NewzIntel.com

Category: Russia

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kosovo Draws SDR 80.122 million Under the Stand-By Arrangement

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 4, 2025

    Washington, DC: Following the successful conclusion of Stand-by (SBA) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangements on May 24, 2025, the Kosovo authorities have made use of SDR 80.122 million (€96.22 million) available under the SBA, approved on May 25, 2023.

    The authorities will use the drawing to build buffers against potential shortfalls in external financing in a context of heightened uncertainty, as foreshadowed in their Letter of Intent of April 30, 2025 (see IMF Country Report No. 2025/112).

    Kosovo’s SBA and RSF arrangements provided access to SDR 80.122 million (€96.22 million, 97 percent of quota) and to SDR 61.95 million (€74.39 million, 75 percent of quota) respectively, to support Kosovo’s economic policies. Together with the SBA drawdown and already disbursed RSF resources, Kosovo will have outstanding IMF credit of SDR 142.07 million (€170.61 million).

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/04/pr25181-kosovo-draws-sdr-80-million-under-the-stand-by-arrangement

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Asia-Pacific countries do not welcome NATO participation in regional affairs – Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — Asia-Pacific countries do not welcome the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)’s involvement in the region, which certainly does not need an Asia-Pacific NATO, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular briefing for journalists on Wednesday.

    Lin Jian made the remarks in response to remarks made by a European leader at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue, who linked the Taiwan issue to Ukraine, mentioned the so-called “Chinese threat” in the South China Sea, and hinted that NATO had reason to “be involved” in the Asia-Pacific region.

    A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said China firmly opposes the remarks, noting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory and that the Taiwan question is entirely China’s internal affairs.

    He said that the Taiwan question and the Ukrainian crisis are incomparable, and that China firmly opposes any remarks or actions aimed at confusing or distorting the essence of the Taiwan question. He called on relevant parties to firmly adhere to the one-China principle through practical actions and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the PRC.

    “The current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. There is no problem with the freedom of navigation and overflight that countries enjoy in accordance with the law,” Lin Jian said.

    He stressed that China has always advocated the proper resolution of maritime disputes and differences through negotiations and consultations with the countries directly concerned and on the basis of respect for historical facts.

    “Countries outside the region should respect the efforts made by regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, instead of inciting differences and provoking conflicts,” Lin Jian added.

    He recalled that NATO, as a regional defense organization, has no right to go beyond the geographical boundaries and mandate defined by its founding treaty. China firmly opposes NATO’s attempts to “move east” into the Asia-Pacific region, escalate tensions and create confrontation in it, and undermine peace and stability in the region and the world.

    Stressing that Asia is the common home of China and other Asian countries, Lin Jian said it has maintained rapid growth in recent years and, through the joint efforts of countries in the region, has become an outpost of global growth and an oasis of peaceful development.

    China has always been committed to the principles of goodwill, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in its diplomacy towards neighboring countries, resolutely opposes bloc confrontation and has never sought the so-called “sphere of influence,” the Chinese diplomat said.

    “Relevant parties should not make malicious guesses or sow discord among Asia-Pacific countries based on the Cold War mentality. Instead, they should do more to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: State Council Taiwan Affairs Office condemns slanderous remarks by Taiwan Chief Executive and DPP leadership

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian on Wednesday condemned recent remarks by Taiwan Chief Executive Lai Qingde and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leadership that denigrated the social system on the Chinese mainland.

    In response to a question from the media, Zhu Fenglian said Lai Qingde and the DPP administration are maliciously slandering and attacking the Chinese mainland, trying to escalate the cross-shore confrontation and mislead international public opinion.

    “Their intentions are extremely insidious and their methods are extremely unworthy,” Zhu Fenglian pointed out.

    According to her, under the guise of slogans about “democracy,” they are trying to mislead the international community, in a vain attempt to challenge the international architecture based on the one-China principle.

    Their actions completely violate the spirit of democracy, and the essence of their “fake democracy, real dictatorship” has long been visible to the world and condemned by Taiwanese compatriots, the official representative added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Trump’s Tax Cut Bill Will Increase Deficit by $2.4 Trillion – Congressional Budget Office

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NEW YORK, June 4 (Xinhua) — The U.S. Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan agency, on Wednesday released an analysis projecting that President Donald Trump’s tax cut bill will reduce tax revenues by $3.7 trillion, increasing the federal budget deficit by $2.4 trillion over the next decade.

    The report, published on the agency’s website on June 4 but dated May 20, also projects that if the bill is passed, the number of people without health insurance would increase by 10.9 million, including 1.4 million people who are in the country without legal status and who use government-funded programs.

    The document, which D. Trump and Republican lawmakers call a “big, beautiful” bill, was passed by the House of Representatives (lower chamber) of the US Congress with a narrow majority of votes and is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate (upper chamber). –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Reducing the risk of servicing accounts of droppers and technical companies: methodological recommendations of the Bank of Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    Bank of Russia draws attention credit institutions that shadow businesses (online casinos, cryptocurrency exchangers, financial pyramids, drug dealers, etc.) use corporate cards for their payments, which are issued to so-called technical companies.

    In order to prevent such risks, the regulator recommends that banks analyze money transfers to corporate cards of technical companies from cards of individuals and vice versa.

    Banks are also asked to implement online monitoring of client transactions to promptly identify droppers and technical companies. They must assess whether the analyzed clients have counterparties that have previously transferred money to droppers. If the risk is confirmed, the bank can introduce a limit on individual transactions for crediting money in favor of such a client, including outside working hours.

