20 May, 2025
A new sanctions package targets key military technologies and seeks to curb Russia’s energy revenues by cracking down on its “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, their operators, and major Russian producer Surgutneftegas.
The new measures include:
17 additional individuals and 58 entities sanctioned
A ban on 189 “shadow fleet” tankers from accessing EU ports
31 new entities subject to enhanced export restrictions
New export bansThe United Kingdom also announced 100 new sanctions on Tuesday, targeting the military, energy, and financial sectors in coordination with the European Union.
These sanctions are a step in the right direction, but they are not enough. Significant loopholes remain, enforcement is still weak, and hundreds of foreign companies continue t...
Learn more
20 May, 2025
Deputy Mayor of Kherson Visits Nantes: Focus on Reconstruction, Youth, and Solidarity Between Cities
The Deputy Mayor of Kherson, Vitalii Bielobrov, was welcomed by the City of Nantes as part of an ongoing effort to foster cooperation, share experiences, and support the reconstruction of a city heavily affected by Russian bombardments.
The morning began with a tour of Nantes and one of its rehabilitated neighborhoods. Nantes is widely recognized for its expertise in urban renewal and revitalization. Deputy Mayor Bielobrov was introduced to the Île de Nantes, a flagship example of successfully transforming former industrial sites—such as the shipbuilding halls—into vibrant cultural, economic, and urban hubs. It was an inspiring and highly relevant visit in the context of rebuilding Kherso...
Learn more
16 May, 2025
As part of the signing of the partnership between Kherson, Saint-Nazaire, and Nantes, Vitalii Bielobrov, Deputy Mayor of Kherson, visited the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyards in Saint-Nazaire. He was accompanied by Vadym Omelchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to France, representatives of the cities and the region—including Frédéric Vasse, Director General of the Nantes Saint-Nazaire Metropolitan Hub, and Aziliz Gouez, Vice President of Nantes Métropole—as well as the Stand With Ukraine team.
The visit, led by Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, offered an in-depth look at the shipyard’s infrastructure, construction workshops, and vessels currently under development. This moment, both symbolic and tangible, highlighted the relevance of the new partnership signed between the ...
Learn more
