NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Welcomes Confirmation of Warren Stephens as US Ambassador to United Kingdom

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Little Rock businessman Warren Stephens to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom:
    “Warren Stephens is a respected businessman, philanthropist and leader who will capably serve our nation as our Ambassador to the U.K. This critical posting to represent America’s interests and ensure close cooperation with our key ally and friend is a testament to his reputation, character and skillset. I congratulate the Stephens family on this incredibly proud moment, and wish Warren and Harriet well on this undertaking in service to the country they deeply love.”
    Boozman introduced Stephens at his nomination hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee earlier this month and has backed his selection since it was announced by Pres. Trump.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councils to seize and crush fly-tipping vehicles to clean up Britain

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Councils to seize and crush fly-tipping vehicles to clean up Britain

    Waste criminals, fly-tippers and cowboy waste operators to have vehicles seized and crushed

    Secretary of State Steve Reed visiting A1 Metal Recycling Centre in Wokingham to see a vehicle being crushed

    A new crackdown on cowboy waste operators will tackle soaring fly-tipping and clean up Britain’s streets, lanes and rural areas, the Government has announced today (Tuesday 29 April).  

    Councils will work with the police to identify, seize and crush vehicles of waste criminals. Drones and mobile CCTV cameras will be deployed to identify cars and vans belonging to fly-tippers so they can be destroyed.  

    Ministers have launched a rapid review to slash red tape blocking councils from seizing and crushing vehicles. Councils currently have to bear the significant cost of seizing and storing vehicles but under new plans, being consider by Ministers, fly-tippers will cover this cost, saving councils and taxpayers money.

    In addition, waste cowboys will now face up to five years in prison for operating illegally. Any criminals caught transporting and dealing with waste illegally will now face up to five years in prison under new legislation.

    Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said:  

    Waste criminals and fly-tippers who blight our towns and villages have gone unpunished for too long.  

    That ends today. The Government is calling time on fly-tipping. I will not stand by while this avalanche of rubbish buries our communities. 

    Under the Plan for Change, this Government will seize and crush fly-tippers vans’ to clean up Britain’s streets.

    These measures support the Government’s Plan for Change and will help deliver its key mission of Safer Streets for the public, restoring communities’ faith in efforts to combat anti-social behaviour. 

    Waste crime is trashing communities across the country. Fly-tipping has skyrocketed by a fifth whilst the number of prosecutions has fallen by the same amount since 2018/19. The failure to punish these criminals has left our high streets, roads and countryside buried under an avalanche of rubbish.  

    The Environment Agency will also carry out identity and criminal record checks on operators in the sector so there is nowhere to hide for rogue firms. 

    It will be handed more resources as they will now be able to fund the cost of policing the industry through permits, boosting their powers and cutting costs for taxpayers. The reforms will also give them more power to revoke permits, issue enforcement notices and hefty fines.  

    Philip Duffy, Environment Agency Chief Executive, said:

    Waste crime is toxic. Criminals’ thoughtless actions harm people, places, and the economy, blighting our communities and disrupting legitimate businesses. 

    At the Environment Agency, we’re determined to bring these criminals to justice through tough enforcement action and prosecutions. That’s why we support the Government’s crackdown on waste criminals, which will ensure we have the right powers to shut rogue operators out of the waste industry.

    Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association (ESA), Jacob Hayler, said:

    For too long, criminality has run rampant across the waste sector. These illegal activities threaten the environment; damage communities and undermine legitimate recycling and waste operations. ESA has long campaigned for tighter rules, tougher enforcement and harsher penalties to deter criminals, so we very much welcome today’s reforms and hope that they are put to good use driving criminals out of our sector. 

    In particular, the proposed reforms to the carriers, brokers, dealers and exemption regimes, coupled with strong and effective enforcement from the regulators, could go a long way to help tackle the scourge of waste crime, with increased scrutiny and accountability making it much harder for criminals to operate in our sector.

     Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said:

    Our residents have had enough of the dumpers who pollute their neighbourhoods with rubbish. These new powers will be a welcome addition to our arsenal, reinforcing our zero-tolerance stance on fly-tipping. We’ve already witnessed the positive impact of our focused efforts, and I am determined to use every tool at our disposal, including seizing vehicles, to reclaim our streets.

    The Government is making available £69 billion to council budgets across England – a 6.8% cash terms increase – and bringing forward the first multi-year funding settlement in a decade, to help fund key responsibilities like tackling fly-tipping

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Enhance Interoperability

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    Members of the@UsAirforce 435th Contingency Response Group and Royal Canadian Air Force enhance interoperability during exercise Agile Bison 25-1 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium.

    #airforce #military #usa

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m9tBOjcSno

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace USA’s response to TMC’s push to fast-track deep sea mining in the High Seas under the U.S. Seabed Mining Code

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Greenpeace International activists from around the world have paddled and protested around MV COCO, a specialized offshore drilling vessel currently collecting data for deep sea mining frontrunner, The Metals Company, on its last expedition before it files the world’s first ever application to mine the seabed in the Pacific Ocean. © Martin Katz / Greenpeace

    In response to The Metals Company’s push to fast-track deep-sea mining in the High Seas under the U.S. Seabed Mining Code, Arlo Hemphill, Greenpeace USA’s Deep Sea Mining Campaign Lead, stated: “Greenpeace USA condemns this reckless attempt by The Metals Company (TMC) to bypass international law and commercialize mining in the high seas and US-adjacent waters. It is nothing less than the plunder of the Pacific once again being pursued without the consent of Pacific Peoples. We cannot allow another dangerous extension of corporate greed and neo-colonialism, sacrificing ocean health, Indigenous rights, and future generations for the short-term gain of a few corporations to repeat itself in the deep sea.” 

    TMC’s application comes as Congress meets today, Tuesday, April 29, in a hearing requested by the House Natural Resources Committee, to explore the Potential of Deep-Sea Mining to expand American Mineral production. The application for mining TMC USA-A_2 in the Clarion Clipperton Zone attempts to exploit the U.S. legal system to advance mining operations in areas it was already licensed to explore under Nauru’s sponsorship through the International Seabed Authority processes. It disregards the multilateral process agreed upon by 170 countries and the European Union under UNCLOS. The company has faced opposition in that body from 32 countries and several Indigenous Pacific groups that have called for a ban, pause, or moratorium on deep sea mining. 

    Solomon P. Kaho’ohalahala, chair of the Pacific Island Heritage Coalition, said: “The people of the Pacific have a cultural connection to the deep sea.  It is the birthplace of our ancestors, and of all life. Deep sea mining is an assault on our cultural heritage, and it is being rushed forward without our consultation.  We call on Congress to stop this assault on the ocean we know as home, and to respect the values of Hawaiians and people from across the Pacific who will be on the frontlines should this industry take hold.”

    Hemphill continued: “We urge congressional leaders to defend democratic oversight, reject corporate shortcuts, and protect the deep ocean. Greenpeace USA stands with Pacific communities, Indigenous leaders, scientists, and governments worldwide calling for a moratorium on this dangerous industry. We must defend the oceans, uphold international law, and reject a broken system that gambles our planet’s future for corporate profit.”

    Louisa Casson, Greenpeace International Senior Campaigner, said: “The first application to commercially mine the seabed will be remembered as an act of total disregard for international law and scientific consensus. This unilateral US effort to carve up the Pacific Ocean already faces fierce international opposition. Governments around the world must now step up to defend international rules and cooperation against rogue deep sea mining. Leaders will be meeting at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice in June, where they must speak with one voice in support of a moratorium on this reckless industry.”

    President Trump’s recent executive order promoting U.S. plans to initiate deep-sea mining in both U.S. and international waters has faced widespread criticism from several environmental NGOs, and state actors, including France, China, and the European Commission who have condemned it as a unilateral action that undermines multilateral cooperation and the United Nations. While the U.S. never ratified UNCLOS, bypassing the international system violates global norms that safeguard the deep ocean as the “common heritage of humankind,” setting a dangerous precedent for the management of all global commons.

    Contact: Tanya Brooks, Senior Communications Specialist at Greenpeace USA, [email protected]  

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mark Carney won: Here are the key economic priorities for his new government

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Berhane Elfu, Lecturer in Finance, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

    The Liberal Party led by Mark Carney has secured a fourth consecutive term in government. This victory has come at a time when Canada is facing an unprecedented threat to its economic security and sovereignty from United States President Donald Trump.

    In an election defined by concerns over Trump’s erratic tariff policy and talk of making Canada a 51st state, voters decided Carney was the leader best equipped to deal with these challenges.

    Carney previously served as governor of the Bank of Canada, where he guided the country through the 2008 global financial crisis. He later became the first non-British person to head the Bank of England, helping guide the United Kingdom through Brexit, one of the biggest shocks to the British economy in decades.



    Read more:
    Game change Canadian election: Mark Carney leads Liberals to their fourth consecutive win

    Now the world is facing similar financial shocks from Trump’s trade war. The on-again, off-again nature of Trump’s tariff policy could inflict significant damage to the global economy — even more to the American economy — and cause irreparable damage to its reputation as a rational entity in international trade.

    In the face of the ill-advised and self-defeating U.S. tariffs, the new Canadian government should take prudent, urgent and bold steps to strengthen the nation’s economy. Here are major and important economic priorities for the government to reshape the economy and spur much-needed economic growth.

    Stabilize and strengthen the national economy

    As a primary act, the new government should stabilize the Canadian economy from the tariff shocks. It must continue to develop carefully calibrated retaliations to Trump’s tariffs.

    The revenue raised from the tariffs should be used to compensate those directly affected by them, using a multi-pronged mechanism that includes training, increased employment insurance benefits and additional transfers to low-income households to reduce the impact of tariffs on food costs.



    Read more:
    U.S. tariffs are about to trigger the greatest trade diversion the world has ever seen

    Currently, a series of provincial regulations restrict the goods and services that cross Canada’s provincial borders daily. The new government should urgently remove longstanding interprovincial trade barriers.

    According to a report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, removing these impediments could boost the economy by up to $200 billion annually. Similarly, a study by the International Monetary Fund indicates the effect of these barriers is equivalent to a 21 per cent tariff.

    Removing interprovincial trade barriers would significantly offset the negative effects of Trump’s tariffs on the Canadian economy, and provide a boost to the “Buy Canadian” movement.

