Russia is not abandoning its offensive, despite a temporary lull in the fighting

Over the past two days, Russian forces have somewhat reduced the number of combat engagements, but this lull is merely a tactical pause. 

Spokesperson for the Joint Forces Operation Viktor Tregubov reported on the air of Den.LIVE that the number of direct engagements has dropped from several dozen to fewer than ten per day, but the aggressor continues to prepare new attempts to break through.

According to the Defense Forces representative, Russia’s strategic goal remains the complete occupation of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In addition to the eastern front, the occupiers are maintaining significant pressure on the Sumy and Kharkiv sectors. In particular, enemy attempts have been recorded to advance toward Kupiansk and establish a foothold in border areas to create a “zone of control.”

The Russian General Staff continues to plan intensified operations across various sections of the front, despite resource and logistical challenges. Ukrainian forces continue to reinforce their defensive lines, anticipating intensified attacks in the near future. The stabilization of the situation in certain sectors is the result of effective strikes against enemy rear depots and the depletion of its assault units.

Over the past 24 hours, on April 18, the Ukrainian Defense Forces neutralized 1,070 Russian invaders; total enemy personnel losses in the war have exceeded 1,318,000.

The Ukrainian Defense Forces eliminated Russian occupier Sukhrob Sidikov, who was a medalist at the World Student Boxing Championships.

On the front lines, Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers eliminated Yuriy Hrytsenko, known as the “Zelenograd maniac.” After serving his sentence, he joined the war against Ukraine.