Multiple explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital Kiev early Wednesday, according to foreign media reports, while a large number of Ukrainian drones heading toward Moscow were reportedly intercepted Monday through Tuesday.
Ukraine's air force said early Wednesday that it had detected the takeoff of multiple Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers, with missiles posing a risk to Kiev, the Dnipropetrovsk region, and some other areas.
The military administration in Kiev said air raid alerts had been triggered by the missile threat.
Meanwhile, Russian media reported that 650 Ukrainian drones had flown toward the Moscow region from Monday evening to Tuesday morning, with most of them shot down by Russian air defense forces at long range, citing Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
Russia's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that between 20:00 on Monday and 09:00 on Tuesday, Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 868 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over the Belgorod and Kursk regions, among other areas, as well as over the Sea of Azov.
The ministry also said that since the early hours of Tuesday, Russian forces had used Geran drones to strike Ukrainian radar stations in the Odesa and Poltava regions, as well as targets including Ukrainian military warehouses and four data centers in major Ukrainian cities.
On Tuesday, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces released a report saying that 184 battles had taken place along the front line over the previous day.
The Ukrainian Air Force struck three concentration areas of Russian troops and repelled Russian attacks in multiple directions, it said.
Multiple explosions reportedly heard in Kiev as Russia claims downing Ukrainian drones
As travelers across China headed back to their hometowns or tourist destinations on high-speed trains during the week-long National Day holiday, train mechanic Huang Guoqing -- whose given name means "National Day" or "national celebration" in Chinese -- poured his dedication into overnight shifts, meticulously checking bolts and components to ensure the railway network ran safely. The National Day holiday, running from Oct 1 to 7, is referred to as China's "Golden Week" and is a peak period for transportation systems as millions embark on trips or head home to visit loved ones.
Huang starts his night shift at 20:00 at the Electric Multiple Units (EMU) Depot in Chengdu, southwest China's largest high-speed train maintenance base.
"I check the pantograph, the air-conditioning ducts for leaks, and all the bolts. Our work is all about meticulous inspection and repair. Every part must be checked, because passenger safety depends on it," Huang said while carrying out checks on the roof of a Fuxing bullet train.
Huang goes beyond routine maintenance by double-checking even the most minor anomalies. His extra vigilance once prevented a potential safety hazard during an inspection.
"Something didn't feel right, so I turned back for another look. I saw that the yellow mark on a bolt had shifted and immediately called the repair team. It reminded me that we have to take responsibility and check every detail, no matter how small," Huang said.
The meticulous care continues inside the train. After inspecting the roof, Huang checks each carriage and verifies the control systems in the driver's cabs at both ends.
Each train takes one to two hours to inspect, and he typically checks three or four a night. Even during the toughest hours before dawn, he keeps himself and his teammates going.
"He is very focused and careful. He is also sunny and loves to smile. When everyone is tired in the early morning, he still brings energy to the team," said deputy team leader Su Xu.
Huang's dedication carries personal significance. Born on China's National Day, he was named Guoqing, meaning "National Day" or "national celebration." His parents hoped he would grow up to serve the country -- a mission he now fulfills through his work.
"When a train leaves smoothly, a weight lifts from my heart. It means the train is safe. I feel proud, because passengers are traveling for holidays and work on trains I inspected," Huang said.
Young mechanic helps keep China's bullet trains running smoothly
Young mechanic keeps China's bullet trains safe