    Carney seems to have made this a priority already, which is promising. In March, he said he aims to have “free trade by Canada Day” among provinces and territories.

    Streamlining natural resource projects

    Canada is a natural resource superpower. However, for natural resources and critical minerals to be extracted efficiently, regulatory processes need to be streamlined by cutting red tape and duplicative assessments.

    The federal government and the provinces should agree to a single environmental assessment that meets the standards of both jurisdictions.

    Additionally and importantly, respectful, genuine and meaningful consultations must be undertaken by project proponents and governments with the relevant Indigenous communities to address their concerns, respect their rights and safeguard their economic well-being in the development of the natural resources projects.

    Carney has said he will uphold the principle of free, prior and informed consent when it comes to initiating resource extraction projects and make it easier for Indigenous communities to become owners of said projects.

    A similar approach should also guide the construction of infrastructure projects such as pipelines and ports, which play a crucial role in facilitating Canada’s exports.

    Boost Canada’s productivity through innovation

    A country’s ability to raise living standards for its people mostly depends on its capacity to improve its productivity. Economist Paul Krugman once stated, “productivity is not everything, but, in the long run, it is almost everything.”

    Canada’s productivity is lagging, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.



    Read more:
    Canada is lagging in innovation, and that’s a problem for funding the programs we care about

    The new Canadian government should take steps to boost the nation’s productivity by increasing direct expenditures on research and development. Additional funding should be allocated to higher institutions of learning, and incentivizing businesses to spend more on research and development through significant tax credits.

    Although research and development spending continues to grow in Canada, as a percentage to GDP, it is the second lowest among G7 nations. Boosting investments will drive innovation, spur economic growth and ensure Canada remains competitive on the global stage.

    Dealing with U.S. tariffs

    One of the government’s primary tasks will be preparing meticulously for trade negotiations with the U.S. to address the threat of tariffs and reach a “win-win” trade deal. Given Trump’s highly unpredictable nature, negotiations will not be easy.

    Although Trump could have withdrawn from the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), he has not done so, and zero-tariffs remain in effect for products that are certified as being North American origin under the CUSMA rules. This could be a solid starting point for future trade negotiations.

    At the same time, Carney and his team must work to stabilize the Canadian economy against the unprecedented threat of Trump’s tariffs by strengthening the domestic economy, diversifying Canada’s exports and reducing the country’s dependence on the U.S.

    Pulling away from the world’s largest economy will not be easy for Canadian businesses, given the deep integration of Canada’s economy with that of the U.S.

    Still, expanding trade with the European Union, the U.K., Africa and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — and exploring other opportunities to reducing trade barriers with nations in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America — will enlarge Canada’s export market.

    By doing all this, Canada can not only prepare for a tough round of U.S. trade talks but also position itself as a stronger, more self-reliant global trading partner.

    Berhane Elfu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Mark Carney won: Here are the key economic priorities for his new government – https://theconversation.com/mark-carney-won-here-are-the-key-economic-priorities-for-his-new-government-255477

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Putin’s latest announcement for a temporary ceasefire rings hollow while Russia’s brutality continues: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Putin’s latest announcement for a temporary ceasefire rings hollow while Russia’s brutality continues: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

    Since Russia’s invasion over three years ago, this Council has met many times to discuss the death, destruction and misery Russia unleashed on Ukrainians.

    It has displaced over three and a half million people within the country, and almost seven million have sought refuge abroad leaving over a third of the population in dire need of humanitarian help.

    And its consequences have been felt far beyond Ukraine too, sending food and energy prices soaring which has hit the most vulnerable around the world the hardest.

    We welcome the US’s efforts to end this war, yet it is impossible not to reflect on the sheer scale of the crisis – including the shocking attack on Kryvyi Rih in which 20 people were killed earlier this month.

    Nine children lost their lives that day, and the UN reported that this was the largest number of children killed in a single strike since the start of the invasion.

    Civilian casualties have increased by 50% since February and over 10,000 missiles and drones have been fired into Ukraine since the start of the war.

    Such brutality has, sadly, continued – from the revolting strike in Sumy on Palm Sunday to the missiles raining upon Kharkiv and Kyiv, we do not need more evidence to prove that Putin is not serious about peace.

    Putin’s latest announcement for a temporary ceasefire, yet again, rings hollow.

    We need only look to the 30-hour pause in fighting over Easter as an example, during which there was no indication that a ceasefire on the frontline was observed.

    President, I think we can all see through this pretence.

    Russia must declare a ceasefire now.

    Not in a day, not in a week. Ukraine stands ready to go the whole way – a durable and full ceasefire – right now.

    So why wait? Why only for 72 hours?

    If Putin were truly serious, he would agree today to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, just as Ukraine has done – not simply announce a short pause from May 8th.

    But Putin chooses not to.

    Compare that to Ukraine, which agreed to the US ceasefire proposal over 40 days ago.

    Make no mistake – the United Kingdom’s commitment to peace is clear.

    As is the United Kingdom’s commitment to stand by Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

    Together, with our allies and partners, we must continue to work with Ukraine and speak up with one voice in Ukraine’s support.

    Because that remains the best way of achieving a just and sustainable end to Putin’s selfish war.

    TWEET:

    Putin’s latest call for a temporary, 72-hour ceasefire rings hollow.

    As hollow as his call for a pause over Easter – throughout which Russian missiles and airstrikes continued to fall on Ukraine.

    Ukraine is ready for peace. Russia needs to get serious and stop playing for time.

    CLIP:

    Putin’s latest announcement for a temporary ceasefire, yet again, rings hollow.

    We need only look to the 30-hour pause in fighting over Easter as an example, during which there was no indication that a ceasefire on the frontline was observed.

    We can all see through this pretence.

    Russia must declare a ceasefire now. 

    cut

    Why wait? Why only for 72 hours?

    If Putin were truly serious, he would agree today to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, just as Ukraine has done – not simply announce a short pause from May 8th.

    But Putin chooses not to. 

    Compare that to Ukraine, which agreed to the US ceasefire proposal over 40 days ago. 

    Make no mistake – UK’s commitment to peace is clear. 

    As is the United Kingdom’s commitment to stand by Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexey Overchuk held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Alexey Overchuk held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev.

    On the sidelines of the meeting of the Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States, held in the Republic of Uzbekistan, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev.

    During the conversation, current issues of developing trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan were discussed, including in terms of creating the most favorable conditions for exporters and importers of the two countries in order to fulfill the task set by the heads of state of increasing the volume of mutual trade.

    From the point of view of simplification and optimization of cargo transportation between countries, the importance of work on the accession of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the unified customs transit system of the EAEU was noted.

    Alexey Overchuk and Zhamshid Khodjaev agreed to intensify dialogue between economic departments and expert communities of Russia and Uzbekistan on issues of studying the possibilities of further liberalization of trade relations between the countries.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On holding auctions on April 30, 2025 to place OFZ issues No. 26235RMFS and No. 26246RMFS

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    For bidders

    We inform you that, based on the letter of the Bank of Russia and in accordance with Part I. General Part and Part II. Stock Market Section of the Rules for Conducting Trading on the Stock Market, Deposit Market and Credit Market of Moscow Exchange PJSC, the order establishes the form, time, term and procedure for holding auctions for the placement and trading of the following federal loan bonds:

    1.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26235RMFS from 10/12/2020
    Date of the auction April 30, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code SU26235RMFS0
    ISIN code RU000A1028E3
    Calculation code B05
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 12:00 – 12:30; bid execution period: 13:00 – 18:00.

    2.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26246RMFS from 08.05.2024
    Date of the auction April 30, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code SU26246RMFS7
    ISIN code RU000A108EE1
    Calculation code B05
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 14:30 – 15:00; bid execution period: 15:30 – 18:00.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

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    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 17:52 (Moscow time) the values of the lower boundary of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A101LX1 security (FSK RS1R5) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    17:52

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.04.2025, 17-52 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 94.97) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 920.13 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the RU000A101LX1 security (FSK RS1R5) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Dmitry Chernyshenko met with volunteers from the Zaporizhia region

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmytro Chernyshenko, as part of a working visit to the city of Melitopol in the Zaporizhia region, held a meeting with representatives of the 80th Anniversary of Victory volunteer corps and activists of the “Volunteers of Victory” movement at the Youth Center. The event was also attended by the Governor of the Zaporizhia region Yevhen Balitsky.

    The meeting took place in the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland and on the eve of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The Deputy Prime Minister discussed with the volunteers their participation in the preparation for the celebration, assistance to veterans, and the projects that the guys plan to implement.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized the importance of the volunteer movement in the country and noted the contribution of volunteers to preserving historical memory and supporting veterans.

    He spoke about his personal involvement in the creation of the volunteer movement in Russia and its role in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

    “Now volunteers have even more responsibility on their shoulders. You are helping our country cope with the difficulties its residents are facing. I would like to thank you for giving the most precious thing you have, an irreplaceable resource – time. I am sure that by giving, you also get satisfaction from what you do, you feel a sense of involvement in a great cause. And the only way to repay volunteers in a good way is recognition,” he added.

    At the Youth Center, the Deputy Prime Minister got acquainted with the eco-workshop, the creative project “Art-Yug”, the work of the regional headquarters “We are together”, the media studio and the center for preparation for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory. Since the opening of the Youth Center, about 12 thousand people have taken part in its events.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko also visited a number of sports and educational facilities in Melitopol, where significant transformations took place with the support of the Government.

    One of them, the Spartak stadium, is being built practically from scratch. The first stage of work has been completed, and the second stage will begin soon – the arrangement of stands, installation of lighting poles, installation of video surveillance and utility networks. It is expected that the Spartak stadium will become one of the largest football grounds in Donbass and Novorossiya.

    The Deputy Prime Minister spoke with the young football players and presented his team with a certificate for the development of the material and technical base.

    “This year, declared the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, we are approaching a significant date – May 9. Every family keeps the memory of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers who fought for their native land. Today, our brothers continue this fight in the special military operation zone. We remember and honor their feat. As a sign of support and respect, we have brought you a gift that we hope will help you in your training. We wish you to grow up to be strong athletes, achieve success in the Russian Football Premier League and take worthy places,” he said.

    In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko met with the students of the Children’s and Youth Sports School No. 1 and presented the team with a certificate for the purchase of sports equipment and gear.

    The school was launched in September last year by President Vladimir Putin.

