Weapons from Italy, meeting of Ukrainian and Russian commissioners, explosions in Mykolaiv: last night's highlights

Weapons from Italy

Italy is providing Ukraine with a new package of military aid, "which will help to significantly increase Kyiv's defense capabilities against Russian aggression," said Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov. Details have not been disclosed yet.

Power supply was cut off in Mykolaiv

On the night of October 18, explosions were heard in Mykolaiv, after which the city lost power supply. According to public broadcster Suspilne, there is no electricity in part of the region.

Local authorities reported that repairs are already underway, as all services were working.

Fighting in the south

Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group attempted to bypass the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kherson Oblast, but suffered losses as a result of a firefight and was forced to retreat.

Over the day, Ukrainian troops destroyed 22 enemy troops and 11 units of their equipment, as well as two ammunition depots in the south.

New sanctions from Canada

Canada imposed additional sanctions against 34 Russians and one organization involved in spreading Russian disinformation and propaganda.

The list includes, in particular, Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who headed the Russian delegation during negotiations with Ukraine in spring.

Commissioners of Ukraine and Russia met

Commissioners for human rights in Ukraine and Russia Dmytro Lubinets and Tatyana Moskalkova held their first meeting during the exchange of prisoners of war. The Ombudspersons met on the day when the Red Cross did not arrive at the contact line, where the Ukrainian delegation was waiting for it.

They discussed, among other things, the need for visits to the colony in Olenivka by the parties of Ukraine, Russia and – if necessary – the participation of a third party. The Russian Ombudswoman called the dialogue "constructive".

The death toll in Sumy Oblast has increased

As a result of the Russian missile strike on Sumy Oblast, which took place on the morning of October 17, at least five people were killed and 14 others were wounded. During the day, the occupiers repeatedly shelled the communities of Sumy Oblast.

US and EU discuss Starlink funding

Officials of the Pentagon and the European Union are discussing the possibility of financing Starlink satellite Internet services in Ukraine.

However, Elon Musk earlier said that his company had already withdrawn its request for funding to the Pentagon. He noted that 25,300 Starlink terminals were sent to Ukraine, but only 10,630 pay for the service.