The sixth package of EU sanctions and Ukrainian citizenship to Nevzorov: Highlights on war in Ukraine as of May 28 — June 3

Author

Diana Polunina

The war in Ukraine has lasted for three months. During May 28 — June 3, 2022, the Ambassadors of the EU member states made an official decision on the sixth sanctions package for Russia, ex-president Petro Poroshenko had experienced difficulty in obtaining permission to leave Ukraine, the National Bank raised the discount rate to 25%, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy granted citizenship to Russian journalist Alexander Nevzorov. has compiled business, political and economic news that will help you learn more about the situation in a country that has been fighting for its right to exist for more than three months.

Top news on war as of May 28 — June 3:

On June 2, the EU Ambassadors approved the sixth sanctions package for Russia. In particular, it includes an embargo on oil transported by sea; extending bans on exports to Russia, including chemicals and high-tech products; disconnection of three Russian banks, including Sberbank and one Belarusian bank, from the Swift system; a ban on rendering services to the Russian oil sector; a ban on three Russian propaganda media; and a ban on providing consulting services to Russian operators. Canada imposed sanctions against Russia as well. This refers to 22 citizens of the Russian Federation (Putin's likely mistress Alina Kabaeva, two daughters of oligarch Mikhail Fridman, oligarch Alexander Braverman and his relatives, etc.) and four Russian companies: Investtorgbank, Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank), RBK Management Company, and Management Company of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.
The United States is preparing a new $700 million security aid package for Ukraine. It will include, among other things, the M142 HIMARS MLRS, missiles with a range of up to 80 km, airspace surveillance radars, Javelin anti-tank missiles, armor-piercing weapons, artillery shells, helicopters, tactical vehicles, and spare parts. Ukraine promised not to use these systems to attack Russian territories.
On May 30, the Russian invaders announced the capture of the city of Lyman in Donetsk Oblast. This was confirmed by Oleksiy Arestovych, Advisor to the Head of the President's Office. Moreover, the invaders occupied 80% of the territory of the city of Sievierodonetsk in Luhansk Oblast, according to Serhiy Haidai, head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration. Now intensive battles are being waged for the city.

Top news on politics as of May 28 — June 3:

Russian journalist Alexander Nevzorov and his wife Lidia Nevzorova have acquired Ukrainian citizenship. It was granted to them by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to the Adviser to the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Anton Gerashchenko, citizenship was granted "for outstanding services to our country."
Last week, there was a scandal with the crossing of the Ukrainian border by Petro Poroshenko to attend the congress and summit of the European People's Party in Rotterdam. He managed to cross the border with Poland on the third attempt. Poroshenko himself turned to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and stated that the opposition, together with the authorities, is working to strengthen Ukraine.
The President of Poland Andrzej Duda said in an interview with CNN that Poland was ready to become the guarantor of Ukraine's security after the end of the war. "Today we support Ukraine with all available means. Therefore, we believe that we are obliged to do this as neighbors. If Ukraine asks us (to become a guarantor of security — ) and a guarantor of peace after the end of the war, then yes, Poland will take part in this," he said.
The Verkhovna Rada dismissed Lyudmila Denisova from the post of Commissioner for Human Rights. One of the reasons for Denisova’s dismissal, according to MP Pavlo Frolov, was that she "practically did not exercise her powers" in human rights activities, namely: organizing humanitarian corridors, prisoners’ protection and swap, counteracting the deportation of people and children from the occupied territories, and other human rights activities.

Top news on economy as of May 28 — June 3:

For the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion, the National Bank of Ukraine raised the discount rate from 10% to 25%, which exceeded all market participants' expectations. The NBU itself explains this decision by saying that it will help preserve hryvnia incomes and savings of the citizens, increase the attractiveness of hryvnia assets and reduce pressure on the foreign exchange market, improve the ability of the National Bank to ensure exchange rate stability, and restrain inflationary processes during wartime.
Last week it also became known that the annual inflation in 19 eurozone countries reached 8.1% in May, which is an absolute record figure. Such inflation stems from the fact that prices for energy resources and foodstuffs, as well as alcohol and tobacco products have risen sharply. As for Ukraine, according to the forecast of the NBU Governor Kyrylo Shevchenko, inflation in May will grow to 17% year on year from 16.4% in April, and by the end of the year it will reach 20%.
U.S. President Joe Biden signed a decree abolishing additional duties of 25% for imports of Ukrainian steel and steel products for a year (from June 1).