    “In less than a year, a major overhaul of the building and premises was carried out here: the gyms, locker rooms, showers, utility rooms were completely renovated, the ventilation was replaced, a new fire-fighting system and new sports equipment were installed. The territory was also improved. More than 6 thousand children are involved in the system of children’s and youth sports schools of the region, and this number is constantly growing. Only at the Melitopol Youth Sports School No. 1, about a thousand children are involved in sports,” said the governor of the Zaporizhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky.

    At Melitopol State University (MelSU), Dmitry Chernyshenko assessed the progress of major repairs. The comprehensive program for modernizing MelSU infrastructure includes academic buildings, student dormitory buildings, gyms, canteens, a library, boiler houses and other facilities. By September 1, 2025, it is planned to complete major repairs of four academic buildings.

    “More than 13 thousand students receive higher education at Melitopol State University, last year more than 5.5 thousand students from 73 regions of Russia entered MelSU, which once again demonstrates the demand and development of education in the Zaporizhzhya region, which is fully integrated into the educational field of the Russian Federation,” added Evgeniy Balitsky.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko presented Melitopol University with a certificate for the purchase of printing equipment. The Deputy Prime Minister laid flowers at the monuments to Hero of the Soviet Union Nikolai Malyuga and twice Hero of Socialist Labor Dmitry Motorny.

    In Melitopol, Dmitry Chernyshenko also got acquainted with the multimedia historical park “Russia – My History”. He paid special attention to the exhibition dedicated to the celebration of Victory Day.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Current Price Growth Slowed in Most Regions in March

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    Prices in 59 Russian regions increased in March less than in February. Services increased in price most noticeably. Food prices increased at an accelerated rate in most regions. Non-food products increased in price at a low rate almost everywhere, and in 18 regions they even became cheaper.

    Annual inflation in 46 regions was slightly higher than the national average (10.34%), while in the rest it was lower or at the same level. Inflation remains high because the economy’s ability to increase the supply of goods and services is still lagging behind demand.

    In order to reduce inflation in Russia to 4% in 2026, the Bank of Russia will maintain high rates in the economy for a long time.

    For more information on inflation in each region, seeinformation and analytical materials, published on the website of the Bank of Russia. From this month they are published in a new format: the emphasis is not on annual, but on monthly rates of price change. This gives a clearer idea of why the Bank of Russia is building its monetary policy in this way.

    Preview photo: Collection Maykova / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23584

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 18-48 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the carry rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment of the LSRG (LSR JSC) security were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    18:48

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 29.04.2025, 18-48 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with the settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -146.23%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -3.89 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 183.7%) of the LSRG (LSR JSC) security were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.MO/N89938

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova took part in the board meeting of the FMBA of Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova took part in an extended meeting of the board of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency.

    As Tatyana Golikova noted, the board meeting is being held on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Soviet medicine made a special contribution to the victory. The medical service saved the wounded, provided their treatment, rehabilitation and return to duty. The key role in the fight for life at the front belonged to the blood transfusion service and donation. Over the past 15 years, the Federal Medical and Biological Agency has been responsible for organizing the activities of the blood service in our country.

    In just four years of war, over 7 million blood transfusions were performed. Every day, 300 to 3 thousand people donated blood, mostly women. The active army received over 1.7 million liters of blood. The total number of donors was 5.5 million people.

    “Today, the database, which has been maintained since 2008, contains data on more than 10 million blood donors and 30 million donations. The annual number of blood and blood component donors remains stable at almost 1.5 million people, with 99% of donations being gratuitous,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    In 2024, a program to modernize blood services in new regions was launched; more than 200 units of equipment, including high-tech equipment, were purchased.

    “Since 2023, on the instructions of the President of the country, the Concept of increasing the procurement of blood plasma for the production of drugs has been implemented. In 2024, the FMBA successfully completed the first stage – 600 tons of plasma were prepared. In 2025, the volume should be at least 780 tons. The task is not easy, but strategically important for the country,” said Tatyana Golikova.

    The Deputy Prime Minister separately noted the development of bone marrow donation.

    “The number of donors in the Federal Bone Marrow Donor Registry increased by 120,000 last year, reaching 438,000 donors. By the end of 2025, the registry should include more than 500,000 donors. The appropriate funding has been allocated to replenish the registry and conduct bone marrow donor typing, the amount of which is 7 times higher than in 2023. I am confident that this will increase the number of studies. More than 67,000 typings should be performed this year. These figures represent saved lives,” she said.

    In the conditions of military actions on the territory of the DPR, LPR, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions, Kursk region, medical workers of the FMBA take direct part in providing medical care to wounded soldiers and civilians, ensure radiation, chemical and biological safety. In Mariupol, there is a multidisciplinary medical center of the FMBA. The second stage of construction is currently underway.

    “The implementation of the national project “Healthcare” was completed in 2024. FMBA allocated more than 9.3 billion rubles for the implementation of its activities. As a result, high-quality infrastructure changes took place in the agency’s system. As part of the modernization of the primary link, 77 facilities were commissioned, 931 units of equipment and 127 vehicles were delivered. As part of the fight against cancer, 12 medical organizations were equipped with 292 units of equipment, including 23 units of heavy equipment. Behind each figure is both the availability and quality of medical care, especially in those settlements where only FMBA institutions are present,” said Tatyana Golikova.

    Since 2025, new national projects have been launched: “Long and Active Life”, “Family”, “New Health Preservation Technologies”, in the implementation of which the FMBA of Russia also takes an active part.

    “By 2030, within the framework of the national project “Long and Active Life”, 148 more primary care facilities will be created and renovated in the FMBA system, more than 2.6 thousand pieces of equipment and 138 vehicles will be purchased. In addition, 16 modern admissions departments using modular designs will be created, oncology centers and federal research centers will be equipped with the necessary equipment. Within the framework of the federal project “Protection of Motherhood and Childhood” of the national project “Family”, 25 women’s consultations, perinatal centers, children’s hospitals will be created and equipped with new equipment. All these measures will improve the quality and accessibility of medical care for our citizens, which is especially important for closed territorial entities, where the agency’s institutions are the only ones,” noted Tatyana Golikova.

    Within the framework of the national project “New technologies for preserving health”, it is planned to increase the share of domestic production of drugs in terms of vital and essential drugs to 90% and in terms of medical products to 40%. Almost 1 billion rubles have been allocated by the FMBA for 6 years to implement the set task.

    “Another task of the agency is to preserve the life and health of people working in extreme conditions and in industries with harmful and hazardous health factors. Today, the FMBA system has a network of 38 comprehensive health centers and digital health centers created over 3 years, located directly at strategic production facilities. This made it possible to reduce the incidence rate by 17% and reduce cases of temporary disability by 23% in 2024,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    In conclusion, Tatyana Golikova thanked all employees of the FMBA and its subordinate institutions for their dedicated work.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: ChampionX Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE WOODLANDS, Texas, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ChampionX Corporation (NASDAQ: CHX) (“ChampionX” or the “Company”) today announced first quarter of 2025 results. Revenue was $864.5 million, net income attributable to ChampionX was $85.8 million, and adjusted EBITDA was $190.9 million. Income before income taxes margin was 12.1% and adjusted EBITDA margin was 22.1%. Cash from operating activities was $66.8 million and free cash flow was $38.6 million.

    CEO Commentary

    “The first quarter demonstrated the resilience of our ChampionX portfolio as we delivered strong adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin, and generated positive free cash flow. These results reflect the commitment of our ChampionX employees around the world who express daily an unwavering focus on delivering value-added solutions for our customers’ most important challenges. I am thankful and humbled to lead such a talented and dedicated team,” ChampionX’s President and Chief Executive Officer Sivasankaran “Soma” Somasundaram said.

    “During the first quarter of 2025, we generated revenue of $864 million, which decreased 5% sequentially, in line with our expectations, driven primarily by a typical seasonal decline in international operations. We generated net income attributable to ChampionX of $86 million, income before income taxes margin of 12.1%, and we delivered adjusted EBITDA of $191 million, representing a 22.1% adjusted EBITDA margin, our second-highest level as ChampionX, which speaks to the continued productivity and profitability focus of our team.

    “Cash flow from operating activities was $67 million during the first quarter, which represented 78% of net income attributable to ChampionX, and we generated free cash flow of $39 million, our 12th consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow. Our balance sheet and financial position remain strong, ending the first quarter with approximately $1.2 billion of liquidity, including $527 million of cash and $674 million of available capacity on our revolving credit facility.

    “As a leading global provider of production optimization solutions for the energy industry, ChampionX is uniquely well-positioned to help operators meet the objective of maximizing the value of their producing assets, particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing structural shift toward capital discipline and moderating capital spending in the upstream and midstream industries. As global oil production grows, our differentiated and resilient production-oriented portfolio drives our expectation of positive performance relative to general oil and gas market activity in 2025.

    “Amid recent changes in international trade policies, ChampionX is continuing to put its continuous improvement culture to work every day to successfully deliver products and technologies designed to improve our cost structure and drive efficiencies. We are leveraging our global and flexible supply chain footprint, long-standing supplier partnerships, pricing adjustments, and productivity initiatives to address tariff impacts, and we will continue to be there to serve our customers and deliver differentiated margin and free cash flow performance.”

    Agreement to be Acquired by SLB

    On April 2, 2024, SLB (NYSE: SLB) and ChampionX jointly announced a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) for SLB to purchase ChampionX in an all-stock transaction. The transaction was unanimously approved by the ChampionX board of directors and the transaction received the approval of the ChampionX stockholders at a special meeting held on June 18, 2024. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

    ChampionX may continue to pay its regular quarterly cash dividends with customary record and payment dates, subject to certain limitations under the Merger Agreement. Given the pending acquisition of ChampionX by SLB, ChampionX has discontinued providing quarterly guidance and will not host a conference call or webcast to discuss its first quarter 2025 results.

    Production Chemical Technologies

    Production Chemical Technologies revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $523.4 million, a decrease of $46.3 million, or 8%, sequentially, due primarily to seasonally lower international sales volumes.

    Segment operating profit was $82.2 million and adjusted segment EBITDA was $109.1 million. Segment operating profit margin was 15.7%, a sequential decrease of 248 basis points, and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was 20.8%, a sequential decrease of 259 basis points. The sequential decrease in segment operating profit margin and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was driven by lower sales volumes.

