As of May 18, 2025, the 1180th day of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine is underway. Over the past day, a new wave of massive assaults along the entire front line, intense air strikes and drone attacks, in particular on the eastern and central regions of Ukraine, have been recorded. The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to inflict significant losses on the enemy, holding defensive lines and destroying enemy equipment and logistics.
Frontline Situation
Over the past 24 hours, the frontline situation remained highly intense with significant combat activity across multiple directions. Russian forces launched extensive airstrikes, artillery shelling, and drone attacks, attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses. Despite this, Ukrainian troops effectively resisted and repelled enemy assaults.
Key events of the day include:
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167 combat engagements recorded across the front.
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75 Russian airstrikes conducted, with 106 guided bombs dropped on Ukrainian positions and settlements.
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Deployment of 2,960 kamikaze drones targeting various regions.
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4,735 artillery shelling instances, including 122 attacks from multiple launch rocket systems.
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Airstrikes targeted populated areas and strategic points in Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions.
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Enemy conducted three attacks near Vovchansk and Stroivka in Kharkiv direction, all repelled.
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One assault near Zahryzove on the Kupiansk front was successfully repelled.
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Twenty-four attacks occurred near Novoyehorivka, Lozova, Ridkodub, and surrounding settlements on the Lyman direction.
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Ten enemy assaults targeted Ukrainian positions near Bilohorivka and Verkhniokamianske on the Siversk direction.
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Eight attacks near Chasiv Yar, Kurdiumivka, and nearby villages on the Kramatorsk direction.
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Fourteen assaults recorded in the Toretsk area, including Ozarianivka and Druzhba.
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Fifty-four enemy attacks repelled near Stara Mykolaivka, Yablunivka, and adjacent villages in the Pokrovsk direction.
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Twenty-three assaults near Kostiantynopil, Bahatyr, Vilne Pole, and neighboring settlements in the Novopavlivka direction.
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Seven enemy assaults repelled near Shcherbaky, Stepove, and Mali Shcherbaky on the Orikhiv front.
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Two unsuccessful enemy offensives on the Prydniprovske direction.
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Fourteen combat engagements and heavy air and artillery strikes on the Kursk direction, including multiple guided bombs and MLRS attacks.
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No offensive activity recorded in Huliaipole, Volyn, or Polissia directions.
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Overnight, Russian forces launched 273 drones including Shahed UAVs and decoys; Ukrainian air defenses shot down 88 attack drones and neutralized 128 decoys.
Despite the scale and intensity of enemy efforts, Ukrainian forces maintained firm control over their positions and inflicted significant losses on the aggressor.
Russian Losses
During the past day, May 17, 2025, Russian forces suffered significant losses on the frontline. The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue delivering substantial blows to enemy personnel and equipment, demonstrating the effectiveness of Ukrainian defense and offensive actions.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, total enemy combat losses from February 24, 2022, to May 18, 2025, are estimated as follows:
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Personnel: approximately 973,730 (+1,130 in the past day)
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Tanks: 10,832 (+1)
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Armored combat vehicles: 22,557 (+4)
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Artillery systems: 27,980 (+38)
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Multiple launch rocket systems: 1,387 (+1)
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Air defense systems: 1,167 (no change)
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Aircraft: 372 (no change)
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Helicopters: 336 (no change)
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Tactical UAVs: 36,385 (+107)
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Cruise missiles: 3,197 (no change)
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Ships/boats: 28 (no change)
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Submarines: 1 (no change)
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Vehicles and tankers: 48,900 (+91)
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Special equipment: 3,892 (no change)
Significant losses in personnel and equipment testify to the intensity of fighting and the effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In particular, the destruction of 38 artillery systems in one day demonstrates successful counter-battery operations. Also notable is the elimination of 107 enemy UAVs, indicating effective Ukrainian air defense.
Overall, Russian losses continue to rise, reflecting depletion of enemy resources and reduction of combat capability.
Ukrainian Military Achievements
During the past day, Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out precise strikes against enemy targets, including personnel, equipment, and command facilities. The efforts involved aviation, missile troops, artillery, and UAVs.
Main results:
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Four enemy concentrations of personnel, weapons, and military equipment struck.
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Four enemy artillery systems destroyed in firing positions.
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Two enemy drone command posts neutralized.
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Six enemy artillery systems destroyed.
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One enemy fuel and lubricants depot destroyed.
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One enemy radar station taken out.
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Ukrainian air defense shot down 88 attacking UAVs and forced 128 decoy drones to fail.
