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.
President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses Ukrainians on Orthodox Easter, April 16, 2023. (Screenshot from the video address)
President Volodymyr Zelensky made a video address to Ukrainians on Orthodox Easter, saying Russia's all-out war "cannot erase us, our values, our traditions, and our holidays."
Ukraine's Orthodox Christians, which make up the majority of the country's population, are celebrating Easter on April 16, the second to occur since Russia launched its all-out war on Feb. 24, 2022.
Orthodox churches calculate Easter according to the Julian calendar, meaning it typically occurs a week after the Catholic church's Easter, which follows the Gregorian calendar.
"Today we celebrate the holiday of the Resurrection of the Lord. Its main symbol is the victory of goodness, truth, and life. We welcome Easter with unshakable faith in the irreversibility of these victories. On this day a year ago, we all prayed that Ukraine would endure, today — that Ukraine will win," Zelensky said.
During his video address, Zelensky honored those who lost their lives defending Ukraine against Russian aggression and acknowledged the ongoing efforts of those who continue to fight.
Zelensky further emphasized the unity of Ukraine as "one family, one Maidan." Although he acknowledged that challenging times were ahead, Zelensky expressed his confidence that Ukrainians would face them together.
"Heaven sees our faith and firmness. The world sees our courage and indomitability. The enemy sees our strength and determination," Zelensky said.
"Ukraine will see the light of victory. Belief in it unites all of us - always, but especially today. On Easter, which has always been a family holiday for Ukrainians, a day of warmth, hope and great unity."
Zelensky's video address was filmed at the site of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a historic Orthodox monastery that has become one of the symbols of Ukraine's ongoing struggle to break free of the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Both the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Russian-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church held Easter services on the premises of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on April 16.
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine, granted autocephaly (ecclesiastical independence) by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople in January 2019, is not to be confused with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. Ukraine has long accused the Moscow Patriarchate's representatives in Ukraine of serving as the Kremlin's propaganda arm.
The Russian-controlled church's lease on a part of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra- called the Upper Lavra- expired on Jan. 1, and the Ukrainian government decided not to extend the lease. Later the Ukrainian authorities said they would also terminate the Russian-affiliated church's indefinite lease on the remaining part, the Lower Lavra, starting from March 29, accusing it of violating the terms of the lease.
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine held a Christmas service on Jan. 7 at the Lavra for the first time.
Metropolitan Epiphanius, the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, said on March 18 that those who renounce Moscow's religious authority can continue to serve at the monastery.
We are the news team of the Kyiv Independent. We are here to make sure our readers get quick, essential updates about the events in Ukraine. Feel free to contact us via email with feedback and news alerts.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
