Russian President Vladimir Putin holds an online meeting with Russian-appointed leader in Crimea Sergei Aksyonov on April 18.4.2024, XNUMX
Ukraine attacked the Russian airport in Crimea
On April 18.4, Ukraine announced that its forces had bombarded a large airport in Crimea, destroying many military equipment there. The attack occurred at dawn on April 17.4 at Dzhankoi air base in the north of the peninsula.
Ukrainian military intelligence confirmed that the operation was successful, destroying radars, air defense systems and other targets.
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AFP quoted Ukraine's announcement as saying that the country was clarifying the number of Russian air force targets destroyed or damaged, as well as casualties of enemy forces.
President Volodymyr Zelensky later confirmed that the Ukrainian army had successfully launched the attack.
Russia has not commented on the incident, but the Kremlin released an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting online with Russian-appointed leader Sergei Aksyonov in Crimea on April 18.4.
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 military campaign command is located. especially from Russia.
Russia also handled five hot air balloons released by the enemy to distract the attention of the country's air defense systems.
And in Donetsk, the Russian Defense Ministry said its forces had improved their position on the front line and repelled the Ukrainian army's counterattack in the area, according to TASS.
Russia underestimates the effectiveness of US aid
On April 18.4, the Kremlin commented that even if it received military aid from the US, Ukraine would still find it difficult to improve the front line situation, which is unfavorable for the Kyiv government army, according to Reuters.
Mr. Mike Johnson, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, announced that he will preside over the long-delayed vote regarding the country's military aid package to Ukraine.
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It is expected that the vote will be held as early as April 20.4 (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) pledged the most aid to Ukraine in the conflict with Russia, the United States is by far the largest military contributor to the Kyiv government.
According to Reuters, Russia currently controls about 18% of Ukraine's territory. Kyiv and Western officials warn that the conflict is at a crossroads that could lead to victory for Russia unless Ukraine quickly receives more support.
In a related development, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that Ukraine needs $42 billion for budget operations this year, Reuters reported.
NATO tries to support Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a press conference on the sidelines of the G7 conference in Italy on April 18.4
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is trying to send more air defense systems to Ukraine, according to Reuters, citing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on April 18.4.
“We compiled data on existing air defense systems within NATO and focused on the Patriot system. And we are working with our allies to ensure they transfer some systems to Ukraine," Mr. Stoltenberg said on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers conference in Italy.
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“We are discussing the possibility of sending more Patriot batteries to Ukraine. We are discussing with a number of specific countries," Mr. Stoltenberg said, calling the Patriot supply a key role because this is the most modern air defense system that NATO can rely on at the present time.
The NATO Secretary General listed air defense systems that the alliance can aid Ukraine in the near future, including NASALS surface-to-air missiles.
“Delaying the delivery of air defense systems means that more Russian missiles will hit targets in Ukraine. The delay means 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 19.4 and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend online.