These coordinated operations significantly reduce enemy offensive potential and contribute to Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Diplomatic Developments
On May 18, 2025, diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine intensified despite significant disagreements between the parties. Key events of the day include:
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Istanbul talks: On May 17, the first direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in three years took place in Istanbul. Ukraine was represented by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, while Russia sent a lower-level delegation, provoking criticism from President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding Moscow’s seriousness. Major disagreements concern Russia’s demands for Ukrainian troop withdrawal and recognition of control over occupied territories, which Ukraine rejects as unacceptable.
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US position: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed skepticism about Russia’s sincerity in talks, suggesting Moscow may use negotiations to buy time. He also hinted that the Vatican might serve as a neutral venue for future talks, supporting a proposal by Pope Leo XIV.
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Trump’s initiative: US President Donald Trump announced plans for phone conversations with the presidents of Ukraine and Russia aimed at reaching a peace agreement. He expressed frustration with the lack of progress and emphasized the need for direct dialogue with Vladimir Putin.
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China’s role: China expressed support for possible direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the need for all interested parties to participate in the peace process. Beijing calls for phased conflict resolution, raising concerns in Kyiv about possible concessions.
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European position: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed the need to avoid a “dictated peace” and emphasized that peace in Ukraine is impossible without Russia’s involvement. He also noted Europe must ensure a strong Ukrainian position in any ceasefire negotiations.
Overall, diplomatic efforts continue, but major disagreements and mistrust complicate progress. The international community remains engaged in seeking effective conflict resolution.
International Support for Ukraine
As of May 18, 2025, international support for Ukraine remains active, focusing on financial aid, equipment deliveries, and political cooperation. Partner countries officially announced new aid tranches, weapons deliveries, and priorities for further cooperation.
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Italy on May 17 announced a new military aid package including 400 M113 armored personnel carriers and a satellite communication system. The delivery is coordinated within the coalition mechanism supporting Ukraine’s defense capability.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a first personal meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky on May 17, confirming unwavering support for Ukraine, including sanctions and armament issues.
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The European Union is preparing a new tranche of €1.9 billion from profits of frozen Russian assets. These funds are planned for military support of Ukraine in 2025.
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The United States delivered another batch of engineering equipment and trucks for Ukrainian logistics units as part of rotational supplies, officially reported by the Pentagon on May 17.
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Lithuania announced the transfer of a large batch of drones, surveillance systems, and electronic warfare equipment to Ukraine, expected to be delivered directly to the frontline within the next week.
These actions confirm ongoing international support for Ukraine and adaptation of aid to urgent military and humanitarian needs.
Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine
Over the last 24 hours, Russian forces continued targeting civilian infrastructure, resulting in casualties and widespread damage.
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On May 17, a Russian Lancet kamikaze drone attacked a civilian minibus near Bilopillia, Sumy region, killing nine civilians including a schoolteacher and her husband and injuring seven others.
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During the night of May 18, drone strikes hit residential areas in Kyiv region, causing one civilian death and multiple injuries. Homes and infrastructure suffered damage.
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Russian shelling damaged critical infrastructure and destroyed humanitarian supplies in Novovorontsovka and Urozhayne, Kherson region. No civilian casualties reported.
These deliberate attacks on civilians and infrastructure demonstrate a tactic of terror. Meanwhile, Ukrainian emergency services, volunteers, and international humanitarian organizations continue providing aid and support to affected populations.
Domestic Situation in Ukraine
As of May 18, 2025, Ukraine’s internal situation is characterized by ongoing efforts to manage wartime challenges, stabilize the economy, strengthen mobilization policies, and support servicemen.
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The Ministry of Economy modernized the “Affordable Loans 5-7-9%” program to support businesses operating in liberated territories and processing industries, aiming to restore economic activity and create jobs.
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The Cabinet of Ministers amended the conscription procedure, introducing registration of summons deliveries in the Unified State Register to enhance mobilization control.
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The Ministry of Social Policy introduced a new social adaptation service for veterans and their families to assist reintegration after demobilization.
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The National Bank updated its inflation forecast for 2025, projecting a decrease to 8.7%, due to energy market stabilization and increased international financial support.
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The government continues adapting institutions for prolonged martial law conditions, demonstrating systematic and consistent decision-making in citizens’ interests.
Conclusion
May 18, 2025, was marked by renewed escalation of hostilities and massive drone attacks on Ukrainian territory, including civilian populations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Forces continue effectively repelling Russian assaults, destroying personnel, equipment, and aerial threats.
On the international stage, key events included negotiations in Istanbul, new aid packages from partners, and diplomatic initiatives by the US, EU, Italy, and Canada. Domestically, mobilization efforts continue to strengthen, support for servicemen expands, and the economy stabilizes under wartime conditions.
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