Russia strikes shopping mall in Zaporizhzhia and Konotop, Fico rejects fighting under NATO Article 5
Overnight on September 18, Russian forces struck a shopping mall in Zaporizhzhia and hit Konotop in Sumy region with a massive drone attack, damaging several buildings and infrastructure. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he does not want his country dragged into a military conflict under NATO's Article 5.
Overnight on September 18, Russian armed forces struck the "Amstor" shopping mall in Zaporizhzhia. Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia regional administration, posted photos of the aftermath on social media, saying preliminary information indicated no casualties.
Massive attack on Konotop
The same night, Russian drones carried out a massive attack on Konotop in Sumy region. Educational and medical facilities, private homes, a gas distribution network and railway infrastructure were all damaged. Because of the damage to the gas network, a significant part of the city was left without gas supply, and numerous power lines were also damaged. According to preliminary reports, two women were injured.
Fico on NATO's Article 5
Speaking to students and hospital staff in Prešov, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he would do everything possible to keep Slovakia out of a military conflict should NATO's Article 5 be invoked. He questioned the prospect of sending Slovak troops to defend allies and described Europe's rhetoric as warlike, asking exactly whom European countries supposedly intend to fight. Fico stressed that as prime minister he would do everything to ensure Slovakia is never drawn into a military conflict because of some Article 5.
