Russia reported on Tuesday that its forces had captured the settlement of Sukha Balka in the Donetsk region, while Ukraine claimed to have struck Russian command posts.
Over the past day, Russian troops repelled multiple Ukrainian attacks across various fronts and launched their offensives. Russian air defense units downed 99 Ukrainian drones, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The Russian forces also conducted strikes on 141 temporary deployment points of Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries.
Meanwhile, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported on Tuesday that 165 clashes occurred in frontline areas over the past 24 hours.
The Ukrainian Air Force, missile units, and artillery attacked 10 Russian personnel, weapons, and military equipment concentration zones, as well as two command posts and six artillery pieces.
Ukrainian air defense units also downed 38 Russian attack drones during the same period.
In another development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that Kyiv is prepared to engage in talks in any format once a potential ceasefire with Russia is established, the government-run Ukrinform news agency reported.
Zelensky expressed hope that Russia would also be open to dialogue.
He added that the Ukrainian delegation, which is set to meet with foreign representatives in London this week, will have a mandate to negotiate a full or partial ceasefire.
On Monday, Zelensky announced that Ukraine would hold talks on Wednesday to achieve peace in London with the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.
Russia claims control of another settlement, Ukraine strikes Russian command posts
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
