On the night of March 18, 2025, Russia attacked Ukraine with 137 drones. Air defense shot down 63 "Shahed" drones and other UAVs in 12 regions, 64 imitator drones were lost in location.
Enemy UAVs have been detected in the Kyiv region's airspace. Air defense forces are working on the targets, and residents are urged to stay in shelters until the air raid alert is lifted.
Gold prices have once again peaked at $3,006 as investors seek refuge from the economic problems caused by Trump's customs policy. Since the beginning of the year, gold has risen in price by 14%.
During the day, the enemy shelled the Chuhuiv, Izyum, Kupyansk, and Bohodukhiv districts. Residential buildings, an enterprise, and an educational institution were damaged, and a woman was injured.
The UK and the EU are discussing the seizing of frozen Russian assets to increase defence spending and increase pressure on Putin. The negotiations will include legal and financial cover for the confiscation.
As a result of a UAV attack, fires broke out at two enterprises in the Dnipro district, which were promptly extinguished. The enemy also shelled the Nikopol area, but there were no casualties.
Over the past day, 155 battles took place on the front, almost half of which were in the Pokrovsky and Toretsky directions. Ukrainian troops repelled numerous enemy attacks, inflicting significant losses.
Oil quotations were supported by US strikes against the Houthis in Yemen and China's plans to stimulate consumption. Concerns about global demand and negotiations between the US and Russia restrained growth.
Canadian Prime Minister Marc Carney invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the G7 summit.
Thai authorities plan to reduce the visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days to limit illegal business. Tour operators have expressed concern about the long period of stay.
The US National Intelligence Director stated that Trump seeks to end the war in Ukraine. He hopes for successful negotiations for the sake of peace and ending the deaths of innocent people.
The Vatican has expressed hope for a sincere dialogue between the parties to achieve peace in Ukraine. The Holy See calls for the release of prisoners and prays for peace.
EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas stated that the EU discussed possible risks in negotiations with Russia with the US. There are currently no negotiations, as Russia does not want to sit down at the negotiating table.
There is broad political support in the European Union for the initiative regarding new aid for Ukraine. Details are being discussed and work is ongoing in this direction.
More than 30 countries may join the "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine, Starmer's spokesman said. A coalition meeting is scheduled for Thursday.
An underground electric cable exploded in the center of Lviv, near the "Coffee Mine". Fortunately, no one was injured, the causes of the incident are being выясняют by specialists of "Lvivoblenergo".
At a meeting with the Minister of Defense and the new Chief of the General Staff, Zelenskyy discussed the situation at the front and defined priorities. The main task is to accelerate the formation of the corps system in the Armed Forces.
The President of Ukraine held a meeting with Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov, discussing the situation at the front. Key tasks were identified to strengthen the army and interact with partners.
In Bayel-Sir-Bertul, a regional train collided with a military vehicle transporting soldiers of Operation Sentinelle. Two soldiers were killed, one is in serious condition, and a female passenger of the train was also injured.
Western sanctions against Russia could be lifted if it helps ensure security and justice for Ukraine. This was stated by Vladyslav Vlasiuk.
Emmanuel Macron announced the commitment of France and Canada to achieving peace in Ukraine. Both countries will demand clear commitments from Russia.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and the importance of strengthening transatlantic ties.
The German government said that Russia is so far restrained regarding a 30-day ceasefire. The issue of Ukraine will be considered at the EU summit in the coming days.
American astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who are stranded on the ISS, will return to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon ship. Their mission has been delayed due to problems with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
An accident occurred in Vyshneve: Mitsubishi and a minibus collided. According to preliminary data, five passengers of the minibus taxi were hospitalized.
The Kremlin has confirmed preparations for a phone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump on Tuesday, March 18. This was announced by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that Hungary does not support the €20 billion financing for Ukraine.
Ukraine will receive about EUR 3. 5 billion from the EU after the approval of the third payment within the Ukraine Facility. Since the beginning of the program, Ukraine has received about EUR 20 billion.
The EU's chief diplomat announced the acceleration of work on a new aid package for Ukraine. The proposal takes into account the position of countries that want to cooperate, against the backdrop of Hungary blocking aid.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council will discuss Ukraine and the results of negotiations in Jeddah. Russia's conditions show that it does not want peace, said the head of EU diplomacy.
