Overview and Background

On April 18, 2025, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine saw significant developments on Day 1,149. Russia's Ministry of Defence reported the destruction of 71 Ukrainian drones across six Russian regions, with 49 intercepted in Kursk. Ukrainian forces engaged in defensive operations, with air force reports indicating the launch of five missiles and 75 drones from Russia, resulting in the downing of 25 drones and electronic countermeasures neutralizing another 30. In the southern city of Nikopol, Russian artillery shelling resulted in two fatalities and five injuries, according to regional governor Serhiy Lysak. Additionally, a drone attack in Kherson killed two road workers, while recent Russian assaults on Dnipro raised the death toll to three, leaving 31 injured.

Amidst the violence, discussions continued regarding a potential ceasefire. A Ukrainian delegation met with representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States in Paris to negotiate terms. Russia's Foreign Ministry claimed Ukraine violated a 30-day moratorium on energy strikes, asserting that Ukraine conducted 80 attacks on energy sites. Despite these tensions, a memorandum of intent was signed between Ukraine and the U.S. to facilitate mineral extraction, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed for increased pressure on Russia.

Key Findings

• Drone and Missile Attacks: Russia reported intercepting 71 Ukrainian drones; Ukraine claimed to have shot down 25 incoming drones and five missiles.
• Civilian Casualties: Recent assaults in Nikopol and Kharkiv resulted in at least four deaths and numerous injuries, including children.
• Ceasefire Negotiations: High-level talks in Paris involved U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials discussing a potential ceasefire, although Russia accused Ukraine of violating agreements.
• Minerals Agreement: Ukraine signed a memorandum with the U.S. aimed at mineral extraction, paving the way for future economic cooperation.
• International Responses: Zelenskyy urged for a unified international stance against Russia while expressing concerns over a perceived shift in U.S. diplomatic strategy.

“This is how Russia began this Good Friday – with ballistics, cruise missiles, ‘Shaheds’ – torturing our people and cities.” – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy