Russia claims multi-directional advancements against Ukraine, Ukraine reports massive drone interception

Russia said on Friday that its armed forces had carried out strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial sites, energy facilities, transport infrastructure, and armories over the past week, while Ukraine on the same day reported intercepting more than 500 drones and destroying Russian weapons.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said in Friday's report that its forces had advanced in Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia in a week, and has taken control of eight settlements.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine said on Saturday that Russian armed forces had targeted the country's Ukrainian energy system, triggering power outages in Kiev City, Kiev Oblast, and Chernihiv Oblast.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on Friday that 121 combat engagements had taken place along the front lines in the day. Ukrainian forces have struck Russian troop assembly areas and other objectives, destroying Russian tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and other military equipment while intercepting over 500 Russian drones, according to the announcement.

On diplomatic developments, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Friday that the 20-point peace plan that Kiev is reportedly proposing differs significantly from the one that Moscow and Washington are working on. He stressed that Moscow remains committed to the negotiating framework agreed upon during meetings between the leaders of Russia and the United States.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the same day that Russia hopes talks with Washington on Ukraine can deliver concrete outcomes, but Moscow is not prepared to compromise on its core positions.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that he plans to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday in Florida. According to Zelensky, the talks will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine as well as several "sensitive" issues.

Russia claims multi-directional advancements against Ukraine, Ukraine reports massive drone interception

From augmented reality (AR) cycling glasses to autonomous boats and drone deliveries, sci-tech applications are making spring outings in China more appealing, convenient and smarter, boosting the country's tourism sector.

The ancient city wall in Xi'an, the provincial capital of Shaanxi in northwest China, has deployed smart autonomous boats carrying tourists smoothly through the moat beneath the wall. Some passengers take photos of the scenery, while others brew tea on board, enjoying the relaxation in spring.

"I think the smart boats are more convenient, and the speed is just right. It allows people to focus more on the scenery," said a tourist surnamed Mr. Wang.

On the ancient wall, visitors renting bicycles can simultaneously rent AR-enabled smart glasses. As they ride, the glasses automatically trigger audio guides for sights in view, making every detail of the wall more vivid and engaging.

"Since launching the smart boats and AR cycling glasses, tourists on average stay 30 percent longer than before," said Zhu Yuan, head of the cultural and tourism development of the Xi'an City Wall management committee.

In Hundred Springs Yuanshui Park in Xingtai City, north China's Hebei Province, visitors stroll among the springs while experiencing immersive attractions such as glass-free giant-screen theaters and cinemas with six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) motion systems, exploring the area's historical evolution.

"It feels like flying over the springs and a sea of flowers. The perspective is very novel and stunning. It's my first time experiencing sightseeing this way, and it's very interesting," said a visitor.

In the Huangshan scenic area in east China's Anhui Province, technology is also enhancing the visitor experience, with drones offering delivery services in parks and on-demand unmanned vending vehicles providing instant services.

Sci-tech services add new appeal to spring tourism