"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 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.
Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov (L) and Germany's Development Minister Svenja Schulze during their meeting in Berlin, Germany, on Oct. 25, 2023. (German Development Ministry)
Germany has pledged 195 million euros ($206 million) to Ukraine in energy supplies and in support for Ukrainian energy companies in preparation for the upcoming winter, the German Development Ministry announced on Oct. 25.
The aid package was agreed upon by Germany's Development Minister Svenja Schulze and Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov during their meeting in Berlin today.
"Heat and electricity are central to the resilience of the people in Ukraine, especially with a view to the upcoming winter," Schulze said.
"That's why we're increasing our support for Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian government has committed to a reconstruction that will make the country more sustainable and bring it closer to the European Union."
Half of the funds are to be allocated for the protection, restoration, and strengthening of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which sustained significant damage during mass Russian strikes in the previous fall and winter.
With the winter approaching yet again, Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia will likely seek to replicate its strategy and try to cripple the Ukrainian power grid through mass strikes.
The other half of the newly announced package will support Ukrainian energy firms, for example, by providing them with better access to financial markets. Berlin will also expand a microfinance fund for loans to small and medium Ukrainian businesses.
Germany's Development Ministry pledged another economic assistance tranche worth over $200 million last week. This package was allocated primarily to the restoration of Ukraine's healthcare, education, and drinking water supply and for urban reconstruction.
The German Development Ministry said that it has allocated around $1 billion in civil support for Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Martin Fornusek is a news editor at the Kyiv Independent. He has previously worked as a news content editor at the media company Newsmatics and is a contributor to Euromaidan Press. He was also volunteering as an editor and translator at the Czech-language version of Ukraïner. Martin studied at Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, holding a bachelor's degree in security studies and history and a master's degree in conflict and democracy studies.
Alexander Query