    Production & Automation Technologies

    Production & Automation Technologies revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $264.4 million, a decrease of $5.2 million, or 2%, sequentially, due primarily to seasonally lower international sales volumes. Revenue from digital products was $57.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, a sequential decrease of 7%, driven by seasonally lower customer activity in North America.

    Segment operating profit was $37.6 million and adjusted segment EBITDA was $70.3 million. Segment operating profit margin was 14.2%, a sequential decrease of 27 basis points, and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was 26.6%, a sequential increase of 34 basis points. The decrease in segment operating profit margin and the increase in adjusted segment EBITDA margin was driven by lower sales volumes, offset somewhat by productivity improvements.

    Drilling Technologies

    Drilling Technologies revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $50.5 million, a decrease of $1.4 million, or 3%, sequentially, driven primarily by lower North America sales volumes.

    Segment operating profit was $8.2 million and adjusted segment EBITDA was $10.2 million. Segment operating profit margin was 16.2%, compared to 20.6% in the prior quarter, and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was 20.3%, a decrease of 346 basis points, sequentially, due primarily to lower volumes.

    Reservoir Chemical Technologies

    Reservoir Chemical Technologies revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $26.9 million, an increase of $5.0 million, or 23%, sequentially, driven by higher sales volumes in the U.S. and internationally.

    Segment operating profit was $5.5 million and adjusted segment EBITDA was $6.3 million. Segment operating profit margin was 20.5%, an increase of 1008 basis points, sequentially, and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was 23.6%, an increase of 647 basis points, sequentially. The increase in segment operating profit margin and adjusted segment EBITDA margin was driven by higher sales volumes together with a more favorable product mix.

    Other Business Highlights: Production Chemical Technologies and Reservoir Chemical Technologies

    • Awarded several first fill contracts for new conventional and unconventional fields in the Middle East region.
    • The North America Offshore production chemicals team was awarded the contract for an upcoming major capital project in the Gulf of America. The win was the culmination of years’ worth of work developing technical solutions to address the project’s most impactful challenges.
    • Commenced the initial deliveries of a significant volume of hydrate inhibitor for a major new FPSO, supporting an independent Australian operator.
    • Awarded program of competitive process water treatment applications in Canada after performing comprehensive technical assessments and value-added recommendations.
    • Completed our second RENEWIQ® (production and reservoir chemistry delivered through one trailer) joint offering for frac treating.
    • Reservoir group was awarded RENEWIQ work for the application of our production enhancement PROE completion chemistry to improve production over the life of wells. This program, combined with our one-site PCT service expertise, continues to bring differentiated solutions to operators in the Permian Basin.
    • Started the Unconventional Water team to support North America Land Water applications.
    • Recently won four different contracts after re-entering the US Land market with our H2S scavenger program.
    • Providing chemistries supporting a Canadian customer that is scheduled to commission and start up a new thermal asset in August 2025.

    Other Business Highlights: Production & Automation Technologies

    • Awarded a multi-year contract for production optimization software by a customer in Indonesia. 4000+ wells were successfully migrated in Q1 to our XSPOC® production optimization software, delivering data-driven insights to help the customer make informed production decisions across their field for all artificial lift systems.
    • Continue to see strong market adoption of new digital technologies as operators look for cost-effective, scalable monitoring solutions. More than 450 SmartSpin® wireless rod rotator sensors have been installed in the field and 120+ of the recently launched SMARTEN™® Lite rod pump controller have been deployed.
    • ChampionX’s RMSpumptools, in partnership with our UNBRIDLED® ESP Systems team, continues to grow sales of Automatic Diverter Valves (ADV) in the Permian for a major oil company. This key technology offers customers better sand and solids management in ESP systems and acts as a safety device for ESPs featuring a PMM motor.
    • Following two 6-month trial installations, RMSpumptools has received an order for its Y-chek systems by a Middle East national oil company. This success sets the direction for expansion of this Y-chek solution.
    • Completed the first 30+ well trial with a major producer in the Permian basin of the newly offered chemical injection assurance (CIA) software module on the modern, secure, and scalable Connexia® platform. The CIA software provides fully integrated chemical measurement and delivery data as well as control and optimization capabilities.
    • The SMARTEN XE ESP control system is a leader in the ESP control market. In Q1, ChampionX secured a new customer based on the advanced capabilities of the SMARTEN XE controller. The system’s ability to deliver enhanced performance across multi-pad projects was central to the customer’s decision. Since launch, ChampionX has installed hundreds of ESPs with SMARTEN XE controls, improving the operation of customers’ ESP systems.
    • Launched newly designed LOOKOUT® optimization services to provide real-time data with full ESP system control, advanced data visualization, integrated communications, and direct access to a team of multi-disciplined artificial lift experts. Powered by a modern digital backbone, LOOKOUT optimization services enable streamlined integration of diverse data sources and control solutions. LOOKOUT also leverages the full capabilities of the SMARTEN XE ESP control system, delivering advanced automation for ESP operations.
    • ChampionX’s Integrated Production Optimization (IPO) business continues to expand. A Permian operator, following a series of acquisitions, has expanded implementation of the IPO solution across newly acquired acreage – placing all new wells and ESP replacements under the IPO program. IPO has consistently delivered measurable production uplift, enhanced equipment reliability, stabilized reservoir pressure drawdown, and optimized chemical spend for the operator.
    • ChampionX’s Norris Sucker Rods has been awarded a large contract for the supply of approximately 35,000 sucker rods for a major customer in India. ChampionX won the contract based on superior reliability and in-country technical support, according to the customer.
    • Norris Rods received a large bulk order for sucker rods from a U.S. independent producer to assure supply for future operations and to mitigate the impact of tariffs. Norris Rods are manufactured from U.S. steel at the Company’s factory in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

    About Non-GAAP Measures

    In addition to financial results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), this news release presents non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income attributable to ChampionX and adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to ChampionX, provide useful information to investors regarding the Company’s financial condition and results of operations because they reflect the core operating results of our businesses and help facilitate comparisons of operating performance across periods. In addition, free cash flow, free cash flow to adjusted EBITDA ratio, and free cash flow to revenue ratio are used by management to measure our ability to generate positive cash flow for debt reduction and to support our strategic objectives. Although management believes the aforementioned non-GAAP financial measures are good tools for internal use and the investment community in evaluating ChampionX’s overall financial performance, the foregoing non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is included in the accompanying financial tables.

    About ChampionX

    ChampionX is a global leader in chemistry solutions, artificial lift systems, and highly engineered equipment and technologies that help companies drill for and produce oil and gas safely, efficiently, and sustainably around the world. ChampionX’s expertise, innovative products, and digital technologies provide enhanced oil and gas production, transportation, and real-time emissions monitoring throughout the lifecycle of a well. To learn more about ChampionX, visit our website at www.ChampionX.com. 

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to the proposed transaction between SLB and ChampionX, including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction and the anticipated timing of the transaction, and information regarding the businesses of SLB and ChampionX, including expectations regarding outlook and all underlying assumptions, SLB’s and ChampionX’s objectives, plans and strategies, information relating to operating trends in markets where SLB and ChampionX operate, statements that contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition and all other statements other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that SLB or ChampionX intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Such statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions made based on information currently available to management. All statements in this communication, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements that may be identified by the use of the words “outlook,” “guidance,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “should,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “targets,” “may,” “can,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” “projected,” “projections,” “precursor,” “forecast,” “ambition,” “goal,” “scheduled,” “think,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “see,” “likely,” and other similar expressions or variations, but not all forward-looking statements include such words. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and which may cause SLB’s or ChampionX’s actual results and performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors and risks that may impact future results and performance include, but are not limited to those factors and risks described in Part I, “Item 1. Business”, “Item 1A. Risk Factors”, and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in SLB’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 22, 2025 and Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in ChampionX’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC on February 5, 2025, and each of their respective, subsequent Current Reports on Form 8-K. These include, but are not limited to, and in each case as a possible result of the proposed transaction on each of SLB and ChampionX: the ultimate outcome of the proposed transaction between SLB and ChampionX, including the effect of the announcement of the proposed transaction; the ability to operate the SLB and ChampionX respective businesses, including business disruptions; difficulties in retaining and hiring key personnel and employees; the ability to maintain favorable business relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners; the terms and timing of the proposed transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; the anticipated or actual tax treatment of the proposed transaction; the ability to satisfy closing conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction (including the adoption of the merger agreement in respect of the proposed transaction by ChampionX stockholders); other risks related to the completion of the proposed transaction and actions related thereto; the ability of SLB and ChampionX to integrate the business successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies and value creation from the proposed transaction; changes in demand for SLB’s or ChampionX’s products and services; global market, political and economic conditions, including in the countries in which SLB and ChampionX operate; the ability to secure government regulatory approvals on the terms expected, at all or in a timely manner; the extent of growth of the oilfield services market generally, including for chemical solutions in production and midstream operations; the global macro-economic environment, including headwinds caused by inflation, rising interest rates, unfavorable currency exchange rates, and potential recessionary or depressionary conditions; the impact of shifts in prices or margins of the products that SLB or ChampionX sells or services that SLB or ChampionX provides, including due to a shift towards lower margin products or services; cyber-attacks, information security and data privacy; the impact of public health crises, such as pandemics (including COVID-19) and epidemics and any related company or government policies and actions to protect the health and safety of individuals or government policies or actions to maintain the functioning of national or global economies and markets; trends in crude oil and natural gas prices, including trends in chemical solutions across the oil and natural gas industries, that may affect the drilling and production activity, profitability and financial stability of SLB’s and ChampionX’s customers and therefore the demand for, and profitability of, their products and services; litigation and regulatory proceedings, including any proceedings that may be instituted against SLB or ChampionX related to the proposed transaction; failure to effectively and timely address energy transitions that could adversely affect the businesses of SLB or ChampionX, results of operations, and cash flows of SLB or ChampionX; and disruptions of SLB’s or ChampionX’s information technology systems.

