The President's Daily Brief PDB Afternoon Bulletin | September 18th, 2025: Ukraine Retakes Ground As Russian Offensive Stalls & South China Sea Collision
Sep 18, 2025
Kyiv's forces are making significant gains, pushing back against a stalled Russian offensive and reclaiming lost villages. Meanwhile, tensions escalate in the South China Sea after a collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels, resulting in injuries and a fierce diplomatic exchange. The latest developments shed light on the shifting dynamics in both regions, making it a critical moment in international relations.
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Stalled Russian Offensive
- Russia's summer offensive has largely stalled and some gains are overstated by Moscow.
- Ukraine has clawed back territory, showing it can seize the initiative despite heavy fighting.
Inflated Claims From Moscow
- Russian official claims of sweeping victories are widely disputed and likely exaggerated.
- Analysts say Moscow recycled old maps and inflated results to portray success.
Chesivyar: Pyrrhic Small Victory
- The only clear Russian urban win this summer was the small town of Chesivyar, taken after months of bloody fighting.
- Elsewhere advances stalled or were reversed, and Ukraine recently regained several villages in the east.