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.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Italian President Sergio Mattarella meeting in Rome on April 26, 2023. (Photo: Denys Shmyhal / Twitter)
Italian President Sergio Mattarella voiced his support for Ukraine joining the EU "as soon as possible," Italian news outlet Ansa reported on April 26.
"Italy is strongly in favor of Ukraine's accession to the European Union as soon as possible and we appreciate the commitment of its government to the path of reforms taken to respect EU parameters," Mattarella said during the visit of a Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Rome.
According to Ansa, Mattarella also reaffirmed his support for Ukraine "in every sphere and for as long as necessary" and that peace must "respect Ukraine's integrity."
Shmyhal wrote on Twitter on April 26 that he "thanked Italy for its extensive assistance and consistent stance in supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."
Ukraine officially applied for EU membership in late February 2022, just days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Ukraine was grantedcandidacy status in June 2022.
On Feb. 11, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine wants to become a member of the EU in two years and a member of NATO following its victory against Russia.
We are the news team of the Kyiv Independent. We are here to make sure our readers get quick, essential updates about the events in Ukraine. Feel free to contact us via email with feedback and news alerts.
Asami Terajima
