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.
"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."
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 met with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas in Zhytomyr Oblast on April 24. (Photo: President's Office)
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas in Zhytomyr Oblast on April 24, the President's Office reported on April 24.
"If every leader and every state were equally conscientious about protecting our common freedom on the continent, Russia's aggression would have already been defeated without question," Zelensky told Kallas, praising Estonia's ongoing support of Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
According to the President's Office, Zelensky also thanked Kallas for Estonia's assistance in the treatment and rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers after they were injured on the frontline, particularly those in need of prosthetics.
Estonia has also provided a third mobile military hospital for Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline.
Cybersecurity, Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, and increasing sanctions against Russia were some of the other topics discussed by Zelensky and Kallas.
Zelensky and Kallas' meeting took place in Zhytomyr Oblast because it is where Estonia has become the first ally to begin directly aiding Ukraine in the reconstruction of its infrastructure, the President's Office wrote. According to Zelensky, this step can become "an example" for other allies.
"I am confident that we will do a lot together. Today, I raised the issue of structuring the reconstruction assistance, including the establishment of an appropriate representative office here in the Zhytomyr Oblast," Zelensky said.
Kallas went on to emphasize that providing Ukraine with weapons, ammunition, and training for its military should continue on a sufficient scale to ensure that Ukraine wins the war.
"We believe in your victory. We believe in a prosperous Ukraine with liberal democracy, a free market economy and membership in the Euro-Atlantic community. Your struggle, your sacrifices have clearly shown that the way to peace is to eliminate gray areas in European security," Kallas said.
The two leaders also discussed the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius this July, with Zelensky saying that "now is the time when the (military) alliance needs to make ambitious decisions," regarding Ukraine's membership. Kallas signed a joint declaration expressing Estonia's support for Ukraine's future in both NATO and the EU.
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.
Theo Prouvost
