Russian forces settle in polyclinic in Luhansk region, build dugouts at recreation centres in Donetsk region

This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on July 18.

"In the city of Lysychansk, Luhansk region, the enemy equipped the territory of the former city polyclinic to accommodate the personnel and command of the Akhmat unit," the statement said.

Russian occupiers also converted the territories of several recreation centres in the villages of Yalta, Yurivka and Urzuf in Donetsk region to accommodate their troops. The vacation centres were converted into military bases with fortifications.

Ukrainian Armed Forces target 2 drones and launch 11 strikes on Russia forces’ concentration areas over the day

Over the past day, Ukrainian aviation struck 11 times at the areas where Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment were concentrated and targeted enemy anti-aircraft missile systems 3 times. The Ukrainian Armed Forces also targeted two Russian reconnaissance drones of the operational and tactical level.

Russian forces fire 6 Kalibr missiles and launch 35 Shahed drones at Ukraine overnight

"According to updated information, the invading Russian forces launched a missile and air strike on the territory of Ukraine, using 6 Kalibr cruise missiles and 35 Iranian-made Shahed-136 strike UAVs," the statement said.

As a result, Ukrainian defenders destroyed 6 Kalibr missiles and 31 drones.

The enemy also carried out 70 air strikes and 53 attacks from multiple launch rocket systems. This resulted in civilian casualties and injuries, as well as the destruction of industrial facilities, residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure.

Situation in Ukrainian regions

Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka directions are Russian forces’ main focus. Heavy fighting continues. There were 18 combat engagements over the last day.

Near the state Ukrainian border with Russia and Belarus, the situation hasn't changed significantly, and no enemy offensive groups have been detected. 

At the same time, Russia continued shelling the entire border line with mortars and artillery: over 20 settlements in the Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions were attacked. 

• In the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian troops are holding steadfastly. The Russian enemy launched an air strike near Kyslivka, moreover 6 settlements in the Kharkiv region came under Russian artillery and mortar fire. The enemy also tried to advance, but to no avail.
• In the Lyman direction, the enemy conducted air strikes near Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region and Spirne and Siversk in Donetsk region. Two settlements in the Luhansk region and three more in the Donetsk region came under artillery fire.
• In the Bakhmut direction, being under heavy fire from enemy aircraft and artillery, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled Russian attacks near Bohdanivka, Donetsk region. The enemy launched air strikes near 5 settlements in the Donetsk region. More than 10 localities suffered from Russian artillery shelling. According to Hanna Malyar, Ukrainian defenders were able to advance.
• In the Avdiivka direction, the Russian aviation launched an air strike in the area of Avdiivka. At the same time, Russian army shelled more than 10 localities, 
• In the Marinka direction, Ukrainian defence forces continue to hold back the Russian offensive in the areas of Marinka and Krasnohorivka in the Donetsk region. More than 10 localities came under Russian fire. 
• In the Shakhtarsk direction, in the areas of Rivnopil, Donetsk region, and Novodarivka, Zaporizhzhia region, the enemy made unsuccessful attempts to regain lost ground. Russian forces carried out air strikes in 3 areas of the Donetsk region, shelled more than 10 settlements. 
• In the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson directions, the Russian troops are focused on preventing further advance of the Ukrainian army. At the same time, Russian forces launched an air strike in 4 districts of Zaporizhzhia region, shelled more than 20 towns and villages.

Fighting continues in the Tavria sector, with the Ukrainian defence forces gaining ground in some areas and the enemy retreating. Thus, the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions 20 times and fired 678 times over the last day. Artillery units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out 1,681 fire missions. Over the day, Russian losses in killed and wounded amounted to more than three companies, 41 pieces of equipment and four ammunition depots were targeted .

• On July 18, the military reported that the Ukrainian Defence Forces were engaged in heavy fighting for Staromaiorske in Donetsk region – the Ukrainian Armed Forces controlled a certain part of the settlement.