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.
"Ukraine has initiated a coordinated campaign to vilify Hungary in order to undermine our initiative to hold a poll on (Kyiv's) EU membership," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said.
Visitors view an Antonov A124 aircraft at the Airport Festival at Leipzig-Halle Airport on June 11, 2023. (Photo by Sebastian Willnow/picture alliance via Getty Images)
The Ukrainian cargo plane manufacturer Antonov is turning to drone production in response to the full-scale invasion, Reuters reported on Sept. 12.
Reuters cited a presentation by the state company Ukrainian Defense Industry, formerly known as Ukroboronprom.
The presentation detailed the opening of Antonov's new drone center, which aims to enhance drone manufacturing capabilities in Ukraine. It was given to officials in June 2023 in Washington, D.C., Reuters said.
"Antonov's previously unreported move is consistent with Ukraine's aim to be a global drone hub," according to Reuters.
Drones have become increasingly important to the Ukrainian military in the fight against the Russian invasion and more reports are emerging about Ukraine's mass production of such weapons.
Reuters added that Antonov did not respond to requests for comment, and an Ukroboronprom spokesperson declined to comment due to security concerns.
In the early days of the full-scale invasion, Antonov was featured in headlines around the world as Russian forces destroyed its Mriya aircraft, the world's largest cargo plane.
In April 2023, the former director of the company, Serhii Bychkov, was charged with official negligence for not ensuring the plane was removed from Hostomel airport outside Kyiv despite the warnings of state authorities and knowledge of the insurance coverage's termination.
Dinara Khalilova