    These risks, as well as other risks related to the proposed transaction, are included in the Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus that was filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. While the list of factors presented here is, and the list of factors presented in the registration statement on Form S-4 are, considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. For additional information about other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, please refer to SLB’s and ChampionX’s respective periodic reports and other filings with the SEC, including the risk factors identified in SLB’s and ChampionX’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, respectively, and SLB’s and ChampionX’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date hereof. Neither SLB nor ChampionX undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

    Investor Contact: Byron Pope
    byron.pope@championx.com 
    281-602-0094

    Media Contact: John Breed
    john.breed@championx.com 
    281-403-5751

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)   2025       2024       2024  
    Revenue $ 864,464     $ 912,037     $ 922,141  
    Cost of goods and services   572,938       600,154       622,937  
    Gross profit   291,526       311,883       299,204  
    Costs and expenses:          
    Selling, general and administrative expense   177,045       184,722       172,414  
    (Gain) loss on sale-leaseback transaction   —       —       (29,883 )
    Interest expense, net   13,196       12,375       13,935  
    Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net   1,504       1,697       55  
    Other expense (income), net   (4,631 )     (5,026 )     2,927  
    Income before income taxes   104,412       118,115       139,756  
    Provision for income taxes   15,384       33,204       26,596  
    Net income   89,028       84,911       113,160  
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest   3,231       2,145       237  
    Net income attributable to ChampionX $ 85,797     $ 82,766     $ 112,923  
               
    Earnings per share attributable to ChampionX:          
    Basic $ 0.45     $ 0.43     $ 0.59  
    Diluted $ 0.44     $ 0.43     $ 0.58  
               
    Weighted-average shares outstanding:          
    Basic   191,143       190,586       190,803  
    Diluted   193,709       193,487       193,964  
                           

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (UNAUDITED)

    (in thousands) March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
    ASSETS      
    Current Assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 526,559     $ 507,681  
    Receivables, net   417,639       466,782  
    Inventories, net   497,183       496,831  
    Assets held for sale   241,791       14,001  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   85,617       78,602  
    Total current assets   1,768,789       1,563,897  
           
    Property, plant and equipment, net   729,931       755,422  
    Goodwill   619,505       718,944  
    Intangible assets, net   247,907       258,614  
    Other non-current assets   134,258       173,375  
    Total assets $ 3,500,390     $ 3,470,252  
           
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
    Current Liabilities:      
    Current portion of long-term debt $ 6,203     $ 6,203  
    Accounts payable   498,335       455,531  
    Liabilities held for sale   61,415       —  
    Other current liabilities   218,943       324,138  
    Total current liabilities   784,896       785,872  
           
    Long-term debt   590,746       591,453  
    Other long-term liabilities   220,054       261,749  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    ChampionX stockholders’ equity   1,916,726       1,846,437  
    Noncontrolling interest   (12,032 )     (15,259 )
    Total liabilities and equity $ 3,500,390     $ 3,470,252  
                   

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended March 31,
    (in thousands)   2025       2024  
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net income $ 89,028     $ 113,160  
    Depreciation and amortization   60,056       59,580  
    (Gain) loss on sale-leaseback transaction   —       (29,883 )
    Loss on Argentina Blue Chip Swap transaction   —       4,092  
    Deferred income taxes   (10,941 )     (12,903 )
    Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets   1,616       1,107  
    Receivables   13,937       62,915  
    Inventories   (25,569 )     (39,873 )
    Accounts payable   40,675       68,248  
    Other assets   (19,955 )     (602 )
    Leased assets   (6,665 )     (4,254 )
    Other operating items, net   (75,380 )     (48,079 )
    Net cash flows provided by operating activities   66,802       173,508  
           
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Capital expenditures   (31,250 )     (31,912 )
    Proceeds from sale of fixed assets   3,004       2,390  
    Proceeds from sale-leaseback transaction   —       44,292  
    Purchase of investments   —       (17,162 )
    Sale of investments   —       13,070  
    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired   —       (21,472 )
    Net cash used for investing activities   (28,246 )     (10,794 )
           
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Repayment of long-term debt   (1,551 )     (1,551 )
    Repurchases of common stock   —       (49,399 )
    Dividends paid   (18,110 )     (16,247 )
    Other   (488 )     3,104  
    Net cash used for financing activities   (20,149 )     (64,093 )
           
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   471       (1,161 )
           
    Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   18,878       97,460  
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   507,681       288,557  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 526,559     $ 386,017  
                   

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
    (UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
    (in thousands)   2025       2024       2024  
    Segment revenue:          
    Production Chemical Technologies $ 523,390     $ 569,662     $ 590,108  
    Production & Automation Technologies   264,377       269,568       252,614  
    Drilling Technologies   50,530       51,942       55,206  
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies   26,926       21,937       24,705  
    Corporate and other   (759 )     (1,072 )     (492 )
    Total revenue $ 864,464     $ 912,037     $ 922,141  
               
    Income before income taxes:        
    Segment operating profit (loss):          
    Production Chemical Technologies $ 82,172     $ 103,567     $ 87,832  
    Production & Automation Technologies   37,554       39,027       28,470  
    Drilling Technologies   8,174       10,703       44,402  
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies   5,529       2,294       3,746  
    Total segment operating profit   133,429       155,591       164,450  
    Corporate and other   15,821       25,101       10,759  
    Interest expense, net   13,196       12,375       13,935  
    Income before income taxes $ 104,412     $ 118,115     $ 139,756  
               
    Operating profit margin / income before income taxes margin:          
    Production Chemical Technologies   15.7 %     18.2 %     14.9 %
    Production & Automation Technologies   14.2 %     14.5 %     11.3 %
    Drilling Technologies   16.2 %     20.6 %     80.4 %
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies   20.5 %     10.5 %     15.2 %
    ChampionX Consolidated   12.1 %     13.0 %     15.2 %
               
    Adjusted EBITDA          
    Production Chemical Technologies $ 109,065     $ 133,475     $ 118,031  
    Production & Automation Technologies   70,269       70,739       60,340  
    Drilling Technologies   10,237       12,321       16,074  
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies   6,347       3,751       5,346  
    Corporate and other   (5,049 )     (8,021 )     (8,079 )
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 190,869     $ 212,265     $ 191,712  
               
    Adjusted EBITDA margin          
    Production Chemical Technologies   20.8 %     23.4 %     20.0 %
    Production & Automation Technologies   26.6 %     26.2 %     23.9 %
    Drilling Technologies   20.3 %     23.7 %     29.1 %
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies   23.6 %     17.1 %     21.6 %
    ChampionX Consolidated   22.1 %     23.3 %     20.8 %
                           

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
    (in thousands)   2025       2024       2024  
    Net income attributable to ChampionX $ 85,797     $ 82,766     $ 112,923  
    Pre-tax adjustments:          
    (Gain) loss on sale leaseback transaction(1)   —       —       (29,883 )
    Russia sanctions compliance and impacts(2)   28       73       152  
    Restructuring and other related charges   1,059       2,704       1,709  
    Merger transaction costs(3)   10,232       14,434       —  
    Acquisition costs and related adjustments(4)   —       75       1,232  
    Intellectual property defense   382       158       779  
    Merger-related indemnification responsibility(5)   —       100       —  
    Tulsa, Oklahoma storm damage   —       —       305  
    Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net   1,504       1,697       55  
    Loss on Argentina Blue Chip Swap transaction   —       —       4,092  
    Tax impact of adjustments   (2,971 )     (5,565 )     5,066  
    Adjusted net income attributable to ChampionX   96,031       96,442       96,430  
    Tax impact of adjustments   2,971       5,565       (5,066 )
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest   3,231       2,145       237  
    Depreciation and amortization   60,056       62,534       59,580  
    Provision for income taxes   15,384       33,204       26,596  
    Interest expense, net   13,196       12,375       13,935  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 190,869     $ 212,265     $ 191,712  

    _______________________

    (1) Amount represents the gain on the sale and leaseback of certain buildings and land.
    (2) Includes charges incurred related to legal and professional fees to comply with, as well as additional foreign currency exchange losses associated with, the sanctions imposed in Russia.
    (3) Includes costs incurred in relation to the Merger Agreement with Schlumberger Limited, including third party legal and professional fees.
    (4) Includes costs incurred for the acquisition of businesses.
    (5) Expense related to the June 3, 2020 merger transaction with Ecolab in which we acquired the Chemical Technologies business.

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
    (in thousands)   2025       2024       2024  
    Diluted earnings per share attributable to ChampionX $ 0.44     $ 0.43     $ 0.58  
    Per share adjustments:          
    (Gain) loss on sale leaseback transaction and disposal group   —       —       (0.15 )
    Russia sanctions compliance and impacts   —       —       —  
    Restructuring and other related charges   0.01       0.01       0.01  
    Merger transaction costs   0.05       0.07       —  
    Acquisition costs and related adjustments   —       —       0.01  
    Intellectual property defense   —       —       —  
    Merger-related indemnification responsibility   —       —       —  
    Tulsa, Oklahoma storm damage   —       —       —  
    Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net   0.01       0.01       —  
    Loss on Argentina Blue Chip Swap transaction   —       —       0.02  
    Tax impact of adjustments   (0.01 )     (0.02 )     0.03  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to ChampionX $ 0.50     $ 0.50     $ 0.50  
                           

    CHAMPIONX CORPORATION
    RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES BY SEGMENT
    (UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
    (in thousands)   2025       2024       2024  
    Production Chemical Technologies          
    Segment operating profit $ 82,172     $ 103,567     $ 87,832  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   1,658       2,251       3,933  
    Depreciation and amortization   25,235       27,657       26,266  
    Segment adjusted EBITDA $ 109,065     $ 133,475     $ 118,031  
               
    Production & Automation Technologies          
    Segment operating profit $ 37,554     $ 39,027     $ 28,470  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   764       75       2,076  
    Depreciation and amortization   31,951       31,637       29,794  
    Segment adjusted EBITDA $ 70,269     $ 70,739     $ 60,340  
               
    Drilling Technologies          
    Segment operating profit $ 8,174     $ 10,703     $ 44,402  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   766       306       (29,883 )
    Depreciation and amortization   1,297       1,312       1,555  
    Segment adjusted EBITDA $ 10,237     $ 12,321     $ 16,074  
               
    Reservoir Chemical Technologies          
    Segment operating profit $ 5,529     $ 2,294     $ 3,746  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   (278 )     39       16  
    Depreciation and amortization   1,096       1,418       1,584  
    Segment adjusted EBITDA $ 6,347     $ 3,751     $ 5,346  
               
