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.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun participate in a press briefing at the Pentagon on Oct. 30, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. (Kent Nishimura / Getty Images)
North Korean troops outfitted with Russian uniforms and equipment are making their way to the Russia-Ukraine border, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Oct. 30 during a joint press conference with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun.
North Korea has sent troops to Russia to participate in its war against Ukraine, though estimates vary as to the number of troops. The Financial Times reported on Oct. 29 that 3,000 North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast were housed only 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the Russia-Ukraine border.
"The evidence now suggests the that North Korea has sent about 10,000 soldiers to train in eastern Russia," Austin said at the Pentagon briefing.
"And some of these DPRK troops have already moved closer to Ukraine, and we are seeing them outfitted with Russian uniforms and provided with Russian equipment."
Austin said he would not speculate as to when the North Korean units would begin to engage in direct combat alongside Russian soldiers, but said that the U.S. was working with international partners to "discourage Russia from employing these troops in combat."
The deployment of North Korean troops is a direct result of Russia's heavy battle losses, Austin added. An allliance with North Korea highlights "how much trouble" Russian President Vladimir Putin is in.
"Putin will not prevail in Ukraine, even with more help from North Korea."
South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun condemned North Korea's involvement in Russia's war, calling such action a "war crime" and demanding the "immediate withdrawal" of North Korean troops.
"The deployment is (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un's attempt to maintain its dictatorship, and Kim Jong Un didn't hesitate to sell out its young people and troops as cannon fodder mercenaries," he said.
Kim also discussed the role a South Korean monitoring delegation would play, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's announcement on Oct. 28 that Seoul would send observers to Ukraine in the coming days.
"I believe it could serve as a great opportunity for our analysis team or observers to learn the movements or trends of the North Korean troops," Kim said.
Information gathered on North Korea's weapons systems and tactics would be useful to the future security of South Korea, Kim said.
"If we don't send our observers or analysis teams, it would mean we are not faithfully doing our jobs," he said.
Moscow and Pyongyang's "unlawful military cooperation" represents an escalation in the war, Austin said, and there will be "consequences" to their escalating aggression. The U.S. is considering "different kinds of action," but Austin declined to provide details or examples.
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.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
