Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted assaults, improved positions in certain directions

As of 23:00 on Friday, May 18, the Russian army carried out three missile strikes and 38 airstrikes, including the use of 56 guided aerial bombs. Additionally, on the frontline, the enemy deployed 404 kamikaze drones. The Russian army launched over three thousand attacks on our troops' positions.

Despite this, Ukrainian soldiers managed to conduct several active assault operations.

"It is worth noting the dedication and professionalism of our soldiers, who carried out active assault actions in certain areas and improved their tactical positions, the details of which are not currently appropriate to disclose," the General Staff reported.

In particular, the Defense Forces are attempting to push the enemy back towards the settlement of Hlyboke and in the Vovchansk area.

Frontline situations

In the Kharkiv direction, there were 12 combat engagements. Our soldiers repelled six attacks south of the settlements of Hlyboke and Lukiantsi in the Kharkiv region. The Russian army continues attempts to breach the defense of Ukrainian units towards the settlement of Zelene and persists in trying to capture Vovchansk. The Russian army is using aviation for airstrikes: two guided bombs on Kharkiv, five on Vesele, and four in the vicinity of the settlement of Lyptsi during the day.

Preliminarily, the total enemy losses for the day amounted to 125 personnel. Additionally, the enemy lost 31 pieces of weapons and military equipment, including three tanks, six guns, and mortars. Furthermore, 15 enemy shelters were hit. Information is being clarified.

In the Kupiansk direction, the number of combat engagements increased to 11 for the day. The Defense Forces successfully repelled enemy attacks in the areas of Synkivka, Ivanivka, and Berestove.

In the Lyman direction, the situation has not undergone significant changes. The enemy carried out six unsuccessful attacks towards the settlements of Novosadove, Torske, and Hryhorivka.

In the Kramatorsk direction, the enemy attempted to break through our troops' defenses 15 times. They did not succeed in the directions of the settlements of Kalynivka, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, and Kurdyumivka, suffered losses, and retreated. Fighting continues in the areas of Novyi and Ivanivske in the Donetsk region. The situation is under control.

In the Pokrovsk direction, the situation remains difficult. The Russian army conducted 23 attacks. Fighting is ongoing. The enemy has intensified firepower and assault efforts in the area of Netailove in the Donetsk region. The Defense Forces are taking measures to stabilize the situation.

Preliminary enemy losses in this direction include 235 militaries killed and wounded, one tank destroyed, an ammunition depot, a gun, a vehicle, and two UAVs. Additionally, three tanks, three howitzers, an infantry fighting vehicle, and a vehicle were damaged. Information is being clarified.

In the Kurakhiv direction, the number of battles has increased to 11. The Russian army is trying to intensify their efforts in the area of Paraskoviivka in the Donetsk region. Fighting continues in the areas of Krasnohorivka and Kostiantynivka. The situation is under control.

In the Vremivka direction, the enemy made three unsuccessful attempts to break through our troops' defense towards Staromaiorske.

In the Orikhiv direction, the Defense Forces repelled enemy assault actions northwest of Verbove. There were no losses of positions. The situation is under control.

In the Prydniprovsk direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled four enemy attacks in the area of Krynyky in the Kherson region. The Russian army did not succeed, and there were no losses of our positions.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled an enemy assault on Chasiv Yar, where two dozen pieces of Russian armor were destroyed.