Ukraine's underground storage facilities are currently using 19.4% of their capacity. Almost 32%, or 2.79 bcm, less gas is available in the storages than in the previous year, according to the estimates.
The majority of Ukrainians, 71%, do not support holding elections before a full peace deal, even in the case of a ceasefire and security guarantees, according to a poll published by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) on May 14.
"He'd like me to be there, and that's a possibility. ... I don't know that he would be there if I'm not there. We're going to find out," U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling to Qatar, Reuters reported.
Trump has long demanded that NATO allies increase their military spending, previously calling for the alliance to raise its benchmark from 2% to 5% of GDP.
More than 1,000 Russian government entities and 1,200 private companies are involved in the economy of occupied Mariupol, a major southeastern city occupied by Russia after it invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to a research paper published on May 14.
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 government has approved "reform roadmaps in the rule of law, public administration, and democratic institutions, as well as Ukraine’s negotiation position," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.
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.
"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."
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a virtual meeting with other G7 leaders on Dec. 6, 2023. (Prime Minister's Office of Japan)
During a virtual meeting with other G7 leaders, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Japan's readiness to contribute $4.5 billion in additional funds to support Ukraine's recovery efforts, Kyodo News reported on Dec. 6.
President Zelensky, who took part in the call, stated that "Russia believes that America and Europe will show weakness and will not maintain support for Ukraine at the proper level,"
In response, the G7 said in its statement that the group hopes to limit "Russia's ability to fund its illegal war by taking steps to limit Russia's energy revenue and its future extractive capabilities."
The forum also decided to introduce import restrictions on Russian diamonds next month in a bid to cut off a lucrative source of income during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia is the world's largest diamond producer and its revenue from diamond sales last year exceeded $3.9 billion. The G7 countries represent around 70% of the world's diamond market.
The group will restrict imports of "nonindustrial diamonds, mined, processed, or produced in Russia," followed by further phased restrictions on the import of Russian diamonds processed in third countries.
The ban on Russian diamond sales is reportedly also meant to be included in the EU's upcoming 12th sanctions package. Earlier today, Canada also announced a ban on the direct import of Russian diamonds and related products in coordination with other Group of Seven (G7) countries.
Finally, G7 leaders reemphasized continued support for President Zelensky's Peace Formula during today's meeting.
Zelensky first unveiled the 10-point peace formula in November 2022 at the G20 summit. Supported by many Western allies, the plan calls for the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, and prosecution of those responsible for war crimes.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
