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.
Ambassador Valerii Zaluzhnyi assumes his role as Ukraine's ambassador to the U.K. on July 11, 2024. (Ambassador Valerii Zaluzhnyi/Telegram)
Former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi assumed the role of Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom on July 11, Zaluzhnyi announced on Telegram.
Zaluzhnyi, who was appointed by President Volodymyr Zelensky to the role on March 13, had previously led Ukraine's military since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Zaluzhnyi was dismissed on Feb. 8 by President Zelensky in a reshuffling of the top military role. Zelensky appointed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi in his place, following months of speculation about a rift in Ukraine's leadership.
The decision to dismiss Zaluzhnyi sparked an emotional public debate, as Zaluzhnyi is widely popular with both the military and among the civilian population due to his role in leading the resistance against Russia.
Shortly before officially announcing the dismissal, Zelensky thanked Zaluzhnyi for his service in a Telegram post, adding that the ex-chief commander would remain a "part of the team."
In reference to his new ambassador role, Zaluzhnyi wrote on social media that he was "continuing to serve Ukraine."
"The victory of Ukraine in the war against the Russian aggressor remains the main priority of my activities and the activities of the Embassy," Zaluzhnyi added.
Zaluzhnyi begins in his new role following the election of Keir Starmer as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom.
Starmer has vowed that his Labour government will continue to be a staunch supporter of Ukraine.
Dmytro Basmat is a senior news editor for The Kyiv Independent. He previously worked in Canadian politics as a communications lead and spokesperson for a national political party, and as a communications assistant for a Canadian Member of Parliament. Basmat has a Master's degree in Political Management from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Kateryna Denisova
