Russia announced on Sunday that its forces had seized control of 12 settlements since February, a claim that the Ukrainian side has not responded to.
Russian forces had seized control of 12 settlements since the start of February despite severe winter conditions, Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff of the Russian Armed Forces, said on Sunday.
Among the localities captured were Popovka and Sidorovka in the Sumy region, as well as Chuhunivka in the Kharkov region, Gerasimov said.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the country's air defense systems have shot down 222 Ukrainian drones over the past 24 hours.
Since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, said the ministry, Russian forces have destroyed 670 Ukrainian aircraft, 283 helicopters, 650 surface-to-air missile systems and more than 114,000 drones.
The developments on the frontline came just days before the next round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, which are scheduled to begin on Tuesday in Geneva.
Regarding the upcoming talks, media analyses, including that from RIA Novosti, believe that achieving substantial progress will be difficult as Western countries are unlikely to make concessions on sanctions and security issues against Russia in the short term.
However, renowned Russian political commentator Andrey Pinchuk pointed out that the replacement of the head of the Russian delegation by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky signals a shift in the negotiations from a technical level to a political one, marking a new stage of the negotiations.
Russia claims seizure of 12 settlements since February, Ukraine has yet to respond
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
