China's raw coal production hit a record high in the first five months of 2025, the highest level ever recorded for this period, according to the China National Coal Association.
From January to May, China's total raw coal production reached 1.99 billion tons, an increase of 110 million tons, up 6.0 percent year on year, data from the association showed.
As of mid-June, coal stockpiles at China's power plants reached around 210 million tons, a three million-ton increase from late May levels, providing a 35-day national supply ahead of peak summer demand.
China's raw coal output hits record high in first five months of 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia holds the strategic initiative along the entire front lines and the goals of the country's special military operation in Ukraine will be achieved.
"The past year has been an important milestone in fulfilling the tasks of the special military operation," Putin said while addressing an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry.
Putin underscored that Russia has the capability to accelerate its offensive pace, adding that Russia's task of expanding the security buffer zone will be fulfilled, and the core goals of the operation will be realized.
"This year alone, more than 300 settlements have been liberated, including major cities that the enemy had turned into fortified strongholds equipped with long-term defensive structures," the Russian leader said.
He said that the Russian military currently holds the strategic initiative along the entire Russia-Ukraine conflict front and is defeating Ukrainian forces, including elite Ukrainian units trained in the West.
Russia is currently seeking mutually beneficial and fair cooperation with the United States and European countries, Putin said.
Putin rejected claims portraying Russia as a threat to European nations, saying that such narratives are unfounded and fabricated.
Putin also announced that several submarines and surface ships have been commissioned into the Russian Navy this year, while the "Oreshnik" missile complex will enter combat duty by the end of 2025.
Russian military holds strategic initiative along entire Russia-Ukraine conflict front: Putin