    Corporate and other          
    Segment operating profit $ (29,017 )   $ (37,476 )   $ (24,694 )
    Non-GAAP adjustments   10,295       16,570       2,299  
    Depreciation and amortization   477       510       381  
    Interest expense, net   13,196       12,375       13,935  
    Segment adjusted EBITDA $ (5,049 )   $ (8,021 )   $ (8,079 )
                           

    Free Cash Flow

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
    (in thousands)   2025       2024       2024  
    Free Cash Flow          
    Cash flows from operating activities $ 66,802     $ 207,250     $ 173,508  
    Less: Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sale of fixed assets   (28,246 )     (37,117 )     (29,522 )
    Free cash flow $ 38,556     $ 170,133     $ 143,986  
               
    Cash From Operating Activities to Revenue Ratio          
    Cash flows from operating activities $ 66,802     $ 207,250     $ 173,508  
    Revenue $ 864,464     $ 912,037     $ 922,141  
               
    Cash from operating activities to revenue ratio   8 %     23 %     19 %
               
    Free Cash Flow to Revenue Ratio          
    Free cash flow $ 38,556     $ 170,133     $ 143,986  
    Revenue $ 864,464     $ 912,037     $ 922,141  
               
    Free cash flow to revenue ratio   4 %     19 %     16 %
               
    Free Cash Flow to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio          
    Free cash flow $ 38,556     $ 170,133     $ 143,986  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 190,869     $ 212,265     $ 191,712  
               
    Free cash flow to adjusted EBITDA ratio   20 %     80 %     75 %

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the General Assembly event in Commemoration of His Holiness Pope Francis [trilingual, as delivered; scroll down for All-English and All-French versions]

    Source: United Nations – English

    xcellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    His Holiness Pope Francis was a man of faith — and a bridge-builder among all faiths.  

    He was a champion of the most marginalized people on earth.

    He was a voice of community in a world of division…

    A voice of mercy in a world of cruelty…

    A voice of peace in a world of war.

    And he was a steadfast friend of the United Nations, addressing Member States from this very podium in 2015.

    During that historic visit, he also spoke of our organization’s ideal of a “united human family living in harmony, working not only for peace, but in peace, working not only for justice, but in a spirit of justice.”

    On behalf of our UN family, I extend by deepest condolences to the Catholic community and to so many others around the world grieving this tremendous loss.

    Excellencies,

    Pope Francis was at the helm of the Roman Catholic Church for a dozen years — but that was preceded by decades of service and good works.

    As a young man, Pope Francis found his calling in the slums of Buenos Aires, where his dedication to serving the poor earned him the title “Bishop of the Slums.”

    These early experiences sharpened his conviction that faith must be an engine of action and change.  

    Pope Francis put that engine into overdrive as an unstoppable voice for social justice and equality.  

    His 2020 encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, drew a straight line between greed and poverty, hunger, inequality and suffering.

    While decrying the inequality that defines our globalized economy, he also warned against what he called “globalization of indifference.”  

    I will never forget the first official visit he undertook as Pope, at a time when I served as High Commissioner for Refugees.

    Pope Francis chose to go to the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa in 2013 — to put a global spotlight on the desperate plight of asylum seekers and migrants.

    He warned against “the culture of comfort, which makes us think only of ourselves, makes us insensitive to the cries of other people.”

    And on last year’s World Refugee Day, he called on all countries “to welcome, promote, accompany and integrate those who knock on our doors.”

    When I met with him at the Vatican as Secretary-General in 2019, I was struck by his humanity and his humility. 

    He always saw challenges through the eyes of those on the peripheries of life. 

    And he said we can never look away from injustice and inequality — or close our eyes to those suffering from conflict or acts of violence.   

    Always a pilgrim for peace, Pope Francis ventured to war-torn countries around the world — from Iraq to South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond — decrying bloodshed and violence, and pushing for reconciliation.  

    He stood with conviction for innocents caught in war zones such as Ukraine and Gaza.

    He did it with his global platform — but he also did it in much more personal and profound ways.

    Every day without fail, precisely at 7:00 p.m., he would quietly call the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City.

    As someone at the Church said, “He would ask us how we were, what did we eat, did we have clean water, was anyone injured? It was never diplomatic or a matter of obligation. It was the questions a father asks to their son.”

    And in his final message on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis underscored the vital importance of ending these conflicts.      

    Jusqu’au bout, le pape François aura incarné l’appel à la justice – pour les peuples et pour la planète.

    Grâce à son encyclique Laudato Si publiée en 2015, il a contribué à l’adoption de l’Accord de Paris en appelant les dirigeants à protéger « notre maison commune ».

    Il a également mis en évidence les liens manifestes entre la dégradation de l’environnement et la dégradation de la condition humaine.

    Le pape François comprenait que ceux qui avaient le moins contribué à la crise climatique en subissaient les conséquences les plus graves – et que nous avons le devoir spirituel et moral d’agir.

    Excelencias:

    En el mundo actual de división y discordia, es particularmente significativo que el Papa Francisco haya proclamado 2025 como el año de la esperanza.

    Él fue siempre un mensajero de esperanza. 

    Ahora nos corresponde a todos nosotros llevar adelante esta esperanza.

    En su funeral del sábado, me conmovió profundamente ver a líderes de todas las religiones y tendencias políticas unirse en solidaridad para honrar la vida y los logros del Papa Francisco – un raro espíritu de unidad y reflexión solemne que necesitamos ahora más que nunca.

    Nuestro mundo sería un lugar mucho mejor si siguiéramos su ejemplo de unidad, compasión y comprensión mutua a través de nuestras propias palabras y acciones.  

    Mientras lloramos la muerte del Papa Francisco, renovemos nuestro compromiso con la paz, la dignidad humana y la justicia social – las causas a las que dedicó cada momento de su extraordinaria vida.

    Muchas gracias.

    ***
    [All-English]

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    His Holiness Pope Francis was a man of faith — and a bridge-builder among all faiths.  

    He was a champion of the most marginalized people on earth.

    He was a voice of community in a world of division…

    A voice of mercy in a world of cruelty…

    A voice of peace in a world of war.

    And he was a steadfast friend of the United Nations, addressing Member States from this very podium in 2015.

    During that historic visit, he also spoke of our organization’s ideal of a “united human family living in harmony, working not only for peace, but in peace, working not only for justice, but in a spirit of justice.”

    On behalf of our UN family, I extend by deepest condolences to the Catholic community and to so many others around the world grieving this tremendous loss.

    Excellencies,

    Pope Francis was at the helm of the Roman Catholic Church for a dozen years — but that was preceded by decades of service and good works.

    As a young man, Pope Francis found his calling in the slums of Buenos Aires, where his dedication to serving the poor earned him the title “Bishop of the Slums.”

    These early experiences sharpened his conviction that faith must be an engine of action and change.  

    Pope Francis put that engine into overdrive as an unstoppable voice for social justice and equality.  

    His 2020 encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, drew a straight line between greed and poverty, hunger, inequality and suffering.

    While decrying the inequality that defines our globalized economy, he also warned against what he called “globalization of indifference.”  

    I will never forget the first official visit he undertook as Pope, at a time when I served as High Commissioner for Refugees.

    Pope Francis chose to go to the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa in 2013 — to put a global spotlight on the desperate plight of asylum seekers and migrants.

    He warned against “the culture of comfort, which makes us think only of ourselves, makes us insensitive to the cries of other people.”

    And on last year’s World Refugee Day, he called on all countries “to welcome, promote, accompany and integrate those who knock on our doors.”

    When I met with him at the Vatican as Secretary-General in 2019, I was struck by his humanity and his humility. 

    He always saw challenges through the eyes of those on the peripheries of life. 

    And he said we can never look away from injustice and inequality — or close our eyes to those suffering from conflict or acts of violence.   

    Always a pilgrim for peace, Pope Francis ventured to war-torn countries around the world — from Iraq to South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond — decrying bloodshed and violence, and pushing for reconciliation.  

    He stood with conviction for innocents caught in war zones such as Ukraine and Gaza.

    He did it with his global platform — but he also did it in much more personal and profound ways.

    Every day without fail, precisely at 7:00 p.m., he would quietly call the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City.

    As someone at the Church said, “He would ask us how we were, what did we eat, did we have clean water, was anyone injured? It was never diplomatic or a matter of obligation. It was the questions a father asks to their son.”

    And in his final message on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis underscored the vital importance of ending these conflicts.      

    Throughout, Pope Francis was a clear voice of justice for people and planet.

    He helped secure the adoption of the Paris Agreement with his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si that called on leaders to protect “our common home.”

    He also highlighted the clear ties between environmental degradation and the degradation of humanity.

    Pope Francis understood that those who contributed the least to the climate crisis suffered the most — and that we have a spiritual and moral duty to act.

    Excellencies,

    In today’s world of division and discord, it is particularly meaningful that Pope Francis proclaimed 2025 to be the year of hope.

    He was forever a messenger of hope. 

    Now it falls to all of us to carry this hope forward.

    At his funeral on Saturday, I was deeply moved to see leaders from across all faiths and political stripes come together in solidarity to honour the life and achievements of Pope Francis — a rare spirit of unity and solemn reflection that we need now, more than ever.
    Our world would be a much better place if we followed his lifelong example of unity, compassion and mutual understanding through our own words and actions.  

    As we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, let us renew our pledge to peace, human dignity and social justice — the causes for which he dedicated every moment of his most extraordinary life.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [All-French]

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Sa Sainteté le pape François était un homme de foi – et un bâtisseur de ponts entre toutes les religions.

    Il s’était fait le champion des personnes les plus marginalisées sur Terre.

    Il était une voix de solidarité dans un monde de clivages…

    Une voix de compassion dans un monde de cruauté…

    Une voix de paix dans un monde de guerre.

    C’était aussi un grand ami de l’Organisation des Nations Unies et il s’était exprimé en 2015 devant les États Membres depuis cette même tribune.

    Lors de cette visite historique, il avait évoqué l’idéal de notre Organisation, à savoir « une famille humaine unie, vivant en harmonie, travaillant non seulement pour la paix, mais dans la paix ; travaillant non seulement pour la justice, mais dans un esprit de justice. »

    Au nom de notre famille, celle des Nations Unies, j’adresse mes plus sincères condoléances à l’ensemble des catholiques et aux nombreuses autres personnes qui, partout dans le monde, souffrent de cette terrible perte.

