On May 18, Ukraine will be cloudy with clearings, with rain and thunderstorms in places. The warmest weather will be in the southeast of the country, up to +23 degrees.
Today, Ukraine commemorates the victims of the 1944 deportation of Crimean Tatars, recognized as genocide. It is estimated that up to 425,000 people were deported, a significant portion of whom died.
On May 18, we celebrate Museum Day, Reservist Day, AIDS Remembrance Day, and International AIDS Vaccine Day. Also, believers honor the memory of holy martyrs.
Russian occupiers in Crimea have stepped up car checks due to stickers in order to identify pro-Ukrainian citizens. The "Crimean Smersh" checks cars, social networks and the level of Russophobia.
Denmark is allocating the 26th package of military aid to Ukraine in the amount of DKK 4. 2 billion for 2025-2028. The aid includes artillery, ammunition and equipment for the Air Force.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the possibility of holding a referendum on the abolition of sanctions against Russia. He believes that the sanctions harm Europe, not Russia.
On May 17, the final of the international song contest Eurovision-2025 was held in the Swiss city of Basel. According to the voting results, the crystal microphone was received by the representative of Austria, singer JJ with the song Wasted Love. Ukraine took 9th place.
Belgium will provide Ukraine with a military aid package of €1 billion in 2025, which includes 20 Cerberus air defense systems and other equipment. A significant part of the funds will return to the Belgian economy.
The US Secretary of State announced Trump's desire to negotiate with Putin to resolve the stalemate in relations. Agreement on the details of the meeting is expected in the near future.
On May 17, 131 combat clashes took place at the front. The greatest enemy activity is observed in the Pokrovsk direction, where 44 attacks took place, 38 of which were repelled.
PrivatBank warned about the shutdown of Privat24 from 00:30 to 04:00 on May 18 for scheduled maintenance. Users are advised to plan financial transactions in advance.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Vatican could become a place for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. He emphasized the constructive position of the Vatican.
In the final of Eurovision-2025, the band Ziferblat thanked Europe for supporting Ukraine. After the performance, the leader of the band proclaimed a patriotic slogan.
The President of Ukraine met with the President of Switzerland in Rome. They discussed increasing pressure on Russia, humanitarian aid, and the participation of Swiss companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
On May 17, one person died and eight were injured as a result of shelling in the Donetsk region. The Russians attacked Yablunivka with a drone, killing a 27-year-old woman and damaging a shop.
Olena Zelenska said that the meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump was a difficult test. Despite this, the President of Ukraine withstood the tense conversation with dignity.
As part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, a 19-year-old girl returned to the territory controlled by Ukraine. She had not seen her relatives for more than three years, her hometown was under fire.
U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for an end to the war after speaking with Lavrov. The U.S. presented a peace plan and supported the prisoner exchange reached in Istanbul.
The President of Ukraine will take part in the solemn ceremony in the Vatican. The presence of many world leaders and about 250,000 pilgrims is expected.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that putin's agreement to a complete ceasefire is the only real indicator of russia's readiness for peace. He called for increased pressure on russia.
The Security Service of Ukraine has begun preparations for a prisoner exchange under the "1000 for 1000" formula, agreed upon in Istanbul. Lists are being compiled and infrastructure is being prepared to receive Ukrainian soldiers.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine are restraining the advance of the occupiers, 81 combat clashes took place. The greatest activity of the enemy is observed in the Pokrovsky direction, where 23 attempts to break through took place.
Scouts of the "Black Forest" brigade discovered an enemy anti-aircraft missile system and adjusted the strike. The installation worth about $10 million was completely destroyed.
US Special Representative Steve Witcoff canceled his visit to Putin due to his refusal to discuss the 22-point peace plan developed jointly with Ukraine and Europe. The plan was discussed between Ukrainian and American officials.
The Ukrainian and Russian delegations agreed on a prisoner exchange in the "1000 for 1000" format at the talks in Istanbul. The exchange may take place as early as next week.
Military equipment was removed from a military unit in occupied Sevastopol. This is likely due to a shortage of equipment at the front and the redirection of vehicles to other areas.
The NOC of Belarus stated that the International Judo Federation has allowed their athletes to compete under state symbols from June 1, 2025. However, there has been no official announcement about the lifting of sanctions yet.
The EU and Britain have reacted to the Russian Federation's strike on a civilian bus in Sumy region, where 9 people died. Leaders call for an immediate ceasefire.
Estonia is hosting the largest military exercises Hedgehog 25, involving 16,000 soldiers from 10 NATO countries. Tallinn is building 600 bunkers and a military base on the border with Russia.
A Russian court sentenced Australian Oscar Jenkins to 13 years in prison for participating in hostilities on the side of Ukraine. Australia has accused Russia of a sham trial.