    The Bank of Russia is publishing new methodological recommendations in addition to the existing ones tools on combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

    Preview photo: Alexander Kazakov / TASS

    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 = 24675

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: Over the course of a year, systematic work has been established to ensure the effective functioning of treatment facilities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    “The task of improving the health of the country’s water bodies was set by the President of Russia. Of course, the result of this work is of the utmost importance and determines the quality of life of people. Systematization of problems, development of individual action plans, control and on-site events allowed us to significantly increase the pace of implementation of projects for the construction and commissioning of treatment facilities. Of course, we must not only maintain this momentum, but also increase it. In addition to completing the construction, we must be sure that the commissioned facilities meet the regulatory indicators for wastewater treatment. To this end, Rosprirodnadzor regularly conducts inspections for each facility. Also, digital information and analytical resources of the incident operate around the clock for effective monitoring and timely management decisions,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the established format of work has proven its effectiveness. As an example, a conclusion was recently received on reaching the standard indicators of two large-scale facilities – treatment facilities in Irkutsk and Shchyolkovo near Moscow. At the same time, the facility in Irkutsk became the flagship – it was the first in the Baikal natural territory to reach the purification standards.

    Dmitry Patrushev noted that the experience gained will definitely be taken into account when implementing the national project “Ecological Well-being” launched in 2025. In particular, the competitive selection will be carried out on the basis of a comprehensive calculation of the effectiveness of each specific project, and the treatment facility will be considered commissioned only after receiving a positive conclusion from Rosprirodnadzor. To strengthen the responsibility of the subjects of the Russian Federation for the quality of project implementation, the bar for regional co-financing will be raised.

    The Deputy Prime Minister reported that over the past year, important changes have been made to the regulatory framework for the construction and operation of treatment facilities. In May, the Government approved rules that gave regions the opportunity to establish fishery standards for water quality, taking into account the specifics of individual water bodies. A regulation on interdepartmental interaction in the construction of treatment facilities has also been developed.

    Following the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed federal agencies to conduct a series of training seminars with the regions to provide the necessary methodological assistance, including explaining the procedure for selecting projects for participation in the new national project “Environmental Well-Being”. The practice of on-site events to monitor the work will continue.

    Incident No. 55 “Wastewater Treatment Facilities” was created on June 15, 2024 to coordinate work on the construction and reconstruction of wastewater treatment facilities implemented within the framework of the national project “Ecology”, as well as to ensure the operation of these facilities with the achievement of the parameters of standard wastewater treatment. Currently, work is being considered at 145 facilities in 19 regions.

    When working in the incident format, a special project management system is used, which is deployed on the basis of the Government Coordination Center. It allows for prompt coordination of the actions of participants and monitoring of project implementation in real time.

    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: Dmitry Grigorenko: The IT industry’s contribution to the Russian economy amounted to 6%

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko presented the results of monitoring the IT industry for 2024. The presentation took place as part of a meeting with digital transformation leaders at the Digital Industry of Industrial Russia conference in Nizhny Novgorod.

    “Today, digital is everywhere – in public administration, the economy, the social sphere. And the basis of these changes is the developments of our IT companies. The IT industry is actively developing. This is evident, among other things, from the solutions presented at CIPR. At the same time, there was previously no reliable and unified model for assessing the industry that would show the real picture and dynamics. We presented an approach based on departmental data on accredited IT companies. It has been verified by businesses and specialized institutes. Thus, the contribution of the IT industry to Russia’s GDP in terms of gross value added was 6%. This is many times more than previously presented estimates, because they did not include data on large technology companies with a non-core OKVED code. Based on comprehensive and regular monitoring of the IT industry, it is also proposed to analyze the effectiveness of government support measures,” said Dmitry Grigorenko.

    In the developed methodology, the IT industry is understood as a set of companies included in the register of accredited organizations operating in the field of information technology (register of IT companies). Aggregated data from the Federal Tax Service, as well as data from the Ministry of Digital Development, the Bank of Russia, the Federal Customs Service and Rosstat are used to monitor the IT industry.

    An independent methodology for assessing the IT industry was developed by ANO Digital Economy with the support of the Ministry of Digital Development. According to the results of 2024, the contribution of accredited IT companies to the Russian economy amounted to 6%. The IT industry is actively supported by the state, and for every ruble of state support invested, 2 rubles were received in taxes.

    Monitoring is planned to be carried out on an ongoing basis with the possibility of expanding the list of indicators.

    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: Marat Khusnullin: More than 5 thousand km of roads have been restored in the reunited regions

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The restoration of motorways in the reunited regions is proceeding at an active pace, taking into account both the strategic importance of the backbone network of highways and the demand for inter-municipal and intra-city roads. Over 5 thousand km have already been repaired, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

    “Last week, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order to allocate more than 7.6 billion rubles to the budgets of the DPR, LPR, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions for road repairs. This will allow us to bring another 240 km up to standard. At the same time, to date, in the reunited regions, we have made high-quality road surfaces on more than 5 thousand km. Now, for example, under the supervision of Avtodor, asphalt laying has been completed on two more highways in the Kherson region,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that the first road, more than 50 km long through the settlement of Ivanovka, connects two strategic highways: Odessa – Melitopol – Novoazovsk and R-280 “Novorossiya”. The second – Novaya Kakhovka – Armyansk – goes from Chaplinka and adjoins the Odessa – Melitopol – Novoazovsk road.

    “In general, we have good readiness of roads in the Kherson region according to the 2025 program. More than 125 km of the lower layer and about 120 km of the upper layer of asphalt concrete have been laid. In fact, the current year’s program in the region has been completed by about 70%. Now the main focus will be on the arrangement of roads: marking, installing barrier fencing, sidewalks and bus stops for local residents will be provided in certain areas. Currently, about 150 people and more than 230 units of equipment are involved in the Kherson region,” said Vyacheslav Petushenko, Chairman of the Board of the state-owned company Avtodor.

