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.
The majority of Ukrainians, 71%, do not support holding elections before a full peace deal, even in the case of a ceasefire and security guarantees, according to a poll published by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) on May 14.
"He'd like me to be there, and that's a possibility. ... I don't know that he would be there if I'm not there. We're going to find out," U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling to Qatar, Reuters reported.
Trump has long demanded that NATO allies increase their military spending, previously calling for the alliance to raise its benchmark from 2% to 5% of GDP.
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.
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 government has approved "reform roadmaps in the rule of law, public administration, and democratic institutions, as well as Ukraine’s negotiation position," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.
The statement did not name the ex-official by name, but details of the case indicate it relates to Oleh Hladkovsky, a former deputy secretary of Ukraine's top security body who has been wanted since mid-April.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva claimed that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had appealed to his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira, to ask Putin if he was willing to conclude a peace agreement.
"Trump needs to believe that Putin actually lies," Zelensky told journalists in Kyiv. "And we should do our part. Sensibly approach this issue, to show that it’s not us that is slowing down the process."
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere signed a bilateral security agreement between the two countries in Stockholm on May 31, 2024. (Presidential Office)
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere signed a bilateral security agreement in Stockholm on May 31.
Oslo pledges to provide Ukraine with at least $1.3 billion in military aid in 2024.
Overall, Norway invested about $6.9 billion in the long-term Nansen Program, covering the period between 2023 and 2027, the agreement says.
Together with other allies, Norway will also help Ukraine develop its F-16 capacities. The country has affirmed readiness to transfer its F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but the agreement did not specify their number or expected date of delivery.
Ukraine recently signed a similar deal with Belgium, under which the western European country promised to deliver 30 F-16s by 2028, with the first aircraft expected to arrive this year.
Norway further agreed to help Ukraine develop maritime capabilities in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and to continue providing NASAMS air defenses, including relevant equipment and training.
The agreement also affirms Norway's support for Ukraine's peace formula, sanctions against Russia, compensation of war damages, and the efforts to bring the aggressor to justice.
Oslo will also provide economic and humanitarian support, back Ukraine's NATO aspirations, and help Kyiv counter Russian propaganda.
The treaties are based on a pledge made by the Group of Seven (G7) countries last July and are designed to help Kyiv fend off Russian forces and deter future aggression.
Martin Fornusek is a news editor at the Kyiv Independent. He has previously worked as a news content editor at the media company Newsmatics and is a contributor to Euromaidan Press. He was also volunteering as an editor and translator at the Czech-language version of Ukraïner. Martin studied at Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, holding a bachelor's degree in security studies and history and a master's degree in conflict and democracy studies.
Chris York
