Russia's military claimed on Sunday that it struck two Ukrainian Patriot air defense launchers, while Ukraine said its forces shot down a Su-25 fighter jet of the Russian Air Force, in their respective military operations over the past 24 hours.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said in its daily report that the Russian armed forces have seized control of a settlement in the direction of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. In addition, Russian troops repelled multiple attacks by the Ukrainian army and hit targets including several ammunition depots and a counter-artillery radar.
Russia's air defense system also intercepted three Ukrainian aerial bombs, two rockets and dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles, according to the report.
On the same day, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported 78 combat clashes with Russian troops as of 16:00, as the situation on the front line remained tense.
It said the Ukrainian army repelled multiple attacks and shot down a Russian Su-25 aircraft.
Russia claims strikes on Ukrainian Patriot systems, while Ukraine says it downs Russian fighter jet
As Chinese people enjoy their week-long National Day holiday, many have flocked to the western suburb of Beijing to experience the excitement of the World Table Tennis China Smash 2024, which concluded on Sunday after eleven days of fierce competition among the world's top players.
As the premier event on the World Table Tennis circuit, this year's WTT Smash is taking place from September 26 to October 6 at Beijing's Shougang Park.
At Smash Park on the western outskirt of Beijing, table tennis enthusiasts gathered to watch live matches on a big screen while relaxing on the lawn and enjoying the cool autumn breeze.
Families and friends cheered for their favorite players, calling this one of the best ways to spend the holiday this October.
"I've been a huge fan of table tennis for many years. I watched the matches inside the venue on September 29. It's fantastic to have an event like this in Beijing during the National Day holiday. The atmosphere is amazing," said Ma Qiuyu, a resident.
The Smash Park features four main zones: outdoor competitions, interactive entertainment, brand exhibitions, and dining. DJ performances are staged during breaks between matches, adding to the festive atmosphere.
One of the highlights for many fans is the daily meet-and-greet, where star players interact with the crowd and sign autographs.
Notably, the event is held in the Ice Hockey, Short Track Speed Skating, and Figure Skating venues—facilities used during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
"I came from Qingdao with my wife and kids specifically to watch the matches. I work in architecture and urban design, so I'm really impressed with how Shougang Park has transformed from a steel factory into Winter Games venues, and now into a space for the WTT Smash," said Liu Yang, a tourist from Shandong Province.
This is the first time in over six decades that Beijing has hosted a top table tennis event under the International Table Tennis Federation. Champions will receive 2,000 world ranking points. Beijing has secured the rights to host the WTT China Smash from 2024 to 2028, all set to take place at Shougang Park, making full use of its Winter Olympics legacy.
Visitors flock to Beijing's suburb to watch World Table Tennis China Smash 2024