    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: Alexey Overchuk opened the renovated Russian House in Dushanbe.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    As part of the visit of the Russian delegation to the Republic of Tajikistan, Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk took part in the opening ceremony of the renovated Russian Center for Science and Culture (Russian House) in the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe.

    Alexey Overchuk emphasized that the Russian House has been operating in Dushanbe since 2011 and during this time many useful and creative projects have already been implemented that contribute to the development of humanitarian ties between Russia and Tajikistan. There are educational courses to prepare for admission to Russian universities, including under the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation, events are held to improve the qualifications of teachers, clubs and sections for talented youth operate, educational exhibitions are held, literature and textbooks are distributed – in 2024 alone, more than 19.5 thousand copies of educational, methodological and fiction literature in Russian were donated.

    “We are very grateful to see such a good response among the residents of Dushanbe. Today we saw a large number of children and young people here who come and learn something new,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    The new building of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Dushanbe with an area of 1.3 thousand square meters is located in the very center of the city and has the necessary infrastructure for conducting full-fledged educational and cultural-educational activities. On two floors there are modern classrooms and public spaces for education and creative workshops.

    The Russian House hosts preparatory courses for high school students who dream of entering Russian universities, and for those who want to study Russian, Russian language courses are taught mainly by participants in the Russian Teacher Abroad project. There is a consultation center for applicants on career guidance and admission to universities, and Olympiads and entrance examinations are held. The additional education center “Russia is with you” has been opened to popularize the Russian language and culture, science and engineering education.

    “We live in the era of the fourth industrial revolution and the data economy, when knowledge and culture are not only a key resource for national development, but also the most reliable bridge connecting peoples. The Russian Center for Science and Culture is called upon to serve as such a bridge to support cultural and humanitarian interaction between Russia and Tajikistan. We hope that this house will be strengthened as a platform where new projects and initiatives will be born that contribute to the development of science and culture in our common civilizational space,” Alexey Overchuk emphasized.

    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: Dmitry Chernyshenko: “Artek” is the standard of quality children’s recreation in Russia and around the world

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    A festive concert dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the International Children’s Center “Artek” was held at the National Center “Russia”. The participants were greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that this marked the start of a large marathon of festive events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Artek.

    “We, born in the USSR, of course, have special feelings when we say the word “Artek”. We understand that this international children’s recreation center is a standard of quality for all Russians and for the whole world. Over 100 years, more than 2 million children from 150 countries have experienced this and have become Artek members forever. Here they participated in educational programs, improved their health, played sports and were creative, but most importantly, as our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin says, “Artek teaches friendship,” he emphasized.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko added that the President had ordered the creation of an organizing committee, which had prepared a large-scale program of festive events, including the launch of a rocket, the filming of documentaries, the release of jubilee medals, commemorative postage stamps, and much more. And the culmination of the celebrations will be the final grand event, which will take place on June 16 in Artek itself.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to everyone who contributes to the development of the education system.

    For the anniversary of Artek, the honorary badge “Counselor of Russia” was established, and a competition of the same name will soon be launched.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the first badge “Counselor of Russia” for significant contribution to the education and enlightenment of the younger generation. The award was received by the excellent public education worker of the Russian Federation, the counselor of “Artek” in 1965-1966 Roza Yakovlevna Shatyro from the Republic of Tatarstan.

    In her response, Roza Yakovlevna noted that during her work as a counselor, she gave her heart to thousands of children.

    “You and I are very happy people because we are friends and carry this friendship throughout the world. Thanks to Artek, I have friends all over the planet. I keep in touch with everyone, we congratulate each other on holidays,” she added.

    Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov took to the stage with Valentina Nikolaevna Cherkasova. As a child, she survived the siege of Leningrad, and after the war, in 1949, she vacationed in Artek. Together they performed the song “Artek Oath”, written by journalists of “Pionerskaya Pravda” Vladimir Boganov and Anatoly Anufriev.

    “Today, Artek is the best international children’s center. Artek counselors are the best counselors in the world. Everyone who has ever been to Artek becomes an example for their peers. And just like 100 years ago, today all children strive to get to the center. We continue to support and develop Artek, its branches operate in the Zaporizhzhya region and in Sevastopol. The center trains school directors’ advisors on education. And we will do everything so that a piece of Artek is in the soul of every schoolchild,” noted Sergey Kravtsov.

    Guests of the anniversary concert were representatives of 89 regions of Russia. Among them were ministers of education, heads of subjects, children recognized as stars of “Artek” in different years, veterans of the International Children’s Center “Artek”. In addition, the event was attended by foreign delegations from about 30 countries.

    “People from all over Russia and the world have gathered here in Moscow today – representatives of all regions, different ages and cultures. Artek has always been a symbol of childhood, dreams and international cooperation. And today it has once again proven its strength, bringing together those who believe in goodness, mutual understanding and common values. Schoolchildren and adults, counselors and guests – everyone brought their own history, traditions and energy here, creating a unique atmosphere of Artek warmth,” emphasized Konstantin Fedorenko, Director of the International Children’s Center “Artek”.

    On June 16, 2025, the International Children’s Center “Artek” will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Earlier, the State Duma and the Federation Council hosted thematic photo exhibitions. An important event was the publication of the decree of President Vladimir Putin on awarding the Artek team with the Order of Honor.

