Russia and Ukraine have both claimed attacking each other's energy facilities and military targets in the past days.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Saturday that the Russian Armed Forces had conducted 35 group strikes in the past week, using high-precision sea- and air-launched missiles, including Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicles, to hit Ukrainian energy and military-industrial facilities.
Meanwhile, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported on the same day that it had fought 79 battles in the past 24 hours.
It said the Ukrainian army conducted strikes on Russian personnel and military equipment, along with radar stations, air defense systems, electronic warfare platforms, and material warehouses.
On his social media platform on Saturday, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk said that Russian forces launched 34 missiles towards Ukraine from land, sea and air from Friday night to early Saturday morning, and Ukrainian forces managed to intercept 21 of them.
Ukraine claimed that multiple energy facilities were hit by the missiles, resulting in severe damage.
In a video address on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the European Union's energy security depends on these energy facilities and Ukraine needs at least 7 more sets of Patriot air-defense systems to bolster its defense capabilities.
On its social platform, the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine clarified on Saturday that the Associated Press (AP)'s report on the withdrawal of U.S.-provided Abrams tanks from the frontline battlefield in Ukraine is unfounded. However, they said they would not publicly disclose the purpose, location, and details of any transfer of these tanks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
On Thursday, the AP quoted senior U.S. military officials as saying that due to the extensive use of Russian drones for reconnaissance and targeting of Ukrainian tanks, the U.S.-provided Abrams tanks have been withdrawn from the frontline battlefield in Ukraine.
Russia, Ukraine claim attacking each other's energy facilities, military targets
Russia, Ukraine claim attacking each other's energy facilities, military targets
Chinese President Xi Jinping held a restrictive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, during which they had in-depth exchanges on strategic issues of common concern.
The world is undergoing changes unseen in a century and entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, Xi noted, adding that in the face of the ever-evolving world landscape with volatility and turmoil, China has maintained its strategic resolve.
He said that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have overcome various difficulties and challenges, and are striving to promote high-quality development and Chinese modernization.
China is willing to work with Russia and other countries to enhance solidarity and cooperation, steer global governance in the right direction, jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote world peace and common development, Xi said.
Noting that China's development is unstoppable and that no force can contain China's growth and progress, Putin said that Russia is willing to improve cooperation with China and other Global South countries to promote international fairness and justice, and to work toward a more equal and multipolar world.
The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis.
Xi elaborated on China's consistent position and efforts to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine issue, stressing that to deal with any major issue, it is necessary to address both the symptoms and the root causes, and to plan for the present as well as for the long term.
He said the core of the Global Security Initiative is advocating the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and the fundamental solution to the Ukraine issue is to promote the establishment of a new balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture.
Xi said China supports the convening of an international peace conference recognized by Russia and Ukraine at an appropriate time with equal participation and fair discussion of all options, so as to push for an early political settlement of the Ukraine issue, and China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.
Putin introduced the relevant views and positions of Russia, saying that Russia appreciates China's objective, just and balanced position on the Ukraine issue and welcomes China to continue to play an important and constructive role in the political settlement of the issue. Russia is committed to resolving the Ukraine issue through political negotiations and is willing to demonstrate sincerity and maintain close communication with China in this regard, he said.
Xi said that over the years, they have had many meetings and every exchange has been candid, in-depth and fruitful.
Xi said he is ready to stay in close contact with President Putin and work together to steer the development of China-Russia relations in the right direction, guide the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era to achieve steady and lasting progress, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and contribute to world security and stability.
Putin thanked Xi for his warm hospitality, saying that he is willing to maintain close communication with Xi, implement the important consensus reached between them, and ensure the full development of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
