Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had liberated more territory than Russian troops captured since the start of autumn, citing reported gains and defensive operations across several sectors of the front. In an address published Oct. 18 on the Ukrainian presidential website, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces were repelling Russian assaults and infiltration attempts near Dobropillia while defending positions in the Donetsk, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions. He listed Dobropillia, Kostiantynivka, Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka, Orikhiv, Novopavlivka, Novoandriivka and Velykomykhailivka as remaining under Ukrainian control. Zelenskyy credited airborne, mechanized and unmanned-systems units with operations against Russian forces. He also said Ukrainian troops were defending areas near Kramatorsk and striking Russian positions near Zaporizhzhia. The claims were presented in the address and were not independently verified in the statement. The president also highlighted ongoing discussions with European officials and representatives of U.S. President Donald Trump, saying air defense remained Ukraine’s top priority. He specifically cited efforts to secure additional Patriot systems and said Kyiv was preparing further diplomatic steps aimed at strengthening support and bringing the war to an end. Post navigation Hurricane Trudy Approaches Southwestern Mexico with Critical Warnings