The EU plans to unveil on May 14 its next package of sanctions imposed against Russia over its aggression against Ukraine, an EU official told the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity.
Polish truckers plan to restrict freight traffic at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint on the Ukrainian border, Ukraine's State Border Guard said on May 12.
"If the Russians are using this level of specialists in urban combat, they are probably facing some difficulties," Ivan Petrychak, spokesperson for the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade, said.
Previously, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused the Russian intelligence services of orchestrating a May 2024 arson attack on the Marywilska shopping centre in Warsaw.
"Perhaps in some areas, the intensity decreased slightly to create an image of compliance with their own announcement. But in reality, (Russia) continued attacks every day, using all available weapons — including aircraft to drop guided bombs on Ukraine," Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service, said.
Beijing supports all efforts toward achieving peace in Ukraine, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on May 12 when asked about Kyiv and Europe's proposal for a 30-day truce.
"I invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine. Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers and to all our people," Zelensky said.
Presidential Office chief Andriy Yermak voiced doubt about leading negotiations with anyone from Russia except President Vladimir Putin, implying only the Russian leader can make real decisions.
This includes at least seven people injured in drone attacks overnight on May 12, a date from which Kyiv and its allies put forward a demand for a 30-day unconditional truce, a step that Moscow continues to reject.
"When European unity becomes inconvenient, disinformation goes so far as to make a simple tissue look like drugs," the Elysee Palace reacted to a fake story pushed by Russia.
The comments came after Trump urged Ukraine to agree to direct negotiations with Russia, which has invited Kyiv to peace talks in Istanbul on May 15, without first agreeing to halt military operations.
A Russian drone hit a civilian freight train in Donetsk Oblast on May 12 and injured its driver, Ukrainian Railways said amid Kyiv's calls for a ceasefire.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean President Kim Jong Un on Sept. 13, 2023. (Contributor/Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un a car to signify their "special personal relations," the state-controlled Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Feb. 20.
Putin and Kim have deepened ties in recent months, following a meeting of the leaders in Russia in September 2023 to negotiate an arms deal.
KCNA claimed that a delegation from Russia delivered a Russian-made car to Kim's top deputies, including his sister, Kim Yo Jong, on Feb. 18. The make and model of the vehicle was not disclosed.
The car is reportedly intended for Kim Jong Un's "personal use."
“Kim Yo Jong courteously conveyed Kim Jong Un’s thanks to Putin to the Russian side, saying that the gift serves as a clear demonstration of the special personal relations between the top leaders of the DPRK and Russia and as the best one,” KCNA said, referring to North Korea by its title, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Putin's gift is a potential violation of United Nations sanctions against North Korea, which prohibit the transfer of any "transportation vehicles" and other luxury goods to the country.
Kim has a reputation for favoring high-end cars, and has been seen travelling in luxury vehicles such as a Rolls-Royce and a Mercedes-Maybach Pullman Guard armored limousine, valued at $1 million.
Putin and Kim met for official talks at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's far-eastern Amur Oblast in September 2023. During the visit, Kim raised a toast to Putin and praised him for "building a strong, modern Russia."
Shipments of weapons from North Korea to Russia followed soon after.
Russia in exchange has offered Pyongyong advanced military technology and the opportunity to use Ukrainian cities as a testing ground for North Korea's long-range attack capabilities, including ballistic missiles.
Abbey Fenbert is a senior news editor at the Kyiv Independent. She is a freelance writer, editor, and playwright with an MFA from Boston University. Abbey served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine from 2008-2011.
Kateryna Hodunova
