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Russia claims launch of large-scale airstrikes, Ukraine reports nationwide blackouts

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HotTV

HotTV

Russia claims launch of large-scale airstrikes, Ukraine reports nationwide blackouts

2025-12-14 10:02 Last Updated At:12:58

Russia said on Saturday that its armed forces had destroyed multiple Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises, while Ukraine, on the same day, reported nationwide power outages due to Russia's airstrikes.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said in its latest report that between late Friday and early Saturday, the Russian forces attacked several Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises and energy systems related to their operations, using land-based and sea-based high-precision weapons, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and long-range unmanned aerial vehicles.

It said the center group of forces is continuing to clear Ukrainian troops trapped in the eastern and western districts of the city of Dimitrov (known as Myrnohrad in Ukraine).

On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media that from Friday night to Saturday morning, Russia launched a new round of air attack on Ukraine, using over 450 drones and 30 missiles, primarily targeting energy infrastructure, which caused widespread blackouts across Ukraine.

Due to the extensive military activity affecting the power grid, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine briefly lost all off-site power overnight, marking the 12th complete loss of off-site power at the plant since the conflict began.

Both power lines supplying off-site electricity have been restored, according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. He said on Saturday that it is essential to keep restraint in military activities to prevent a nuclear accident.

Also on Saturday, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, said the situation on the Pokrovsk (known as Krasnoarmeysk in Russia) front remains complex and intense. Russian forces continue to increase pressure on Ukrainian defense positions and are deploying additional reserves, including elite airborne units, to the area.

He added that Ukrainian forces are holding their core defense positions in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad urban cluster.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is preparing for meetings with its allies of the United States and Europe in the coming days. Zelenskyy said on Saturday that he will travel to Berlin, capital of Germany, to meet with U.S. and European representatives to discuss "the foundations for peace."

He described these consultations as "decisive" for Ukraine, with the core objective being to secure a "dignified and just peace."

Germany had announced earlier on Saturday that it would host U.S. and Ukrainian delegations on Sunday for talks regarding a potential ceasefire and other matters and is preparing for a summit in Berlin on Monday involving leaders from several European countries and President Zelenskyy.

It is reported that U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have already departed for Germany.

Russia claims launch of large-scale airstrikes, Ukraine reports nationwide blackouts

Russia claims launch of large-scale airstrikes, Ukraine reports nationwide blackouts

Russia claims launch of large-scale airstrikes, Ukraine reports nationwide blackouts

Russia claims launch of large-scale airstrikes, Ukraine reports nationwide blackouts

The promo of China Media Group (CMG)'s 2026 Spring Festival Gala has been showcased at overseas Chinese New Year celebrations and city landmarks, bringing a vibrant festive atmosphere to locals and homesick Chinese people.

The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday for Chinese people. It falls on Feb 17 this year, ushering in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle.

The gala's live broadcast on the eve of the festival has become a cherished part of the celebrations in hundreds of millions of homes.

The promotional video was featured at the "Icebreakers" Chinese New Year Dinner 2026 held in London, UK. The captivating audio-visual presentation showcased the unique charm of the Chinese New Year and the vigorous spirit of the Chinese people to attendees from both Chinese and British communities.

The promo was also displayed at the China-Cyprus Spring Festival Celebration Gala 2026 in Nicosia, conveying the theme of harmony and reunion that is celebrated during the Chinese New Year.

During the event, participants enjoyed splendid cultural performances including traditional opera, martial arts, acrobatics, songs and dances, as well as robot shows, and celebrated the profound friendship between the people of China and Cyprus.

Meanwhile, the promotional video for this grand gala has been played on screens across Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania. It has been continuously displayed since Saturday at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, the central business district, and outdoor billboards lining the streets, drawing local citizens and overseas Chinese in Tanzania.

"I'm really excited to watch the promotional video of the CMG's Spring Festival Gala in Tanzania. This time, I can't return home due to work reasons, but as a Chinese, I will still watch the Spring Festival Gala even if I'm in Africa as it is a must-do Chinese New Year celebration. Although I miss home, I won't feel lonely being able to watch the Spring Festival Gala with Chinese people all over the world," said Li Zhichong, a Chinese living in Tanzania.

CMG Spring Festival Gala promo shown in various countries

CMG Spring Festival Gala promo shown in various countries

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