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.
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.
"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.
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.
A demolition vehicle removes the rubble as works to restore the Central City Hospital in Pisky, Kharkiv Oblast, on Sept. 27, 2023. (Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy / Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
The EU is likely to announce a proposal to use the tax profits from frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction in the coming weeks, Bloomberg reported on Nov. 30.
The European Commission is to unveil a draft plan on Dec. 12 that will "clarify several issues raised by member states," Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions.
The proposed legislation will not interfere with national taxes or other measures, according to Bloomberg.
European Union leaders expressed support on Oct. 27 for a proposal to use billions of euros in windfall taxes from Russian assets tied up in the West to rebuild Ukraine.
"Politically we agreed that ultimately Russia must pay for the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in Brussels.
While some member states, such as Germany, are against the plans to introduce EU-wide legislation due to fears it could entail legal or financial risks, some countries have already moved forward with their national legislation.
Belgium announced on Oct. 11 that it has created a 1.7 billion euro ($1.8 billion) fund for Ukraine financed by the tax revenue from interest on frozen Russian assets.
Banks in Belgium who hold frozen assets must pay income tax on the interest they earn, which goes directly to the national government.
"The taxation of income from these assets should go 100% to the benefit of the population of Ukraine," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo said on Oct. 11 in Brussels.
The next day, the Estonian government approved a draft law that would allow frozen Russian assets to be transferred to Ukraine.
"Russia must compensate Ukraine for all the war damages caused," Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said.
Nate Ostiller
