Operational Update for October 18: New Combat Engagements
As of the morning of October 18, there have been 74 clashes between Ukrainian forces and Russian military according to a new report from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, two combat encounters have been reported. Russian forces conducted seven airstrikes, dropping 11 guided bombs, and carried out 88 shellings of Ukrainian positions and civilian areas, three of which were from multiple launch rocket systems.
“In the Kupiansk direction, Russian invaders attempted to breach Ukrainian defenses six times near the settlement of Stepova Novoselivka and towards Pishchany,” noted Ukrainian command.
Meanwhile, according to the General Staff, in the Kramatorsk direction, Russian forces attempted to break through the defenses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine twice in the area of Orikhovo-Vasylivka.
“In the Pokrovsk direction, Russian invaders made 31 attempts to push Ukrainian defenders from their positions in the areas of Volodymyrivka, Rodynske, Myroliubivka, Novoekonomichne, Chervonyi Lyman, Rodynske, Lysivka, Pokrovsk, Zvirove, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, and Kotliarivka. The defense forces are holding the line and repelled all enemy attacks,” the operational report states.
According to British intelligence, Russian forces likely captured approximately 250 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in September 2025, which marks a significant decrease compared to around 465 sq. km captured in August 2025. This follows a gradual monthly decline in the amount of captured territory from June to August 2025.
