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.
Illustrative image: Ukrainian servicemembers operate a reconnaissance drone in the area of Pokrovsk on Jan. 14, 2025. (Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has directed the military to initiate an investigation into the 156th Separate Mechanized Brigade, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces announced on Jan. 19.
The investigation comes on the heels of a state probe into the French-trained 155th "Anne of Kyiv"Mechanized Brigade.
Deputy Commander-in-Chief Oleh Apostol will lead the investigation, the General Staff said in a social media post.
"The purpose of the work is to check the progress of the brigade's formation and provide comprehensive assistance in organizing and preparing for combat operations," the post read.
Recent inspections of the 156th Brigade revealed "a number of significant shortcomings," according to the military. Plans to address these problems include replacing the brigade's leadership, appointing a commander with practical combat and command experience, and transferring combat-tested officers and sergeants into the unit.
Other necessary steps involve improving practical training for personnel and increasing training for drone pilots and electronic warfare operators.
"It should be noted that the mistakes that occurred during the formation and training of the 155th 'Anne of Kyiv' Brigade have been taken into account, and measures are being taken to prevent them in the future," the General Staff said.
The 156th Brigade is one of 14 new brigades formed by Ukraine's Ground Forces in recent months. The newly formed brigades have faced front-line challenges and accusations of mismanagement — particularly the 155th, the French-trained brigade at the center of a mass desertion scandal.
Ground Forces Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi said on Jan. 8 that "inadequate management," "mistakes in recruitment," and "imperfect training planning" contributed to the problems with the 155th Brigade.
The general's remarks followed a media investigation that claimed soldiers of the unit, deployed near the front-line hot spot Pokrovsk, suffered heavy losses and deserted in large numbers due to poor command and organization.
The 155th Brigade was intended to be a flagship project for Ukrainian brigades trained and armed with the assistance of foreign partners. French President Emmanuel Macron announced in June that France would provide training and military supplies as part of this initiative.
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.
Martin Fornusek
