Key events on the 1,302nd day of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine:
Published On 18 Sep 2025
Thursday, September 18 updates:
US President Donald Trump and King Charles meet during Trump’s UK visit.
Conflict Updates
- A Ukrainian drone strike in Russia’s Belgorod region killed one and injured another, reports the governor.
- Despite Russia’s claim via TASS that Ukraine lost over 1,500 troops, Ukraine has not confirmed this, amid ongoing narrative warfare.
- Ukrainian forces reported Russia’s extensive losses, including 1,020 personnel and significant military assets.
- Russian forces targeted Ukrainian logistics, including railways and drone sites.
- President Zelenskyy noted Russia’s diminished capacity for large-scale attacks due to heavy manpower loss.
Military Developments
- US missiles for Western air defense are part of the Priority Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) deliveries.
- PURL funds have amounted to over $2 billion, with an expected rise to $3.6 billion in October.
- Lithuanian prosecutions tied 15 individuals to DHL parcel explosions, allegedly organized by Russian military intelligence.
- Denmark will procure “long-range precision weapons” in response to Russia’s threat, contrary to Moscow’s disapproval.
Politics and Diplomacy
- After a call with Putin, Indian PM Modi expressed readiness for India’s contribution to a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
- King Charles referred to historical alliances with the US, urging support for Ukraine against renewed tyranny in Europe.
- UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed a lack of optimism for short-term progress in Ukraine’s peace process due to vastly differing positions.
- Russian nationalists spread conspiracy theories following the death of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, blaming US support for Ukraine.
Economic and Energy News
- Ukraine and the US will jointly invest $75m each in a minerals deal aimed at providing post-war aid in exchange for resources.
- Ukraine anticipates meeting most of its winter gas demands but seeks up to $1 billion for additional fuel reserves.
- Russia reported a 0.04 percent increase in its consumer price index for the week ending September 15.
