Russia again attacked energy facilities in Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kherson, and Donetsk regions. In most regions of Ukraine, hourly power outage schedules are applied until the end of the day.
Strong wind gusts of 15–20 m/s are expected in Kyiv on November 18, and a Level I danger (yellow) has been declared. This means an increased risk for road users and pedestrians.
Since 2022, power unit No. 2 of the Khmelnytskyi NPP has been operating with a damaged turbine, producing 100 MW less electricity. Energoatom plans to purchase a new rotor, which will allow increasing the capacity to 1040 MW.
The US Treasury Department said that sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil are already reducing Russia's oil revenues. The analysis showed that these measures are aimed at reducing the financing of Russia's military efforts against Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump has supported the advancement in Congress of a bipartisan bill on sanctions against Russia. The bill will provide Trump with more tools to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine, allowing for the imposition of secondary sanctions and tariffs against countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
On November 18, Kherson was partially de-energized due to Russian shelling. Possible interruptions in centralized water supply in apartment buildings.
On the night of November 18, unknown drones attacked the Zuyivska and Starobeshevska thermal power plants in the temporarily occupied Donetsk region. This led to power outages in many settlements and the shutdown of boiler houses and filtration stations.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that only new sanctions can stop Russia's war against Ukraine. Moscow finances its war economy through energy exports and the purchase of technologies via third countries.
On Tuesday, November 18, a gas pipeline exploded in the suburbs of Omsk (Russia), causing a large fire. According to preliminary information, there were no casualties, and the cause may have been a gas leak.
Donald Trump announced his intention to approve the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia ahead of a meeting with the Crown Prince. This multi-billion dollar deal could shift the balance of power in the Middle East and face resistance in the US Congress.
On the night of November 18, due to the shelling of Dnipro, two trains departed 2. 5 hours late. The blast wave damaged the windows of the carriages and the station, and traffic was restored by backup diesel locomotives.
American oil corporation Chevron is considering acquiring the foreign assets of Russia's Lukoil, which is under US sanctions. The company may be interested in assets where their interests already overlap, particularly in Kazakh fields and a Nigerian project.
The High Anti-Corruption Court announced a break in the session regarding the pre-trial detention of Oleksiy Chernyshov. The session will resume on November 18 at 4:00 p.m.
Denmark has set a new target to reduce CO2 emissions by 82% by 2035, surpassing the UK's previous goal. The Danish government will allocate 4 billion kroner annually to achieve this ambitious target.
Oil prices remain stable after the resumption of operations at Russia's export hub in Novorossiysk. This followed a two-day hiatus caused by a Ukrainian attack on the Black Sea port.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban cynically responded to the letter from the President of the European Commission regarding aid to Ukraine. He compared the initiative to "helping an alcoholic by sending him another crate of vodka."
The Iraqi government plans to appeal to the US Treasury Department for a six-month waiver of sanctions against Lukoil. This would provide more time to sell the company's stake in the West Qurna-2 oil field.
During the High Anti-Corruption Court session on choosing a pre-trial detention measure for former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov in a corruption case, the lights went out for several minutes. NABU and SAP documented the transfer of 1.2 million US dollars and almost 100 thousand euros in cash to Chernyshov, who was notified of suspicion of illicit enrichment and abuse of office.
On November 18, electricity consumption restriction schedules will be applied in most regions of Ukraine. Disconnections will last from 00:00 to 23:59, covering from 1.5 to 4 queues of consumers.
Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński reported two acts of sabotage on the railway, one of which involved the use of explosives. Numerous pieces of evidence have been collected that will allow for the quick identification of those responsible for these incidents.
The government has initiated a large-scale audit in Ukraine's energy sector. According to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, Energoatom was the first to be audited.
The former director of the Chernivtsi Trolleybus Department and a procurement specialist have been notified of suspicion. The company overpaid almost UAH 3.5 million during the purchase of electricity due to their actions.
Lithuanian operator Litgrid handed over new equipment to Ukraine for the restoration of substations and power lines. This is already the sixth aid package from the company, which will strengthen the energy system.
The State Bureau of Investigation has opened two criminal proceedings regarding alleged bribery and abuse of power by its employees. This happened after the NABU special operation "Midas", which exposed corruption schemes in the energy sector.
The price of Urals oil fell to $36. 61 per barrel, the lowest since March 2023, ahead of US sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil. This drop will reduce tax revenues to the Russian budget, which funds the war against Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that measures to cleanse Ukraine of corruption are insufficient. He emphasized that relevant actions will continue.
India has signed its first long-term agreement with the United States to import 2. 2 million tons of liquefied petroleum gas next year. This will strengthen energy ties and help New Delhi conclude a trade deal with Washington.
Historian Yaroslav Hrytsak named Zaluzhnyi, Biletskyi, and Budanov as possible successors to Zelenskyy. He noted that Ukraine is close to the risk of national collapse due to Russian advances, economic crisis, and a corruption scandal.
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Legal Policy supported the Prime Minister's submission to dismiss Herman Halushchenko from the post of Minister of Justice. The dismissal of ministers may take place as early as November 18.
After Russia's night attack on the port of Izmail, gas pumping equipment caught fire on board a Turkish vessel. An operational headquarters is working on site, and no evacuation of the population is required.