    Excellences,

    Le pape François a été à la tête de l’Église catholique romaine pendant 12 ans, mais son pontificat a été précédé par des décennies de service et de bonnes œuvres.

    Jeune homme, il a trouvé sa vocation dans les quartiers défavorisés de Buenos Aires, où son dévouement au service des pauvres lui a ensuite valu le titre « d’évêque des bidonvilles ».

    Ces premières expériences ont renforcé sa conviction que la foi devait être un moteur d’action et de changement.

    Restant fidèle à cette conviction, il a défendu sans relâche la cause de la justice sociale et de l’égalité.

    Dans son encyclique de 2020, Fratelli Tutti, François a établi un lien direct entre la cupidité, d’une part, et la pauvreté, la faim, l’inégalité et la souffrance, d’autre part.

    Tout en dénonçant les inégalités qui caractérisent notre économie mondialisée, il a également mis en garde contre ce qu’il appelait la « mondialisation de l’indifférence ».

    Je n’oublierai jamais sa première visite officielle en tant que pape, à une époque où j’étais Haut‑Commissaire pour les réfugiés.

    En 2013, François avait choisi de se rendre sur l’île méditerranéenne de Lampedusa pour appeler l’attention du monde entier sur la situation désespérée des demandeurs d’asile et des migrants.

    Il avait alors mis en garde contre « la culture du bien-être, qui nous amène à penser à nous-même, nous rend insensibles aux cris des autres ».

    L’année dernière, à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale des réfugiés, il a exhorté tous les pays à « accueillir, promouvoir, accompagner et intégrer ceux qui frappent à nos portes ».

    Quand je l’ai rencontré au Vatican en 2019 en ma qualité de Secrétaire général, j’ai été frappé par son humanité et son humilité.

    Il voyait toujours les problèmes à travers les yeux de celles et ceux qui sont relégués aux périphéries.

    Il disait qu’il ne fallait jamais détourner le regard de l’injustice et de l’inégalité, ni fermer les yeux sur celles et ceux qui subissent les conséquences d’un conflit ou d’actes de violence.

    Infatigable pèlerin de la paix, le pape François s’est rendu dans des pays déchirés par la guerre – de l’Iraq au Soudan du Sud, en passant par la République démocratique du Congo – pour dénoncer la violence et les affrontements sanglants et prôner la réconciliation.

    Il défendait avec conviction les innocents qui se trouvent dans des zones de guerre, comme en Ukraine et dans la bande de Gaza.

    Il le faisait depuis sa tribune, mais aussi à un niveau beaucoup plus personnel.

    Tous les jours sans exception, à 19 heures précises, il se retirait pour appeler l’église de la Sainte-Famille, à Gaza.

    L’un de ses interlocuteurs a raconté ces conversations : « François nous demandait : “comment allez-vous ? Qu’avez-vous mangé ? Avez-vous de l’eau ? Y-a-t-il des blessés parmi vous ?” Il ne le faisait pas pour des raisons diplomatiques ou par obligation. C’était le genre de questions qu’un père aurait posées ».

    Et, dans son tout dernier message, le dimanche de Pâques, le pape François a souligné à quel point il était vital de mettre fin à tous ces conflits.

    Jusqu’au bout, le pape François aura incarné l’appel à la justice – pour les peuples et pour la planète.

    Grâce à son encyclique Laudato Si publiée en 2015, il a contribué à l’adoption de l’Accord de Paris en appelant les dirigeants à protéger « notre maison commune ».

    Il a également mis en évidence les liens manifestes entre la dégradation de l’environnement et la dégradation de la condition humaine.

    Le pape François comprenait que ceux qui avaient le moins contribué à la crise climatique en subissaient les conséquences les plus graves – et que nous avons le devoir spirituel et moral d’agir.

    Excellences,

    Dans ce monde de division et de discorde, le fait que le pape François ait proclamé 2025 année de l’espérance revêt une signification particulière.

    Il aura été jusqu’au bout un messager de l’espérance.

    Et c’est à nous qu’il revient maintenant de continuer de faire vivre cette espérance.

    À ses funérailles, samedi, j’ai été profondément ému de voir des dirigeants de toutes confessions et toutes tendances politiques réunis dans la solidarité pour rendre hommage à la vie et à l’œuvre du pape François, dans un esprit d’unité et de réflexion solennelle rares dont nous avons plus que jamais besoin aujourd’hui.

    Notre monde serait bien meilleur si nous suivions, dans nos propres paroles et actions, l’exemple d’unité, de compassion et de compréhension mutuelle qu’il a donné tout au long de sa vie.

    Que ce deuil soit l’occasion de renouveler notre engagement en faveur de la paix, de la dignité humaine et de la justice sociale, causes pour lesquelles le pape François a consacré chaque instant d’une vie pour le moins extraordinaire.

    Je vous remercie.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The impact of strategic voting in Canada

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Terri Givens, Professor, Political Science, University of British Columbia

    Initially expected to result in a decisive Conservative victory, the Canadian federal election took a dramatic turn as Mark Carney led the Liberals to victory. It also offered an important lesson in the power of strategic voting — driven not just by domestic politics but by external pressures from the United States and a re-energized Liberal campaign.

    In December 2024, the Conservative Party was leading the Liberal Party by more than 20 points in the polls. But Justin Trudeau’s resignation, combined with U.S. President Donald Trump’s antagonistic stance towards Canada, triggered a sharp shift in public opinion.

    When Carney stepped in as prime minister and party leader, the stage was set for a Liberal comeback. But what had been seen as a referendum on the 10-year rule of the Liberal Party ended up being focused on the existential threat posed by Trump’s tariffs and his calls to turn Canada into the 51st state.

    During the campaign, many voters discussed their intention to switch from the Conservatives to the Liberals.

    The pushback against the Conservatives, and in particular their leader, Pierre Poilievre, led to him losing in his own riding, although the Conservatives gained more seats overall.

    The Liberals benefited from strategic voting, but it was the NDP that appeared to lose the most from this strategy.

    The NDP went from winning 25 seats in the previous election to only seven, while their leader Jagmeet Singh also lost in his riding, leading to his resignation as party leader.

    Strategic voting on display

    My first book, Voting Radical Right in Western Europe (2009), focused on the impact of strategic voting. At the time, I observed that political parties would often try to induce voters to vote strategically for a party or candidate that might not otherwise be their first choice.

    This type of strategic voting was clearly on display in the second round of the French presidential election in 2002, when Jean-Marie Le Pen of the far right National Front faced Jacques Chirac in the second round.

    Some left-leaning voters went to the polls with clothespins on their noses or latex gloves on to vote for Chirac and keep Le Pen out of the presidency.

    This strategy worked again in the July 2024 legislative elections in France, where the left and mainstream right-leaning parties came together to make sure that they didn’t split the vote in districts where it could lead to a win by the far-right Rassemblement National (National Rally). In both cases, voters chose more moderate candidates, reducing the influence of the far right.

    Electoral systems are often designed to encourage voters to choose a more moderate candidate. This approach includes putting electoral hurdles in place. For example, parties in Germany have to win at least five per cent of the vote or win three district seats to enter the legislature.

    This approach had been successful since the Second World War in keeping far right parties out of the legislature — that is until the recent success of the Alternative for Germany party.

    The ability of that party to gain votes in the former East Germany has been the main reason for its success.

    Winners and losers in Canada

    Canada presents an interesting case for strategic voting. In the lead-up to the federal election, many voters were posting suggestions for strategic voting in districts where the vote was being split between parties, particularly on the left.

    For example, there was a close race in a riding in British Columbia between the Green and Conservative candidates. I noticed social media posts in which voters were encouraged to shift their vote from the NDP or Liberal candidates to give the Green candidate a better chance of winning the riding.

    As of April 25, Conservatives were expected to win the riding, but on election night, Elizabeth May from the Green Party won with 39 per cent of the vote, with the Conservative candidate falling to third place behind the Liberals.

    Given the fact that the Canadian electoral system is winner-take-all in each riding, it’s important that voters understand the broader impact of their vote on the national outcome.

    It’s likely that many voters switched their votes from their smaller, preferred party — particularly the NPD — to one of the main parties, depending on the kind of poll projections they might have been seeing in their ridings.

    This situation exemplifies the importance of parties providing clear information on potential outcomes to encourage voters to use their vote strategically to get a desired outcome at the national level.

    Terri Givens does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The impact of strategic voting in Canada – https://theconversation.com/the-impact-of-strategic-voting-in-canada-255489

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Applauds Woodside Energy’s Historic $17.5 Billion LNG Investment in Louisiana

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) applauded the announcement that the Woodside Energy Group Ltd, will invest $17.5 billion in Calcasieu Parish for a greenfield liquified natural gas (LNG) export facility. The project, called Louisiana LNG, is the largest single greenfield investment and the largest single foreign direct investment in Louisiana history. Louisiana LNG will support 15,000 jobs during construction and thousands more per year once operational.
    “History is being made today because Louisiana has become a place companies want to invest in,” said Dr. Cassidy. “President Trump’s first 100 days have been filled with great wins for American energy and jobs. Louisiana has been at the center of it.”
    Louisiana LNG is the first greenfield LNG export facility to advance since President Trump rolled back the Biden-Harris administration’s disastrous pause on LNG export permits. 
    Background
    In January, Cassidy released a statement applauding President Trump’s executive order to lift the Biden administration’s harmful pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permitting. Last year, immediately following the Biden-Harris administration’s announcement that they would freeze pending applications for LNG export permits, Cassidy led 25 of his Republican colleagues in condemning the decision. Cassidy also delivered a speech on the U.S. Senator floor blasting the decision.
    He also introduced with U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) the LNG Security Act to reverse President Biden’s LNG export ban and require the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to approve LNG exports to all countries that have imported, currently import, or are capable of importing Russian or Iranian natural gas. Additionally, he introduced the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act, which depoliticizes the export of American liquefied natural gas. It eliminates the requirement for the DOE to authorize exports and instead gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) sole authority over the approval process. 
    In February 2024, Cassidy penned an op-ed with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in the Houston Chronicle underscoring the devastating economic, environmental, and national security impacts of the Biden-Harris decision to freeze new LNG export projects.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 10:28 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A1098W8 (DOM 1P-18R) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    10:28

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.04.2025, 10-28 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 104.71) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1228.84 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 10.0%) of the security RU000A1098W8 (DOM 1P-18R) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.MO/N89901

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Larisa Udovichenko, People’s Artist of Russia.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the theater and film actress on her anniversary.

