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.
People attend a pro-Ukraine rally marking the one-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on Feb. 25, 2023, in Taipei, Taiwan. (Walid Berrazeg/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Taiwan expanded its sanctions against Russia and Belarus to include additional high-tech goods that could be made into weapons, the country's Economy Ministry announced on Dec. 26.
Taiwan has supported Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion by providing aid packagesto Kyivand imposing sanctions against Moscow, though direct trade between Taiwan and Russia is minimal.
The expanded sanctions list includes 45 additional goods, such as semiconductors and certain chemicals, that could be used for military purposes in Russia's war. Taiwan will not issue export licenses to Russia or Belarus for these "strategic high-tech products."
The Economy Ministry said the expanded list reflects existing EU and U.S. sanctions.
"Recently, the EU, the U.S., and other international allies have collected weapons debris from the Ukrainian war zone and summarized a "common high-priority list" of electronic and mechanical parts and equipment that have wide commercial applications and can be used to manufacture weapons for the war zone," the ministry said.
Since February 2022, Taiwan has provided over $40 million in financial assistance and nearly 600 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Taiwan's support for Ukraine also reflects fears that China may launch an attack against the island similar to Russia's invasion. Beijing has become Moscow's key economic partnerin the wake of isolating Western sanctions, though China avoids sending Russia direct military assistance.
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.
Daniil Ukhorskiy