    Five films were shot for the anniversary, including the film “100 Years of Happy Childhood”, the premiere of which was organized in January 2025. Together with Samara University and the Foundation for Assistance to Innovations, a branded small spacecraft was launched into space, and on February 28, a launch vehicle with the anniversary logo of “Artek” was launched at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. At the end of May, the anniversary shift started at the children’s center, which will last until June 17-18.

    On June 5, there will be a press screening of the adventure film “Artek. Through the Centuries”, which was filmed on the territory of the International Children’s Center. On June 9, the GUM (Moscow) will host the opening of an exhibition under the slogan “Artek at 100!”, where unique archival materials will be presented. Guests will also enjoy an interactive program from the camp counselors. On June 12, the International Children’s Festival “Let There Always Be Sunshine” will start.

    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: IMF Executive Board Concludes the Fifth Review under the Policy Coordination Instrument for Rwanda

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 4, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board today concluded the fifth review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). The PCI continues to support Rwanda’s reform agenda aimed at maintaining macroeconomic stability, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, and advancing climate-resilient development.
    • Rwanda’s economic growth remains among the strongest in sub-Saharan Africa, despite rising fiscal and external pressures linked to large investment projects and reduced concessional financing. Continued fiscal consolidation, supported by stronger domestic revenue mobilization and spending efficiency, is essential to safeguard macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.
    • Program performance under the PCI has been strong. All quantitative targets were met, and most reform commitments were implemented, including in SOE governance, monetary statistics, and digital public financial management. The approval of the comprehensive tax policy package and the rollout of the Global Master Repurchase Agreement were implemented with a delay. Rwanda continues to demonstrate leadership in integrating climate considerations into macroeconomic policy and leveraging institutional reforms to mobilize climate finance.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the fifth review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) for Rwanda.[1]

    Rwanda’s economy expanded by 8.9 percent in 2024, driven by a rebound in agriculture and continued strength in the services and construction sectors. Inflation remained within the National Bank of Rwanda’s 2–8 percent target band, reflecting tight monetary policy and improved domestic food supply. The current account deficit widened in 2024 due to strong consumer and capital goods imports, but reserves remained adequate at 4.7 months of imports as of end-year.

    Going forward, the fiscal position will be under pressure from the large infrastructure investment in the New Kigali International Airport and the expansion of RwandAir, as well as the recent pension reform. Public debt is expected to peak in FY2025/26, with the PCI debt anchor now projected to be reached in 2033. Accelerating domestic revenue mobilization and maintaining a credible fiscal consolidation path are crucial to restoring policy space and ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability. Continued vigilance is also needed to manage risks from SOEs, rising debt service costs, and constrained access to concessional financing.

    Monetary policy should remain data-driven to contain inflation and support external adjustment. Exchange rate flexibility will be essential to absorb shocks, while reforms to strengthen FX market functioning should continue. Close oversight of credit expansion—including in the microfinance sector—and improved monitoring of large exposures are important to safeguard financial stability.

    Program implementation under the PCI remains strong. All quantitative targets were met and most structural benchmarks for this review were completed, including those on SOE governance, PFM digitalization, and monetary statistics expansion. The remaining two structural benchmarks on the Cabinet approval of the comprehensive tax policy package and the rollout of the Global Master Repurchase Agreement were implemented with a delay. The authorities continue to build on the strong foundation established under the now-completed RSF. Progress on climate-related reforms has remained strong, including efforts to implement a climate budget tagging system, develop green taxonomies, and advance the climate finance agenda. Developing a pipeline of viable, bankable green projects will be essential to fully leverage available resources and sustain momentum.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “Rwanda’s economy has demonstrated impressive resilience, recording strong growth supported by robust activity in the services, construction, and agriculture sectors. Inflation has remained within the NBR target range, aided by prudent monetary policy and improved domestic food supply. However, the macroeconomic environment has become more complex due to a need to implement difficult reforms against the background of worsening external conditions, including aid withdrawals and regional tensions.

    “Sustaining fiscal consolidation remains vital to preserving macroeconomic stability and ensuring debt sustainability. The recently adopted tax reform package is a welcome step toward broadening the tax base and enhancing equity and efficiency. Continued expenditure rationalization and close monitoring of fiscal risks, particularly from SOEs and the ambitious priority investment project, are essential. The fiscal implications of pension reform and the financing needs for the priority infrastructure project must be carefully managed to maintain fiscal discipline.

    “Monetary and financial policies remain focused on stability, but vigilance is warranted. Inflationary pressures from fiscal loosening and tax policy changes may necessitate a tightening of the policy stance. Greater exchange rate flexibility is crucial to support external adjustment and safeguard reserve adequacy. The authorities’ efforts to modernize the monetary policy framework and strengthen FX market functioning are welcome. Enhancing risk monitoring, particularly in the microfinance sector, and large exposures, along with building additional capital buffers, will be key to safeguarding financial stability.

    “Rwanda continues to advance structural reforms under the PCI, including improvements in SOE governance, public financial management digitalization, and financial sector statistics. Progress on climate-related reforms under the RSF is commendable. Looking ahead, Rwanda’s efforts to build a pipeline of bankable green projects and improve climate finance coordination will be instrumental in mobilizing additional resources. Continued commitment to reform and strong engagement with development partners will be critical to sustaining progress and supporting Rwanda’s ambitious development agenda.”

