Russian troops continue to invade Ukraine and are stepping up their offensive to take full control of the eastern Luhansk region.
Meanwhile, President Zelensky visited southern Mykolaiv to encourage his people and reiterate his willingness to fight.
Russian troops intensified their offensive to siege the Ukrainian base Severodonetsk in eastern Luhansk, aiming for complete control, and the Russian Defense Ministry attacked the Lysychansik area adjacent to Severodonetsk on the 18th, fuel facilities and oil refining. Announced that the place was destroyed.
Citizens are left behind in Severodonetsk's "Azoto Chemical Factory" along with Ukrainian soldiers, but the Russian side insists on establishing a "humanitarian corridor" to evacuate the citizens, while urging the soldiers to surrender, Russia Some of the troops on the side have already entered the factory and are fighting.
The American think tank "War Research Institute" pointed out on the 17th that "Russian troops continue to deploy troops in the area of Severodonetsk and Lysychans'k, but the Ukrainian side is still firmly defending" and the offensive and defensive movement continues. It seems that it is.
Under these circumstances, Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a meeting of medical personnel online on the 18th, saying, "Thank you for participating in a special military operation and saving the lives of your comrades."
Meanwhile, the Office of the President of Ukraine released a video of President Zelensky's visit to southern Mykolaiv on the 18th.
President Zelensky visited the government building of the state destroyed by the Russian army attack and was informed of the local war situation including the Black Sea facing the south.
He also encouraged him by visiting hospitals and awarding medals to those involved.
According to local media, this is the first time President Zelensky has visited Mykolaiv since the military invasion began, and it is a renewed stance of a thorough fight against the Russian army.