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23dn, 'Independent state in grip of small man', (8), ??V???C?;

19dn, 'Foreign city hospital lies in ruins, flooded by liquid', (8), ?E???N??;

18ac, 'Expression of surprise about ruler being unstable', (7), R?C?I?G; ROCKING?

maverick - aver in mick

23 Down

State is AVER
Small Man is MICK

Independent is MAVERICK

19 Down

Hospital is H
Lies in ruins is ELS....I
Liquid is INK

Foreign city is HELSINKI

18 Across
Expression of surprise is COR, about is ROC
Ruler is KING

Unstable is ROCKING

helsinki - H lies ink.
cor = my backwards = roc, plus king.

Thanks both. I was quite stuck and the crossword is now finished, thanks to you.