Russia says US aid will not change the situation in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a virtual meeting with Crimean leader 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 numerous military facilities. The attack occurred in the early hours of April 17 at the Dzhankoi air base in the northern part of the peninsula.

Ukrainian military intelligence claims the operation was successful, destroying radars, air defense systems, and other targets.

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AFP, citing a statement from the Ukrainian side, reported that the country is clarifying the number of Russian air force targets destroyed or damaged, as well as casualties among the opposing 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 holding a virtual meeting with Russian-appointed Crimean leader Sergei Aksyonov on April 18.

Russian artillery in Ukraine

On the same day, Russia announced it had neutralized 20 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and two 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 diverting the attention of its air defense systems.

Meanwhile, in Donetsk, the Russian Ministry of Defense 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 stated that even with military aid from the United States, Ukraine would find it difficult to improve the unfavorable situation on the front lines for the Kyiv government's forces, according to Reuters.

Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced he will preside over the long-delayed vote on the country's military aid package for Ukraine.

The US House of Representatives will split the aid package for Israel and Ukraine to vote on separately.

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 purchase US weapons, ammunition, and equipment.

While the European Union (EU) has pledged the most aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, the United States has so far been the largest military contributor to the Kyiv government.

According to Reuters, Russia currently controls approximately 18% of Ukrainian territory. Kyiv officials and Western observers warn that the conflict is at a turning point that could lead to a Russian victory unless Ukraine quickly receives more support.

In a related development, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that Ukraine needs $42 billion for its budget this year, Reuters reported.

NATO is working to provide support to 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 they will transfer some of these systems to Ukraine," Stoltenberg said on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Italy.

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"We are discussing the possibility of sending more Patriot batteries to Ukraine. We are in discussions with a number of specific countries," Stoltenberg said, calling the supply of Patriots crucial because it is the most modern air defense system NATO can rely on at the moment.

The NATO Secretary General listed the air defense systems that the alliance could provide to Ukraine in the near future, including NASALS surface-to-air missiles.

"Delaying the delivery of air defense systems means more Russian missiles will hit their targets in Ukraine. The delay means Russia can increase pressure along the front lines," he added.

Mr. Stoltenberg also announced that the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting will take place on April 19th, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend online.

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