Russia and Ukraine exchanged blows targeting military industrial facilities, according to separate briefings of the two countries on Friday.
Over the past week, Russian troops launched six cluster strikes with high-precision Kinzhal missiles and drones against Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises and military airfields, the Russian Defense Ministry said, noting air defense forces downed nearly 2,000 fixed-wing Ukrainian drones during the same period. The ministry said that Russian troops took control of seven settlements in the Sumy, Kharkov, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk directions.
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed a precision strike on Russia's Lukhovitsy Aviation Plant, which produces MiG series fighter jets, on Friday night. It also reported attack on the Shipunov Instrument Design Bureau, a manufacturer of air defense missile systems for the Russian military.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi said Friday that U.S. defense assistance to Ukraine, which had been reportedly suspended, is now back. He also noted that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is scheduled to talk with the U.S. representatives later on Friday.
Earlier this month, the U.S. media outlet Politico reported that Washington had halted shipments of some air defense missiles and other precision munitions to Ukraine over allegedly low stockpiles. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has requested a conversation with the United States to clarify the reports.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States would provide Kiev with "some more weapons," including some "defensive" ones, media reports said.
Russia, Ukraine exchange strikes on military industrial facilities
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