    [1] The PCI arrangement was approved on December 12, 2022.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/04/pr-25178-rwanda-imf-concludes-the-5th-review-under-the-policy-coor-instrument

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Third and Fourth Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Approves US$58 Million Disbursement for the Central African Republic

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 4, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board today completed the third and fourth reviews under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for the Central African Republic (CAR). The completion of the third and fourth reviews allows for an immediate disbursement of SDR 43.22 million (about US$58 million) to CAR to address protracted balance of payment needs and sustaining priority spending on basic public services.
    • Economic growth is expected to accelerate to 3 percent in 2025, up from 1.9 percent in 2024, while inflation is projected to decline gradually. The outlook depends on faster fuel market and governance reforms, and increased grant and concessional financing.
    • Program performance was mixed, while downside risks remain substantial.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the third and fourth reviews of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement for the Central African Republic (CAR). The ECF arrangement, with access of SDR 147.48 million (about US$197 million), was approved by the IMF Executive Board in April 2023 (see Press Release No. 23/129). The completion of these reviews allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 43.22 million (about US$58 million) bringing total disbursements under the ECF arrangement to SDR 92.29 million (around US$124 million).

    In completing the reviews, the Executive Board also approved the authorities’ request for waivers of nonobservance of the performance criteria (PC) for the end-June 2024 and end-December 2024 domestic primary fiscal balance and net domestic financing. The Executive Board also approved the authorities’ request for a waiver of nonobservance of the continuous PC on non-accumulation of new external arrears. Further, the Executive Board completed the financing assurances review under the ECF arrangement.

    The ECF arrangement is part of coordinated efforts by international financial institutions to support the people of CAR. It will continue to help the country meet the protracted balance of payments needs and sustain spending on basic public services, including in the health and education sectors. Program implementation has helped anchor structural reforms and financing. Fuel supply and revenue have improved. Progress is being made in digitalizing the revenue administration and PFM systems, along with enhancements to the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Court of Audit. Completing the combined reviews creates new opportunities for positive outcomes.

    Economic activity is projected to expand by 3 percent in 2025, up from 1.9 percent in 2024, driven by higher energy use, mining recovery, infrastructure projects, and improved security. Inflation would ease by end-2025, in part helped by the cut in pump prices in May 2025. Still, a tighter fiscal stance is needed to arrest rising debt vulnerabilities. The domestic primary deficit would narrow to 2.1 percent of GDP in 2025 from 4.9 percent in 2024, assuming bold political backing for the agreed measures on tax administration and compliance. Reinforced spending controls are also key ahead of elections and cuts in humanitarian aid.

    The overhaul of the fuel market remains pivotal for macroeconomic stabilization and both sustained and inclusive growth in CAR. The fuel procurement audit should be accelerated to underpin price reforms and address persistent inefficiencies. Despite recent supply increases and price cuts, pump prices remain high due to costly and opaque imports. Transparent use of the recent diesel grant and a thorough audit of costs and margins could help enhance competition, improve supply efficiency, and boost fiscal revenue.

    Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

    “The Central African Republic (CAR) has shown renewed commitment to structural reforms under the ECF-arrangement despite facing deep-rooted fragility and significant uncertainty. Both financial and technical support from development partners remain vital to the program’s success, to overcome weak capacity, elevated revenue volatility, and to alleviate humanitarian needs.

    “Program performance for the combined third and fourth reviews was mixed, which is being addressed with strong corrective actions. Half of the six PCs for end-June and end-December 2024 were met. Still, the domestic primary deficit and net domestic financing targets were missed by wide margins, as was the continuous PC on non-accumulation of external arrears. The indicative targets for social spending and expenditures via extraordinary procedures were also missed.

    “Strengthening tax compliance and controls is key to boosting revenue but requires strong political support. Accelerating the fuel procurement audit is also essential to address inefficiencies and enable further reductions in pump prices. A well-functioning fuel market is vital for fiscal and macroeconomic stability.

    “Program performance depends on stronger public financial management (PFM), particularly spending controls ahead of the elections. Improved PFM is essential to prevent arrears, limit extraordinary procedures, and ensure effective social spending. It would also help mobilize grants and concessional financing, reduce costly regional borrowing, and safeguard debt sustainability.

    “Enhancing governance will reinforce PFM efforts. Progress in strengthening the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Court of Audit is welcome. Adopting the new forestry code and implementing the mining code are key to unlocking CAR’s growth potential. Prompt operationalization of the asset declaration system is also critical to maintaining donor support.

    “Policies to enhance growth potential and improve equality should be anchored on the National Development Plan (NDP) (2024-2028). A steadfast execution of the NDP is also crucial to catalyze donor support and start attracting foreign private investment flows.

    CAR’s economic program will remain supported by the implementation of policies and reforms agreed among CEMAC regional institutions, which notably aim at supporting an increase in regional net foreign assets which are ultimately critical to program’s success.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/04/pr-25179-car-imf-completes-3rd-4th-rev-under-ecf-arrang-and-approves-us-58-mil-disburse

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the CPC Central Committee’s Foreign Affairs Commission, Meets with UAE Presidential Envoy for China Affairs

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, met with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, special envoy of the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Chinese affairs, in Beijing on Wednesday.

    The Chinese diplomat noted that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, relations between China and the UAE have maintained positive development dynamics.

    Wang Yi said that China hopes to work with the UAE to provide mutual support on issues affecting each other’s core interests, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, maintain close coordination on international and regional affairs, and promote the deepening and further development of the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership.

    Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, for his part, said that the UAE intends to strengthen high-level exchanges with China to further enhance the level of interstate relations of a comprehensive strategic partnership characterized by special friendship.

