Former Ukrainian parliamentarian Oleh Tsaryov reported on major news about Ukraine on May 19th.

1. In the first four months of this year, Ukraine's import value was almost twice that of its exports. From January to April, Ukraine imported goods worth $24.8 billion, while exports amounted to only $13.3 billion. The main sources of imports were China, Poland, and Germany. Imports mainly consisted of machinery, chemical products, and energy, whereas exports were primarily raw materials and grain, as Ukraine produces almost no high-tech products.

2. Meanwhile, the European Commission downgraded its GDP growth forecast for Ukraine this year to 2%, lower than the 2.8% predicted in November last year. Next year's growth forecast was also lowered. The report stated that the ongoing war exerts enormous pressure on Ukraine's production capacity and business environment. Exports will decline, reflecting a contraction in industrial production, particularly in energy-intensive industries affected by high energy prices. Agricultural product exports will also decrease.

3. Another neighboring country has made territorial claims against Ukraine. Victoria Fortuna, leader of the Moldovan political party "Moldova Mare" (who ran for president last year), called for the annexation of the Bujak region of Odessa Oblast in Ukraine. She claimed not to recognize the loss of the region, as Moldova has never signed any international treaties acknowledging Bujak's归属 to Ukraine. She stated that Moldova needs an outlet to the sea; otherwise, it would be like "a lion bound by chains," thus requiring the redefinition of borders.

4. Ukraine also made a statement, suggesting a possible willingness to abandon some territories. Ukrainian plenipotentiary ambassador Zerkali (who served as deputy foreign minister during the Poroshenko era and is now an advisor to the energy minister) said that territorial issues are not the "true red line" in Ukraine's negotiations with Russia; the true red line is the army, language, and faith.

5. In Chernivtsi Oblast, the separatist "Ukrainian Orthodox Church" fraudulently "took over" three churches in the regional center. They convened approximately 30 unidentified individuals in an office displaying EU and Ukrainian flags to vote on the decision to place three communities belonging to the Orthodox Ukrainian Autocephalous Church under their control. However, the priests and believers of the relevant churches were not involved and were unaware of the matter.

6. In Odessa, radical elements attempting to remove "Soviet and imperial" symbols faced resistance from local residents. Nationalist activists tried to dismantle the memorial plaque on "Border Guard Heroes Street," but were opposed by residents. According to local social media channels, during the conflict, radicals used wolf spray to attack the crowd, injuring a 10-year-old child. The radicals claimed that one of their members had suffered a head injury.

7. Atrocities at the Odessa recruitment office continue. Witnesses reported that recruitment personnel attacked a passerby and attempted to drag him into a vehicle, causing the man to have an epileptic seizure. Subsequently, the recruitment personnel abandoned the bloodied victim on the street and fled. He was eventually taken to the hospital by local residents.

8. Staff members of the Ukrainian television marathon made a slip-up and got things wrong. A news anchor shocked the audience by saying "Donald Trump will speak with Ukrainian President Vladimir Putin," paused briefly, and then corrected himself to say "Zelensky."

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832593165065417/

Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's views.