follows Ukraine's ratification of the minerals agreement, deepening U.S.-Ukraine economic ties and signaling expanded U.S. involvement in Ukraine's long-term recovery.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House Oct. 11, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
The White House is planning to ask lawmakers for additional funding, including money for Ukraine, Taiwan, and U.S. border security along with financial assistance for Israel, NBC News reported on Oct. 11.
Officials in the administration and in Congress told NBC that the request would also include funds to build more weapons to replenish U.S. stockpiles.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said in a White House press briefing that "we are in active discussions about additional funding," but did not provide details.
Combining the funding requests is a strategy the administration hopes will win more support in Congress, where aid to Ukraine has become a contentious issue in recent weeks.
Far-right factions in Congress have grown increasingly unwilling to provide funding to Ukrainian defense, but support for Israel is popular among conservatives, as are concerns over potential threats from China and demands for greater security along the U.S.-Mexican border.
Other strategies reportedly under consideration include the "one-and-done" funding package, a massive allotment that would cover Ukraine's security assistance needs through the next U.S. presidential election.
Officials from the Biden administrations have met with a number of lawmakers this week to brief them on defense funding needs, NBC News said.
Earlier on Oct. 11, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced a new $200 million military support package for Ukraine at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group summit in Brussels.
The U.S. also sent a humanitarian aid package of $1.5 billion through the Public Expenditures of Administrative Capacity Endurance (PEACE) program.
Abbey Fenbert is a senior news editor at the Kyiv Independent. She is a freelance writer, editor, and playwright with an MFA from Boston University. Abbey served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine from 2008-2011.
Asami Terajima
