According to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Army, as of 7 pm on May 18, Russian forces are continuing to strengthen their tactical positions across most sectors of the front line.

Ukrainian intelligence, artillery, aviation, and drone strike units are actively opposing these actions and are deeply engaged in combat with the invading forces.

From the beginning of the day, Ukrainian aviation has targeted 18 areas of concentrated Russian troops, as well as two anti-aircraft missile systems and one radar station.

There have been 77 combat engagements today, with seven ongoing. Ukrainian forces have also conducted four assault operations to recapture territory from the enemy.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Army reported, “Since the beginning of the day, Ukrainian aviation has struck 18 areas of Russian personnel concentration, two anti-aircraft missile systems, and one radar station.”

These strikes were part of a broader pattern of 77 combat engagements that occurred on that day, with some still ongoing, and included four aggressive assaults to dislodge Russian forces from their occupied positions.

The confrontations have been widespread, with significant clashes taking place on multiple fronts, including Kharkiv, where ten skirmishes were recorded in a day.

Russian forces, having conducted an airstrike on the city with two guided bombs, faced fierce retaliation.

The Ukrainian military claims to have inflicted losses on the Russians, including 73 personnel casualties and the destruction of 16 pieces of military hardware, such as two tanks.

The intensity of the battles has also escalated on other fronts, such as Kupiansk and Lyman, signaling a determined Ukrainian effort to maintain control over the situation.

On the Kramatorsk front, Russian forces were reported to have launched 14 assault operations in the vicinity of Ivanivske and Kalynivka.

The Pokrovsk front, in particular, remains a hotspot of military action with 23 engagements, four of which were ongoing.

Russian forces extended their offensive to the town of Netailove and launched airstrikes around Oleksandropil, Voskhod, and Yevhenivka.

In addition to the direct confrontations, there are reports that Russian forces have been using Austrian-manufactured weapons in Ukraine, despite European Union sanctions.

These Austrian rifles are said to be favored by Russian army snipers, Federal Protective Service personnel, Wagner Group mercenaries, and marines involved in the conflict.

Relevant articles:
– Battles ongoing: Ukrainian soldiers struck 18 Russian positions, two anti-aircraft missile systems, and one radar station …, Euromaidan Press, 05/19/2024
– Ukraine’s Defence Forces launch 4 assaults to push Russians out of their positions – General Staff report, Ukrainska Pravda, 05/18/2024
– U.S. ban on strikes within Russia compromising Ukraine’s ability to defend itself – ISW, Ukrinform, 05/18/2024
– US ban on strikes on Russian territory seriously undermines Ukraine’s ability to defend itself — ISW, Рубрика, 05/18/2024