Life remains peaceful in Russia's Belgorod city amid Ukrainian attacks

Belgorod, the administrative center of Russia's Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine, has remained peaceful despite Ukrainian military attacks on Kursk, about 150 kilometers to the north, that prompted the region to declare a state of emergency on Wednesday.

Some residents in the city have begun relocating, but others said in interviews with China Global Television Network (CGTN) that life is normal in the city, which lies about 40 kilometers north of Russia's border with Ukraine, and they're not planning on leaving.

"This is my home. I was born here and I grew up here. So, I think I have no other place to go. This is my homeland. Well, of course, there are places to go and you can always find options in extreme situations, but at the moment, I don't see the point in leaving. It's better to face things head-on and not be afraid, especially not to panic," said one male resident.

"Quiet, calm, no one is going crazy, everything is calm. People are walking. I walk the streets calmly, buses are running, everything is fine," said another.

"No changes, everything is fine. The shops are open and everything we need is working," a female resident said.

"The shops are mostly open now, everyone is moving. Most people here in the city have stayed because everyone has an apartment here and everyone has relatives, so the city hasn't died. Everything is moving and everything is fine here," said another female resident.

Life remains peaceful in Russia's Belgorod city amid Ukrainian attacks

Life remains peaceful in Russia's Belgorod city amid Ukrainian attacks

Life remains peaceful in Russia's Belgorod city amid Ukrainian attacks

Italy does not want an escalation of trade frictions between the European Union and China, which will harm the interests of all parties involved, Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, said on Monday during a meeting with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao in Rome. The two ministers exchanged views on the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), and explored cooperation opportunities between Chinese and Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Wang said China-Italy cooperation in the auto industry enjoys a solid foundation and has huge potential. China is willing to promote mutual investment in the sector to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results. However, he raised concerns that the EU's investigation into China's EVs has seriously affected the confidence of Chinese car companies to invest in Italy, which is not in Italy's long-term interest.

Urso emphasized Italy's unique advantages in research and development, design, and vehicle manufacturing, and welcomed investment from Chinese auto companies. He said that Italy does not want to see the escalation of trade frictions between the EU and China, which will harm the interests of all parties. He hopes that both sides will properly resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation.

Wang is currently visiting Europe to discuss the EU's trade policy regarding tariffs on Chinese EVs. He will meet with European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis on Thursday.

Italian Minister warns China-EU trade frictions harm all parties