Between resistance and progress. The Ukrainian army announced on Monday, September 18, that it shot down 18 drones and 17 missiles fired by Russia last night. A total of 24 drones were fired towards the Mykolaiv and Odessa regions in the south of the country, the air force said on Telegram. Kiev demanded the liberation of 7 km2 in the east and south of the country occupied by the Russian army. Since the start of the counteroffensive, Kiev says it has recaptured 51 km2 around Bakhmout and 261.7 km2 in the southern part of the front. Follow our live stream.
>> War in Ukraine: Bribery, intrigue… How those who oppose the mobilization are trying to escape the authorities
Kim Jong Un was happy about his visit to Ukraine. The North Korean dictator expressed his “sincere thanks” to Vladimir Putin on his return trip after his six-day stay in Russia, the official North Korean agency KCNA reported on Monday. He wished “prosperity for Russia and well-being for its people.” This visit will further consolidate the “militant unity” of the two countries while opening “a new chapter” in their relations.
Drones shot down by Russian authorities. Russia said it shot down several Ukrainian drones in the annexed Crimea, in the Moscow region and in Belgorod and Voronezh near Ukraine on the night of Sunday to Monday. No casualties or damage were reported. “The production halls of the Kharkiv Tank Plant were hit by a missile attack,” the Defense Ministry added.
Official visit of a Chinese minister to Russia. At the invitation of the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Russia from Monday to Thursday. The two men would “hold a detailed exchange of views on issues related to the settlement of the situation in Ukraine, as well as ways to ensure stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region,” a spokesman said.