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Ukraine-Russia War: 2026-09-18

Friday, September 18, 2026 5 updates Last updated 06:16 UTC
06:16 UTC

Russia opens first wartime State Duma election since 2022 invasion

Russians began a three-day parliamentary vote for the State Duma, the first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. United Russia is expected to keep its dominant position. Voting includes occupied Ukrainian territories and electronic ballots, Al Jazeera reported.
Al Jazeera
06:16 UTC

Russian MoD claims control of Rozivka and Mala Vovcha

Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces took the settlement of Rozivka in Zaporizhzhia region and the village of Mala Vovcha in Kharkiv region. The claims were reported by Military Summary and have not been independently confirmed.
Russian MoD / Military Summary
06:16 UTC

Russian MoD says 689 Ukrainian drones downed overnight; Rostov hit again

Russia's Defense Ministry said air defenses shot down 689 Ukrainian drones overnight across Russian regions. Rostov Region's governor said more than 50 drones were destroyed there, with damage reported to private homes, apartment buildings, gas pipelines and vehicles. The claims have not been independently verified in this update.
Military Summary / Russian MoD
06:16 UTC

von der Leyen says EU will send another €3.3bn for Ukrainian missiles and drones

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and that the EU will transfer another €3.3 billion to Ukraine for missile and drone production. The statement was circulated by Intel Slava and other monitors.
Ursula von der Leyen / Intel Slava
06:16 UTC

Russian strike sparks major fire at Zaporizhzhia shopping centre

Al Jazeera reported a Russian strike hit a shopping centre in Zaporizhzhia, southeastern Ukraine, and sparked a major fire. Telegram channels circulated aftermath footage of a destroyed retail complex in the city.
Al Jazeera