Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a video conference with Russian-appointed leader in Crimea Sergei Aksyonov on April 18, 2024.
Ukraine attacks Russian airport in Crimea
On April 18, Ukraine announced that its forces had shelled a major airport in Crimea, destroying much of the military equipment there. The attack occurred in the early morning of April 17 at the Dzhankoi air base in the north of the peninsula.
Ukrainian military intelligence confirmed that the operation was successful, destroying radars and air defense systems among other targets.
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AFP quoted Ukraine's announcement as saying that the country is clarifying the number of Russian air targets destroyed or damaged, as well as casualties of enemy forces.
President Volodymyr Zelensky later confirmed that the Ukrainian army had successfully launched the offensive.
Russia has not commented on the incident, but the Kremlin released images of Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting online with Russian-appointed leader in Crimea Sergei Aksyonov on April 18.
Russian artillery in Ukraine
On the same day, Russia announced the neutralization of 20 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 2 Tochka-U ballistic missiles in the area bordering Ukraine, including Rostov, where the headquarters of Russia's special military operations command is located.
Russia also dealt with five balloons released by the enemy with the aim of distracting the attention of its air defense systems.
Meanwhile in Donetsk, the Russian Defense Ministry said its forces had improved their positions on the front line and repelled a counterattack by Ukrainian troops in the area, according to TASS.
Russia underestimates the effectiveness of US aid
On April 18, the Kremlin said that even if it receives military aid from the US, Ukraine will still find it difficult to improve the situation on the front line, which is unfavorable for the Kyiv government's army, according to Reuters.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced that he will preside over the long-delayed vote on the US military aid package for Ukraine.
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The vote is expected to be held as early as April 20 (Washington time). The proposed US aid package includes $60.84 billion for Ukraine, of which $23.2 billion will be used to buy US weapons, ammunition, and equipment.
While the European Union (EU) has pledged the most aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, the US is by far the largest military contributor to the Kyiv government.
According to Reuters, Russia now controls about 18% of Ukraine's territory. Kyiv and Western officials warn that the conflict is at a crossroads that could lead to a Russian victory unless Ukraine receives more support quickly.
In a related development, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that Ukraine needs up to $42 billion for budget operations this year, Reuters reported.
NATO efforts to support Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a press conference on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy on April 18.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is working to send more air defense systems to Ukraine, Reuters reported, citing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on April 18.
"We are compiling data on existing air defense systems within NATO and focusing on the Patriot system. And we are working with our allies to ensure that they transfer some systems to Ukraine," Mr. Stoltenberg said on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Italy.
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"We are talking about the possibility of sending additional Patriot batteries to Ukraine. We are discussing with specific countries," Mr. Stoltenberg said, calling the provision of Patriots crucial because it is the most modern air defense system that NATO can rely on at the moment.
NATO Secretary General listed air defense systems that the alliance could provide to Ukraine in the coming time, including NASALS surface-to-air missiles.
"Delays in the delivery of air defense systems mean more Russian missiles will hit targets in Ukraine. Delays mean Russia can increase pressure along the front line," he added.
Mr. Stoltenberg also announced that the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting will take place on April 19 and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend online.
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