    The UAE firmly adheres to the one-China principle and will adhere to the principles of independence and self-sufficiency, steadily advancing cooperation with China, the special envoy assured. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Decisions on terrorist attacks in Kursk and Bryansk regions of the Russian Federation were made in Ukraine at the political level — Russian President

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 4 /Xinhua/ — The decisions on terrorist attacks in the Kursk and Bryansk regions of the Russian Federation were made in Ukraine at the political level, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

    “The blowing up of railway tracks in the Bryansk and Kursk regions is, of course, a terrorist act. The decisions to commit such crimes were, of course, made in Ukraine at the political level,” V. Putin noted during a meeting with members of the government. The Russian President emphasized that what happened in Bryansk was a targeted attack on civilians aimed at disrupting the negotiation process.

    According to the Russian leader, Kiev’s “illegitimate regime is degenerating into a terrorist organization, and its sponsors are becoming accomplices of terrorists.” Ukraine “is trying to intimidate Russia with terrorist attacks” because “it is suffering huge losses and retreating along the entire front line,” the head of state said.

    V. Putin noted that Moscow is not surprised by Kyiv’s refusal to agree to a truce for humanitarian reasons for 2-3 days. According to him, “the Kyiv regime does not need peace at all,” since it would mean the loss of power.

    “Peace means the loss of power. And power for this regime, apparently, is more important than peace and the lives of people, whom they do not consider people at all,” the Russian president pointed out. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia protests Japan over training shootings in open sea without warning — Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 4 (Xinhua) — Moscow lodged a strong protest with Tokyo over the Japanese military’s shooting exercises near the Russian border, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

    “On June 4, a strong protest was lodged with the Japanese Embassy in Moscow in connection with the training exercises conducted on May 23 in the open sea 18.5 km northeast of Cape Shiretoko (Hokkaido Island) involving the patrol boat Kawagiri of the Japan Maritime Safety Agency without prior notification to foreign ships and vessels,” reads a statement published on the agency’s website.

    It is stated that “irresponsible actions of this kind in the immediate vicinity of the borders of the Russian Federation constitute a clear violation of international law, create direct risks for civil shipping, the life and health of Russian citizens and are categorically unacceptable.”

    “The corresponding note from the Russian Foreign Ministry also sets out a demand for the Japanese side to properly explain the essence of what happened and take comprehensive measures to ensure that similar incidents do not recur in the future,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian economy enters cooling period — Russian Minister of Economic Development

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 4 (Xinhua) — Russia’s economy has entered a period of cooling after high growth rates in the previous two years, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said. The ministry’s press service reported this on Tuesday.

    Speaking in the Federation Council of Russia, M. Reshetnikov noted that more and more industries in the real sector are demonstrating a decline in output. The growth rate of consumer demand is slowing down, and the increase in the population’s income is being sent to savings, while a slowdown in inflation is being recorded, the minister added.

    M. Reshetnikov pointed out that Russia needs to go through the cooling-off period wisely and expressed hope for a timely easing of monetary policy in order to maintain GDP growth rates of 3 percent in the long term. In addition, he also assured that the government is taking steps to optimize the investment programs of the largest companies. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Zelensky called the Russian memorandum with the terms of the ceasefire an ultimatum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    KYIV, June 4 (Xinhua) — The document listing the terms of the ceasefire that Russia handed over to Ukraine on June 2 is not a memorandum of understanding, but an ultimatum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a briefing on Wednesday, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

    According to him, in the memorandum, Moscow set out demands in an ultimatum form, the fulfillment of which is obviously impossible. First of all, we are talking about Russia’s territorial claims. V. Zelensky emphasized that these claims contradict the UN Charter, the Constitution of Ukraine and “common sense.”

    The Ukrainian leader added that the demand for the country’s neutrality is also unfulfillable.

    On June 2, the second round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia since 2022 took place in Istanbul. At this meeting, Kyiv received a memorandum from Moscow on the terms of a ceasefire. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cooperation between China and Russia in the field of cinema is an important factor in strengthening friendship between the peoples of the two countries and a contribution to the global cultural treasury – Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 4 (Xinhua) — Cooperation between China and Russia in the film industry is an important factor in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, as well as a contribution to the global treasury of culture and art, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday, answering a question from a Xinhua correspondent.

    “I think that this is an important factor for strengthening mutual understanding, good-neighborly relations and friendship between the peoples of our countries. But I will say more: I think that this is a good, correct and very necessary contribution to the global treasury of culture and art – our bilateral cooperation in the field of cinematography,” she noted, commenting on the recent release in Russia of the highest-grossing Chinese animated film in the world, “Nezha Defeats the Dragon King” /”Nezha 2″/.

    As M. Zakharova noted, cooperation between China and Russia in the field of cinematography is developing steadily and dynamically. “This area is in the focus of attention of the leaders of our countries,” she emphasized, adding that issues of developing joint film production were discussed by the heads of state on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan in October last year.

    In addition, during the state visit of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to Moscow in May of this year, an action plan in the field of joint film production was signed between the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the State Film Administration of the People’s Republic of China until 2030. “The document provides for a number of specific projects, measures for further promotion of specialized contacts. They are already, as you know, rich in content, and it is expected that they will be developed further,” explained M. Zakharova.

    The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry also recalled the 18th meeting of the Subcommittee on Cooperation in Cinematography of the Bilateral Commission on Humanitarian Cooperation held in May, during which new creative projects were presented. In addition, the Chinese Film Festival was held in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan.

    M. Zakharova congratulated the creators of the cartoon “Nezha 2” on the impressive results and high praise from experts. “We are happy about the success of our Chinese partners in the field of cinematography,” she noted, assuring that she would try to find time to watch the new Chinese cartoon.

    “I am confident that this animated film was made at a high technological level,” the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized, expressing hope that Russian viewers will like this film.

