Russia to 'strongly' feel Western sanctions impact by mid-2026, Zelensky says
President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes that in June 2026, there will be no more war in Ukraine, but Russia will still feel the pressure of sanctions.
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Despite Russia’s claims, sanctions are working — Ukraine just needs Trump to impose more
Ukraine’s allies have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia and its supporters over the full-scale war, but experts say there’s room for more.
US, EU no longer coordinating enforcement of Russia sanctions, media reports
EU sanctions chief David O'Sullivan noted that there is "no more outreach" between the two sides on sanctions evasion and that G7 cooperation has "also lost momentum" in this regard, according to an internal report from an EU ministerial meeting in Brussels on May 20, Suddeutsche Zeitung reported.
Ukrainian media outlet launches first AI tool to let readers listen to articles from any line
Vector, a media platform focused on the creative economy, launched the new artificial intelligence-powered narration tool in partnership with Respeecher, the Ukrainian voice technology startup known for recreating the voices of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in major Hollywood productions.
EU mulls cutting over 20 Russian banks from SWIFT, banning Nord Stream in new sanctions, Bloomberg reports
The new measures under consideration would also include lowering the Group of Seven oil price cap on Russian crude exports from $60 to around $45 per barrel.
Russia’s top exporters slash rail shipments amid economic slowdown, Reuters reports
A document seen by Reuters reveals that firms such as Rusal and Gazpromneft intend to reduce the volumes they plan to move by rail in 2025, prompting Russian Railways to slash spending by an additional 32.5 billion rubles ($408 million).
EU to restore quotas on Ukrainian farm imports in June, Bloomberg reports
The move marks a significant shift in EU trade policy toward Kyiv, as bloc members seek to balance wartime support for Ukraine with growing domestic unrest from European farmers.
Ukraine, US officially launch joint Reconstruction Investment Fund
"The last step was a diplomatic note from the United States, which I personally received this morning. The Fund is officially launched," Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on May 23.
Ukraine must look beyond the EU for its agricultural future
The end of the European Union’s tariff-free trade preferences for Ukrainian agricultural products is more than just a policy change, it’s a wake-up call. For years, the EU has served as the largest and most reliable market for Ukraine’s agricultural exports. But as Brussels rolls back preferential
Russia cuts key projects in aviation, tech, auto industries as oil revenues plummet
The Russian government is slashing budgets for major projects across a number of sectors amid an economic downturn and oil price collapse, the pro-Kremlin news outlet Kommersant reported.
Ukraine's front-line pressure and risks of Russia's summer offensive
Update: Browse the briefing presentation here. KI Insights subscribers can also access the recording. As Ukraine braces for an intensified Russian offensive, KI Insights invites you to an exclusive off-the-record briefing on the latest battlefield dynamics, military challenges, and Kyiv's evolving strategic outlook. Drawing from sources spanning the trenches of
Ukrainian defense firms urge Zelensky to lift drone export restrictions in open letter
The open letter, signed by leading representatives of Ukraine's defense-industrial sector, highlights the strategic potential of the country's homegrown military technologies, from drones to electronic warfare systems, and calls for decisive political action to authorize the controlled export of surplus weaponry to allied nations.
Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 26
Editor’s note: This is issue 26 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly "Ukraine Reforms Tracker" covering events from May 12–May 18, 2025. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs. The Kyiv Independent is republishing with permission. Benchmarks
Trump refusing to adopt sanctions against Russia as it would affect business opportunities with Moscow, NYT reports
Speaking to the New York Times on the condition of anonymity, a White House official familiar with the call, said that imposing sanctions could impede Trump's goal of "maximizing economic opportunities for Americans," the publication wrote.
Zelensky proposes free trade agreement to Trump, Kyiv says
Ukraine and the U.S. launched initial talks on a free trade zone back in 2021.
UK unveils new Russia sanctions, accuses Moscow of delaying peace efforts
The measures, announced in coordination with the EU's 17th sanctions package, target "entities supporting Russia’s military machine, energy exports and information war, as well as financial institutions" supporting the Russian war effort.
EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet
"New measures also address hybrid threats and human rights. More sanctions on Russia are in the works," Kaja Kallas said on X.
EU coordinating next Russia sanctions with US, Germany says
Washington's participation in a potential sanctions package would be "very central," German government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius said.
Ukraine to receive $84 million from World Bank to restore homes damaged in Russia's war
Ukraine will receive $84 million from the World Bank to restore housing damaged in Russia's war, the Finance Ministry announced on May 15.
Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 25
Editor’s note: This is issue 25 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly "Ukraine Reforms Tracker" covering events from May 5–May 11, 2025. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs. The Kyiv Independent is republishing with permission. Benchmarks
Ukraine's gas storage reserves fall to their lowest level in at least 11 years
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.
Russian political, corporate interests seize thousands of Ukrainian businesses, assets in occupied Mariupol, research reveals
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.
Despite the hype, EU's latest Russia sanctions 'not as strong as they should be'
The European Union’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia, agreed on May 14, is being hailed in Brussels as a symbol of steady resolve. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the move, insisting it would "keep the pressure high on the Kremlin." But outside the EU bubble,
EU agrees on 17th package of Russia sanctions targeting 'shadow fleet'
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.
EU to hike tariffs on Ukrainian imports amid Poland's push, FT reports
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.
Polish protesters end blockade at Ukraine's border after court ruling
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.
Ukraine, US sign additional agreements for minerals deal, Economy Ministry says
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.
Parliament backs amendments for implementing US minerals deal in 1st reading
"Amendments to the Budget Code are needed to implement the provisions on funding the U.S.-Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund," lawmaker Roksolana Pidlasa said.
EBRD sees Ukraine's GDP growth slow down to 3.3% in 2025
The revision was connected to global trade upheavals, which only aggravate Ukraine's economic challenges stemming from Russia's full-scale invasion.
EU prepares capital controls, tariffs on Russia in case Hungary blocks sanctions, FT reports
The sanctions will expire at the end of July unless all 27 EU member states agree to extend them.
Syrian leader reportedly proposes Ukraine-style minerals deal to Trump to ease sanctions
Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa is reportedly offering a deal that would give U.S. companies access to Syria's natural wealth, reminiscent of the minerals agreement Washington recently signed with Kyiv.
Russia faces record 2.6 million worker shortage amid war recruitment
The deepening labor shortage reflects growing strain on Russia's workforce as the Kremlin aggressively recruits men for its war against Ukraine.
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