Russia said on Saturday that it carried out a large-scale strike against Ukraine early Saturday morning and controlled another settlement in the Kharkov Region over the past day, while Ukraine said it repelled Russian attacks in multiple directions.
Russian long-range precision missiles and attack drones hit a Ukrainian plant manufacturing drones and energy facilities servicing Ukraine's military-industrial complex during the past 24 hours, and Russia's operational-tactical aircraft, missile troops and artillery units struck 157 targets, including long-range drone storage sites and operator training facilities, as well as temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries, the Russian Defense Ministry said. It added that air defense systems shot down 137 fixed-wing drones.
Russian forces controlled the town of Staritsa in Kharkov Region over the past day, the ministry said.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Saturday reported 136 combat engagements on the frontline, where Ukrainian troops repelled Russian offensives in multiple directions.
The Ukrainian Air Force said that Russian forces implemented a large-scale air strike against Ukraine from Friday evening to early Saturday morning.
Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that the large-scale strike caused damage to critical infrastructures in the city.
Russia carries out large-scale strike, Ukraine repels attacks in multiple directions
Serbia's Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamocic hailed the surge in exports to China following the launch of a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) in recent years, calling the pact a strategic relationship of mutual vision and voicing optimism for deeper bilateral cooperation.
The FTA between China and Serbia, signed in October 2023 and implemented on July 1, 2024, eliminates tariffs on roughly 90 percent of bilateral trade. More than 60 percent of goods became duty-free immediately upon its entry into force, marking a decisive step in deepening economic ties.
He said the agreement has reshaped Serbia’s trade profile, fueling a 69-percent jump in agricultural exports while accelerating imports of Chinese technologies and farm mechanization.
"The relationship between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Serbia, I would describe as a long-term, strategic relationship of mutual political and clear economic vision.The Free Trade Agreement between our countries was signed in 2023. It was introduced in 2024. As a result, our trade exchange has greatly improved, especially in the field of agriculture. We can say from that moment our exports to China grew for 69 percent. We have also made easier the import of certain things, such as mechanization and digital technologies, from the People's Republic of China to Serbia," said Glamocic.
"Our traditional products, such as wine, our domestic brandy, our honey, dried plums, frozen raspberries, similarly, imports of modern technologies from China are increasing, mechanization also, which really improves our agriculture business in Serbia. So I am an optimist that it will get better and better every day," he added.
The minister spoke highly of Serbia's partnership with China and voiced hope for broader cooperation in the future.
"What I would expect from China is that we sometimes try to speed up these procedures as much as possible. It is especially an honor for us when such a small country has such a status in the People's Republic of China. We were the first country to sign this type of strategic document in Europe, and we have reached the highest possible level among the two countries," he said.
Serbian agriculture minister reports record export growth to China
