Fighting intensifies in Kursk, Russia

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated over the weekend as Ukrainian forces launched a military strike in Russia's Kursk region, targeting multiple military sites.

On Sunday, Ukraine announced that it had successfully struck several Russian positions, including the Kursk region. Russian media confirmed the assault in Kursk, citing sources that indicated foreign-made missiles were used in the operation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that he believes Russia has set a timeline to push Ukrainian troops out of the Kursk region by Jan 20, 2025, aligning with Donald Trump' inauguration as the U.S. president.

Recent statements from Ukrainian officials indicate that Russian forces have ramped up their counteroffensive efforts in Kursk. Ukrainian control in the area has reportedly decreased by around 40 percent. At its height, Ukraine managed to hold 1,376 square kilometers of territory, but that figure has now dropped to approximately 800 square kilometers. Ukrainian officials insist they will defend their remaining territories for as long as necessary.

Zelensky expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of ending the conflict by 2025. He emphasized the need to engage with the incoming Trump administration regarding potential peace proposals, which he expects to be presented in January. The Ukrainian government is closely monitoring the new administration's decisions.

In anticipation of this political shift in the U.S., Ukrainian media report that Ukraine is crafting a strategic plan to ensure ongoing American support, aiming to strengthen cooperation and prevent any critical cuts to military aid.

Fighting intensifies in Kursk, Russia

Shanghai is now offering more thoughtful services and consumption experience to its residents and tourists, after strategically planning and transforming its old facilities into modern open commercial districts where visitors can better enjoy free time and have enhanced consumption experience.

Once the site of the largest cement plant in Asia, a commercial district in Shanghai is now attracting flocks of local residents and tourists with fashionable stores and splendid river views.

The block extents about 800 meters along the Huangpu River and is home to about 100 stores.

With chairs facing the river, customers can enjoy sunshine and beautiful cityscape here.

"The block is really comfortable. It is convenient for us to chat with friends while drinking a cup of tea, and also see some exhibitions here. We can really relax ourselves here in this block," said a resident surnamed Sun.

The block has also been built with pet-friendly facilities like amusement amenities and drinking bowls for pets of visitors who walk with their loved animals.

"Very relaxing, very comfortable to be here. And [there are] a lot of things you can do with your pet but also with your kids," said Knute, a Danish tourist.

Vegetable markets were also rebuilt into modern shopping malls where residents and tourists from other parts of the world can enjoy traditional foods of Shanghai and also snacks offered by new brands.

"I think this place is quite nice. And then there are so many stuffs that I can see and then there are so many snacks as well, so many like Chinese snacks," said an Indonesian tourist.

Transformed Shanghai blocks attract visitors with updated consumption experience