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.
A general view shows the Maramures mountains' area close to the Romanian-Ukrainian border in the Maramures mountains on May 15, 2024. (Daniel Mihailsecu/AFP via Getty Images)
Border guards in western Ukraine were forced to defend themselves against an attack by two armed men, killing one of the assailants and injuring the other, State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andrii Demchenko told Ukrainska Pravda on June 30.
The attack reportedly took place on June 29 at around 9 p.m. local time near Selyatyn in Chernivtsi Oblast, which borders Romania.
Journalist Vitaly Glagov said that according to his sources, the attackers were armed with a machete and a gas canister.
The border guard used his weapon to save his own life, Demchenko said. Medics were called to the scene and a police investigation is currently underway.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said in a recent interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) that dozens of people try to illegally cross Ukraine's border into the EU every day.
Men of conscription age are prohibited from leaving the country during martial law, apart from several exceptions. Many men attempt to reach neighboring countries despite this, hoping to avoid mobilization.
Romanian police told RFE/RL in May that about 11,000 Ukrainian men have illegally crossed the border into Romania since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Several men have been found dead while attempting the perilous crossing across the Tysa River, which runs along the borders of Ukraine, Hungary, and Romania.
Kateryna Denisova
