Information Defence: Military-Political Situation in Ukraine as of April 18th - Ihor Zhdanov

Ihor Zhdanov, Information Defence Project, Open Policy Foundation

Informational Defence of Ukraine provides a daily review of the military-political situation in Ukraine as of April 18th, based on an analysis of open sources.

1. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are preparing for the decisive battle for the Donbas area.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi has stated on Facebook that the Russian army is trying to break through the defence line in several directions, focusing its main efforts on the Iziumskyi.

The threat from the sea was significantly reduced due to the sinking of the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet of the russian federation. However, the danger of landing naval and airborne troops remains. In this regard, measures are being taken to strengthen air defence, including logistical technical assistance from partner countries.

The defence forces are steadily defending Mykolaiiv from possible enemy’s attempts to resume the attacks and destroying the enemy in the suburbs of Kherson. In addition, the enemy is not being given the opportunity to advance in the direction of Zaporizhzhia.

The heroic defence of the hero-city Mariupol continues. The Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is taking all possible measures to support the defenders of the city. In particular, the destruction of the Saratov landing ship in the port of Berdiansk reduced the risk of landing and fire from the sea.

In the recent weeks, the enemy has regrouped its forces and resources in the east and is trying to break through the defences in several directions, concentrating its main efforts on the Iziumskyi direction.

The military command is strengthening the defence, especially anti-tank and anti-aircraft units.