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.
A Ukrainian soldier fires Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle during a military training near Chasiv Yar as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on Aug. 19, 2023. (Jose Colon/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Ukraine’s military reported on Aug. 29 that it made gains southeast of recently liberated Robotyne toward the village of Verbove, Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Ukrainian soldiers are entrenching themselves at retaken territory and carrying out counter-battery fire, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces said in its counteroffensive update.
The advance is part of Ukraine’s larger offensive operation in the direction of Melitopol, a strategically important city for cutting off the land bridge between Russia and occupied Crimea.
A day before, Kyiv announced the liberation of Robotyne, which should allow Ukrainian troops to continue advancing south toward the Russian-occupied Tokmak and Melitopol. The settlement of Verbove lies around 18 kilometers southeast of Robotyne.
Ukrainian troops are also on the offensive south of Bakhmut, holding back Russian advances in the area simultaneously, according to the General Staff.
Russia reportedly conducted unsuccessful assaults near Klishchiivka south of Bakhmut, Marinka, and Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast.
Ukraine's military also continues holding back Russian advances in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, reads the General Staff’s update.
On Aug. 27, Eastern Force Grouping press officer Illia Yevlash said Russia had concentrated over 100,000 troops in the Kupiansk-Lyman axis.
Moscow has reportedly ramped up its offensive in the area, trying to retake the territories lost during a Ukrainian surprise counteroffensive in Kharkiv Oblast last autumn.
Dinara Khalilova is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent, where she has previously worked as a news editor. In the early weeks of Russia’s full-scale invasion, she worked as a fixer and local producer for Sky News’ team in Ukraine. Dinara holds a BA in journalism from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and a Master’s degree in media and communication from the U.K.’s Bournemouth University.
Francis Farrell
