Russia said on Wednesday that its forces had captured another settlement in Donetsk, while Ukraine, on the same day, reported striking multiple Russian military targets.
Russia's Ministry of Defense said in its latest briefing that the Russian military launched offensives deep into Ukrainian defensive lines in several areas, including Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
The Russian troops seized the village of Novokhatskoye in Donetsk and destroyed Ukrainian military assets, including six armored vehicles, 12 artillery and field guns, and 11 electronic warfare stations, the ministry said.
The Russian forces also targeted Ukrainian military-industrial facilities, temporary deployment points, and an Israeli-made radar system, and one Ukrainian jet and many drones were shot down, it added.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine released a battlefield update the same day, saying that its air force, missile units, and artillery launched attacks on concentrations of Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment, and command centers, with Ukrainian strikes destroying three Russian tanks, two armored vehicles, 49 artillery systems, and two air defense systems.
Intense battles took place in multiple directions, including Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, the Ukrainian side said.
Also on Wednesday, amid the escalating hostilities, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov underscored Russia's concern over Western discussions about supplying Ukraine with long-range strike weapons.
Speaking in Moscow, Peskov said these deliberations remained a high priority on Russia's strategic agenda.
He further slammed the United States for turning arms provision into a commercial enterprise, and noted the internal divisions among European nations over who should bear the financial burden of aiding Ukraine.
France and the Czech Republic, he said, have openly rejected funding weapon supplies, citing concerns over the economic toll on their populations.
Peskov also reaffirmed the ongoing validity of Russia's updated nuclear deterrence strategy, which came into effect in November 2024.
Under this doctrine, any aggression against Russia or its allies by a non-nuclear state -- if supported by a nuclear power -- is considered a joint attack.
Peskov made the remarks after U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States would supply Ukraine with significant military aid through NATO, including Patriot air defense systems, expected to arrive within days.
Russia seizes settlement in Donetsk, Ukraine strikes Russian military targets
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