    The telegram states, in particular:

    “You are one of the brightest and most talented actresses in Russian cinema. Thanks to your rare gift of transformation, you have created a whole gallery of memorable images and won the hearts of millions of viewers.

    And today you continue your active creative work, delighting your numerous fans, and inspiring young artists.

    I wish you good health, happiness and all the best.”

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 10:41 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JT403 (VEB.RF 18) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    10:41

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.04.2025, 10-41 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 102.81) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1077.58 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 8.75%) of the security RU000A0JT403 (VEB.RF 18) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89904

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmytro Chernyshenko: New educational and sports infrastructure is being created in the Kherson region with the support of the Government

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    “We pay special attention to new regions. President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin emphasizes that a comprehensive program for their socio-economic development is one of our nationwide, most important priorities. This applies to all areas, including education and science. In the Kherson region, with the support of the Government, new educational and sports infrastructure is being restored and created. More than 17 thousand students study at regional universities. About 4.5 thousand budget places have been allocated for the upcoming academic year. Vladimir Vasilievich, a new admissions campaign will start soon, I ask you to personally monitor its progress,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    Students of the region are actively involved in scientific and educational activities and implement various projects. Youth laboratories operate in the region. Colleges of the Kherson region participate in the championship movement “Abilympics” and the championship “Professionals”.

    During the meeting, the topic of youth policy in the region was also discussed.

    “A new youth center will be opened this year under the “Region for the Young” program. The volunteer movement is actively developing in the Kherson region, with more than 7,000 people involved. The guys are great, they work in the regional center of the 80th anniversary of Victory, actively helping the participants of the SVO and their families,” the vice-premier said.

    Special attention in the Kherson region is currently paid to the development of sports infrastructure. This year, five open physical culture and health complexes for practicing various sports will be created in the subject, a martial arts center and a modular hall for table tennis are also being built, and sports facilities are being equipped with equipment.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko said that the Government, together with the region, will continue to restore and create infrastructure, and noted the important role of Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin in this process.

    The Kherson region will also receive support within the framework of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality”. Funds have been allocated for this from the federal budget.

    “The support provided by the Government of the Russian Federation, personally by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Dmitry Nikolaevich Chernyshenko, is of great importance for the Kherson region. Thanks to our joint work, we are restoring educational institutions, creating new opportunities for young people, developing sports and tourism. This is a serious contribution to the future of the region and strengthening its socio-economic potential. I am confident that together we will achieve all the goals set,” said the governor of the Kherson region.

    In the village of Schastlivtsevo, Dmitry Chernyshenko and Vladimir Saldo assessed the progress of construction of the branch of the Tavrida art cluster, which should become a center of attraction for creative youth. The work is planned to be completed by the summer of 2025.

    “This facility will become a year-round educational center for the youth of Russia’s historical regions. More than 50 buildings will accommodate over 300 participants – future creators, leaders, and professionals,” Vladimir Saldo emphasized.

    The national project “Youth and Children” and the Rosmolodezh programs implemented in the Kherson region were discussed at the site of the branch of the art cluster “Tavrida”.

    In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Governor took part in the opening of the renovated acrobatics hall of the children’s and youth sports center. The facility was renovated on the instructions of the head of state and with the support of the Government.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko assessed the renovated premises, presented the Center with a certificate for equipment, watched the performances of the students, and also talked with young athletes and coaches. The Deputy Prime Minister, among other things, spoke about the preparations for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the sports facilities in Sirius and recalled the goal set by President Vladimir Putin – to increase the share of Russians systematically involved in physical education and sports to 70% by 2030.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 10:52 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A106M41 (VTB B1-329) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    10:52

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.04.2025, 10-52 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 166.35) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 2139.75 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 125.0%) of the security RU000A106M41 (VTB B1-329) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 10-56 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the carry rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment of the LSRG (LSR JSC) security were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    10:56

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 29.04.2025, 10-56 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with the settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -88.57%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -2.38 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 120.28%) of the LSRG (LSR JSC) security were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On 29.04.2025, the deposit auction of the PPC “TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND” will take place (3)

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Parameters: Date of the deposit auction 04/29/2025. Placement currency RUB. Maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) 7,453,000,000.00. Placement term, days 42. Date of depositing funds 04/29/2025. Date of return of funds 06/10/2025. Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 21.00. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) 7,453,000,000.00. Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open).

    The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 12:00 to 12:10. Applications in competition mode from 12:10 to 12:15. Setting the cutoff percentage rate or declaring the auction invalid before 12:25.

    Additional terms

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89911

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Over 500,000 Private Investors Made Deals Over the Weekend

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    On April 26, 2025, the maximum volume of transactions was recorded during the additional weekend trading session on the Moscow Exchange. At the end of the day, the trading volume amounted to 29.8 billion rubles.

    Over 505,000 people took advantage of the opportunity to make deals with shares on the Moscow Exchange in the first two months of weekend trading. During this period, traders and their clients made almost 3.5 million deals with a total volume of 154.1 billion rubles.

    30 professional bidders took part in the auction.

    Moscow Exchange reminds that on May 3-4 and May 10-11 trading on the stock market will be held within the framework of additional weekend session. A detailed schedule of trades during the May holidays can be found on the Moscow Exchange website.

    Participants have access to 100 shares of Russian companies during weekend trading sessions. Liquidity is supported by market makers. Trading is conducted within the framework of an additional weekend session, which is part of the trading day following the weekend. To reduce volatility risks and ensure liquidity, price boundaries during weekend trading are narrowed to 3% of the last current price of the previous trading day.

    Weekend trading on the Moscow Exchange stock market launched on March 1, 2025.

    A detailed description of the weekend trading technology is posted on the Moscow Exchange website.

    Stock Market Trading CalendarMoney Market Trading CalendarTrading calendar

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.K.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 11:45 am, the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the carry rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment for the LSRG (LSR JSC) security were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    11:45

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 29.04.2025, 11-45 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -107.79%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -2.88 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 141.42%) of the LSRG (LSR JSC) security were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89913

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Russians have built more than 170 thousand private houses since the beginning of the year

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Since the beginning of 2025, residents of the country have built and registered 170.4 thousand individual residential buildings. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    At the April 15 meeting of the State Council Presidium on the development of infrastructure for life, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that individual housing construction is the most important area in demand among citizens. The head of state also emphasized that it is necessary to expand this segment of housing, pay special attention to the provision of land plots, their provision with infrastructure and the creation of reliable mechanisms so that people can invest their funds in individual construction.

    “A number of measures have been taken to develop housing construction, including the individual housing construction sector. In recent years, interest in individual housing construction has grown significantly. Since the beginning of 2025, citizens have built and registered 170.4 thousand private houses with a total area of 24.7 million square meters in the Rosreestr, which is almost 17% more than in the same period of 2024,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    Today, individual housing construction accounts for more than half of the housing commissioning in the country. In 2024, 62.3 million square meters of private housing were commissioned in Russia, which became a record figure in the entire history of Russia.

    “The leader in this segment is the Central Federal District. Since the beginning of 2025, 36.6 thousand individual houses with a total area of 7.2 million square meters have been built here, or 29% of the total individual housing construction fund built since the beginning of 2025. Including in the Moscow Region, more than 14 thousand individual housing construction objects have been built and registered with the cadastral register, which is 38.2% of the total number in the Central Federal District,” commented Oleg Skufinsky, head of Rosreestr.

    Almost as in the Central Federal District, private construction is popular in the Volga region, where from January to March of this year, almost 31.7 thousand individual houses with a total area of 4.2 million square meters were built. The Republic of Tatarstan is the leader here with 10.5 thousand houses. At the same time, according to the results of 2024, the Republic of Bashkortostan became the leader in the number of private houses commissioned in the Volga Federal District (19.8 thousand houses).

    The Southern Federal District rounds out the top three, where 23.2 thousand individual housing construction objects with an area of 3.2 million square meters have been built since the beginning of 2025. This is 20% more than the figure for the same period in 2024. The best indicators in the district are in Krasnodar Krai – 10.8 thousand private houses.

    The main building material in the period under review was wood. According to the Unified State Register of Real Estate, 55.5 thousand individual housing construction objects with an area of 7 million square meters were built from it, which is 22% more than at the beginning of 2024. Slightly less often, citizens built houses from brick – 31.4 thousand houses with an area of 5 million square meters. The least amount of panel houses were erected – only 1.7 thousand buildings on 214 thousand square meters.

    As for the number of storeys, in most cases Russians built single-storey houses, 100 thousand of which were registered – this is 16% more than at the beginning of 2024. Two-storey buildings were erected in 65.1 thousand, three-storey buildings – 4.8 thousand.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Number of borrowers and indebtedness of citizens decreased in the second half of 2024

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    For the first time since 2022, the total number of borrowers from banks and microfinance organizations decreased by 0.5 million in six months, amounting to just over 50 million people, according to data from credit history bureaus.

    Banks began to limit the risks of borrowers becoming over-indebted by reducing the average size of a cash loan (it decreased by 20%) and its term (the share of loans up to one year increased by 13 percentage points, to 21%).

    In Q4 2024, the number of the most indebted borrowers with at least three loans decreased by 0.5 million people, but they still account for about half of the debt on retail loans.

    The number of citizens with a mortgage remained at the same level, amounting to 10.2 million people. At the same time, banks began to issue mortgage loans for a term of over 30 years less frequently. The share of borrowers who take out a consumer loan before a mortgage has decreased. This indicates that the likelihood of a down payment using credit funds has decreased.

    Read more in the information and analytical material “Analysis of trends in the retail lending segment based on credit bureau data” for the second half of 2024.

    Preview photo: Urbanscape / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23582

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 13-14 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the SU26231RMFS9 security (OFZ 26231) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    13:14

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.04.2025, 13-14 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 9.15) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 106.23 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 50.0%) of the SU26231RMFS9 security (OFZ 26231) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89916

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/29/2025, 13-17 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the carry rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment of the LSRG (LSR JSC) security were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/29/2025

    13:17

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.04.2025, 13-17 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -127.01%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -3.39 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 162.56%) of the LSRG (LSR JSC) security were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89917

    MIL OSI Russia News –