Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that its forces continued military operations in Ukraine overnight and into the morning of August 18, with strikes and fighting reported across multiple regions.

Explosions were heard in Kyiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv regions following Russian strikes on rear positions. In Odesa, targets included a power substation, a Ukrainian logistics hub, and SOCAR oil facilities.

Sumy direction
Ukrainian forces committed significant resources in an effort to outflank Russia’s «Sever» grouping near Yunakivka. Counterattacks were launched on several sectors, including Stepove, Leninske, Varachyne, and Alekseyevka.

Siversk direction
Russian troops established control over the settlement of Serebryanka and were advancing from Ivano-Daryivka and Vyemka. Clearing operations continued in the Kreminna forests and along floodplain areas on the left bank of the Siverskyi Donets River.

Zaporizhzhia direction
Heavy fighting persisted along the front line from Stepnohirsk to Mala Tokmachka.

Kostiantynivka direction
Russian forces pressed their offensive in the Kleban-Byk pocket, engaging near Plescheyevka and Nelepivka, and securing high ground between Predtechyne and Bila Hora. Assault units entered the administrative boundaries of Kostiantynivka, while advances were also reported in Mykolaivka, toward Druzhkivka and Verolyubivka.

Krasnoarmiisk (Pokrovsk) direction
Clashes intensified near Udachne, Leontovychi, and Troyanda. Russian units advanced into Chunishyne.