    “We need to fully support the development of cinematography, taking into account the traditions that our countries have,” urged M. Zakharova. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Finance Ministry issues 12.5 billion yuan in treasury bonds in Hong Kong

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Finance on Wednesday issued its third batch of yuan-denominated Treasury bonds this year in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), totaling 12.5 billion yuan (about 1.74 billion U.S. dollars).

    According to the department, the current bond issue includes 2-year bonds worth 3.5 billion yuan, 3-year bonds worth 3 billion, 5-year bonds worth 3 billion, and 10-year bonds worth 3 billion. The interest rates on these securities are 1.49 percent, 1.52 percent, 1.6 percent, and 1.75 percent, respectively.

    The Ministry of Finance also noted that the bond issue was positively received by investors, with the total amount of subscriptions for the purchase of securities exceeding the amount issued into circulation by 3.96 times.

    In May, the agency announced that it would issue 68 billion yuan worth of yuan-denominated treasury bonds in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by the end of the year. The issue will be carried out in six stages. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Kyrgyz Republic

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 4, 2025

    • The Kyrgyz Republic has shown strong economic performance despite global uncertainties with robust growth, stabilizing inflation, and declining public debt.
    • Growth is expected to gradually moderate as external trade normalizes and domestic demand slows, while inflation remains stable with continued prudent monetary policy.
    • Sustaining macroeconomic stability and strengthening inclusive growth will require rebuilding policy buffers, enhancing fiscal sustainability, safeguarding monetary policy independence, and advancing structural reforms to boost productivity.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV Consultation for the Kyrgyz Republic on a lapse of time basis on May 22, 2025.[1]

    The Kyrgyz Republic has performed remarkably well amid a highly uncertain external environment. The economy grew by 9 percent annually since 2022, headline inflation has returned to the central bank’s target range, and public debt declined to 36.6 percent of GDP in 2024.

    Looking ahead, growth is projected to moderate to 6.8 percent in 2025 and converge to about 5¼ percent in the medium term as re-export trade moderates and domestic demand eases. Inflation is expected to remain broadly stable under the assumption of prudent monetary policy. The large-scale public investments would widen the overall fiscal deficit, but public debt would remain contained under 42 percent of GDP thanks to robust GDP growth.

    In view of the heightened global uncertainty, medium term priorities include rebuilding policy buffers and advancing structural reforms to strengthen economy’s resilience to shocks and support higher and more inclusive growth.

     

    Executive Board Assessment

    The Kyrgyz Republic has demonstrated remarkable resilience amidst global economic uncertainty. The economy has sustained robust growth supported by considerable expansion of external trade, inflows of remittances and labor, and resilient domestic demand. Inflation has moderated to mid-single digits, though underlying demand pressures warrant vigilance to keep inflation within the central bank’s target range. Lower public debt provides the needed fiscal space for priority investment in public infrastructure, energy generation capacity and human capital development.

    Looking ahead, economic activity is expected to moderate from the exceptionally high levels of the past three years as re-export trade normalizes. Growth is projected to converge to its potential rate of 5¼ percent in the medium term, but the outlook is highly uncertain and depends on regional geopolitical developments. A further escalation of sanctions on Russia could weaken remittances and growth due to a depreciation of the ruble and slower growth in Russia. Conversely, a lasting peace in the region could have the opposite impact, but may also unwind some of the trade and financial flows that have boosted growth in recent years. In an increasingly uncertain world, the medium-term priority is to strengthen resilience of the Kyrgyz economy to future shocks by rebuilding policy buffers and enhance prospects for higher and more inclusive growth through structural reforms.

    Strong revenue performance and a prudent fiscal stance coupled with high GDP growth have contained public debt. To further strengthen fiscal sustainability and create fiscal space for large development needs, the authorities should enhance tax policy by reducing tax exemptions and special tax regimes, increasing progressivity of the Personal Income Tax, and further strengthening revenue administration. Containing the public wage bill and energy subsidies, channeling Kumtor profits to the budget, and privatization of nonstrategic commercial SOEs would also contribute to fiscal sustainability and provide additional fiscal resources. Containing fiscal deficits would also limit borrowing and ease inflation pressures.

    Preserving monetary policy independence is essential to contain inflationary pressures and maintain price stability. In view of robust domestic demand, further efforts are needed to ensure that inflation remains within the central bank’s target range. Tightening of interest rates and liquidity conditions might be warranted, if inflation pressures persist or rise. Monetary policy effectiveness could be enhanced by lifting interest rate caps, extending instrument maturities, phasing out subsidized lending, and enhancing exchange rate flexibility. Staff supports the discontinuation of domestic gold purchases by the NBKR and recommends halting NBKR profit transfers to the budget until its capital reaches the statutory threshold.

    Sustaining high growth rates requires structural reforms to increase productivity and improve the business climate. Priority reform areas include governance and SOE management, competition policies, labor markets, and climate adaptation. If duly implemented, the authorities’ anti-corruption strategy could lay a solid foundation for a more resilient and dynamic economy. Strengthening the rule of law and protection of property rights, reducing the SOE footprint and enhancing competition are crucial for building trust in public institutions and improving the business climate to encourage private investment and innovation. Reforms aimed at increasing labor market flexibility, reducing gender gaps, and improving social safety nets would also support more inclusive economic growth, while investments in sustainable energy and infrastructure, and health and education remain vital to enhance resilience to climate risks.

