Russia said on Sunday that its forces had struck Ukrainian military logistics centers and drone storage facilities, while Ukraine reported, on the same day, that its troops had repelled Russian attacks in multiple directions.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said in its daily report on Sunday that over the past day, Russian air defense systems shot down seven rockets from the U.S.-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system and 326 fixed-wing drones.
Russian forces attacked multiple temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries, according to the report.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on the same day that Ukrainian forces repelled Russian offensives on multiple fronts, striking targets including Russian command posts, drone control stations, and areas where personnel and weapons were concentrated, and shooting down 1,705 drones.
Ukraine's state-run energy company Ukrenergo said that widespread power outages occurred in many regions due to airstrikes.
Russia reports striking on Ukrainian logistics centers, Ukraine claims repelling attacks
China's Spring Festival has sparked a surge in inbound tourism this year, driven by expanded visa-free access and rising international demand for traditional Chinese cultural experiences.
The Spring Festival, which marks the start of the Chinese New Year, sees the world's largest annual human migration as hundreds of millions travel domestically for family reunions and holidaymaking. Increasingly, however, China is welcoming foreign travelers during the period.
The country's major travel platforms have reported a sharp spike in inbound bookings as the Year of the Horse kicks off, with more overseas travelers choosing to celebrate the festival in person. In the past two weeks alone, flight reservations from Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore have jumped by more than 400 percent year on year.
This growth trend is also evident beyond Asia. Bookings from Argentina have increased ninefold, while several European countries have recorded growth of more than 200 percent, highlighting the widening global appeal of the Chinese New Year.
"I have a friend who studies here in China. Now I'm visiting him because he studies here for one year. I looked at which time to visit him and then I saw there's Chinese New Year, so I decided to come at this week," said Kilian Johannes, a visitor from Germany.
"I just chose China for visiting for the new year. I'm excited. I'm staying here for 10 days. I think it's pretty friendly just right now, so I'm very happy," said a visitor from Chile, Gabriel Pablo.
In 2025, China expanded unilateral visa-free access to 48 countries and mutual visa exemptions to 29 countries, significantly facilitating last-minute travel plans. Many arriving passengers were impressed with the smooth entry processes.
"Shanghai is a very popular city and visit the city and see the destination. Visa process is very easy and very convenient," said Mario Alexander Ulrich, another visitor from Germany, which currently enjoys visa-free status for entry into China.
Tour operators have noted that "Chinese New Year experience tours" are becoming one of the most sought-after packages this season, as inbound tourism shifts from traditional sightseeing toward deeper cultural immersion. Major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou rank among the top destinations for international tourists seeking to experience the festive atmosphere.
In Shanghai, more than 2,500 themed events have been launched, from lantern displays and folk customs to river cruises, creating an immersive holiday experience for both domestic and overseas visitors.
Meanwhile, culturally distinctive destinations are also gaining popularity. Southwest China's Chongqing attracts travelers with its unique urban landscape and cuisine, while the chilly northern city of Harbin draws crowds with its renowned ice and snow tourism offerings.
Chinese culture is increasingly resonating with young audiences worldwide. The viral "Becoming Chinese" trend highlights a growing appetite for authentic cultural experiences, from festive cuisine to bustling temple fairs. With more favorable travel policies and growing curiosity about traditional festivities, inbound tourism during the Spring Festival is entering a new stage of expansion driven by both accessibility and cultural connection.
Int'l arrivals surge as China's Spring Festival becomes season of global visitors