    Table 1. Kyrgyz Republic: Select Economic Indicators

     

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board. The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/04/pr25176-kyrgyz-republic-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tip of the Iceberg: Innovations and Technologies of the Tower at MIEM Tech

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    At the end of May, the festival of technological presentations MIEM Tech Day was held in the atrium of the HSE building on Pokrovsky Boulevard. The event brought together the main educational, research and project tracks Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics named after A.N. Tikhonov (MIEM) HSE, carried out in close cooperation with partners – leading companies, research and financial organizations of Russia.

    Engineers at the forefront of science

    On this day, the festival guests were treated to an extensive program: a Technoshow from the MIEM project block, a demo Engineering and Mathematical School HSE and VK, consultations on all educational programs of the institute, presentations and stands of partner companies, quizzes, competitions, numerous interactive zones from the festival organizers, companies, student organizations.

    The event was attended by students and teachers from HSE and other universities, representatives of MIEM partner companies, IT experts, and schoolchildren.

    In their greetings during the short opening ceremony of MIEM Tech Day, the speakers noted the importance of the engineering direction in shaping the modern portrait of the university.

    “The Higher School of Economics is a classical university, we have a wide range of areas, including engineering, which is so relevant today,” said Irina Martusevich, Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics. “MIEM is the heart of engineering at HSE. The university is at the forefront of scientific thought. This is also due to MIEM.”

    The general partner of the event was VK.

    “For MIEM, cooperation with leading representatives of the industry and business is, first and foremost, a growth point,” emphasized Dmitry Kovalenko, Vice-Rector of HSE and Director of MIEM. “We understand that we will not be able to reach a new level in education and research without our partners, both internal, representing HSE departments and campuses, and external, including VK, the Bank of Russia, the Element Group of Companies, MTS, InfoWatch, EkoNiva, MCST and others. The list is constantly expanding. Today, there are many companies that want to move into a new history, to a new stage of development, together with MIEM.”

    Showcase of achievements

    A striking example of the established unique joint project-based educational model is the Engineering and Mathematical School of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and VK. The annual demo of the school took place on the main stage of the festival.

    “Universities provide a solid academic base, our task is to bring in a practical component by attracting experts, interacting with students, providing cases and the opportunity to work on real projects,” says Georgy Shchelkanov, Director of University Relations at VK. “For three years now, VK, together with the National Research University Higher School of Economics, has been implementing an advanced format of project laboratories: today, students of the IMS workshops are engaged not only in educational projects, but also in applied scientific research and development. This experience allows students to develop key skills and build a career in technology.”

    Three workshops, six speakers and hundreds of listeners — the participants presented the final projects prepared during the training. For the first time, the demo was held in an open format; usually such presentations are held only among workshop participants.

    “We are holding a demo of the HSE IMS and VK in an expanded format. Last year it took place in the chamber atmosphere of St. Petersburg, and now we have gathered in the atrium on Pokrovka,” explained Fyodor Ivanov, director Center for the organization of work on the project “Advanced Engineering and Mathematical School” HSE University. — I am glad that this event took place. For the workshop participants, studying at IMS is an opportunity to touch real projects, to try themselves in a place where the future of the IT industry is being created. In addition, we invited IMS graduates working at VK to the demo. They shared their experience of building a career track with the audience. As a result, it was a great event, in which there was a lot of communication and exchange of experience, professional and career.”

    Among the presented student developments are MLSecOps tools for analyzing vulnerabilities of machine learning models, as well as a system for monitoring the security of ML models and datasets using deduplication.

    In the field of speech synthesis, a model for assessing TTS metrics was presented, replacing human expertise with synthetic data, and a zero-shot TTS project with a Russian-language dataset. Attacks on multimodal vision-language models were also investigated, and Russian-language benchmarks were developed to assess their quality.

    The main space of the atrium hosted the showroom of the project Technoshow, an annual exhibition of the best project developments by MIEM students. This year, Technoshow was held for the seventh time, but for the first time in the atrium of the main building of the HSE. A total of 60 products of project activity, implemented in close cooperation with MIEM partners, were presented.

    Innovations, projects, developments

    An important feature of MIEM projects is their practical orientation and the use of modern technological and innovative solutions.

    “The IT industry is constantly being replenished with new technologies, this is a continuous process,” noted Ilya Semichasnov, head of Project Development Management Center MIEM. – Now, for example, no one is surprised by LLM programs that talk like a real person, but literally two years ago it was wow. Even if our students demonstrate something that already exists on the market in their developments, under the hood there will still be some innovation, a student invention.”

    All student projects presented at the Technoshow were implemented within the framework of the unique project model operating at MIEM, focused on close interaction with the institute’s partners and the reproduction of working models and mechanics used in the work of project teams in leading IT companies. The exhibition featured partner projects with VK, the Bank of Russia, Element Group, InfoWatch Group, EkoNiva and other companies. In many ways, it is this advantage of the project environment at MIEM that allows large technology companies not only to apply their own educational practices when implementing joint projects with MIEM, but also to consider the institute as an experimental platform for testing new models of project-educational cooperation with universities.

    “Our group of companies is currently a leader in the microelectronics industry, and we recognize our significant social responsibility, the need for the entire industry to develop methods for training personnel,” said Nail Vyalshin, head of education at Element Group. “In this sense, MIEM is of great importance to us: we plan to use it as a basis for building such an innovative mechanism for implementing our educational programs, including network programs, when the institute houses the head center of expertise and competencies. We plan to further broadcast this new model in the field of higher education in microelectronics when implementing educational programs at other universities.”

    The key areas of project presentations were defined: a digital university with innovative educational solutions, games and interactive applications with a focus on game design, robots and gadgets with autonomous technologies, industrial technologies for production automation, business solutions and startups based on artificial intelligence, information security solutions (from antifraud to AI protection), medical technologies for improving diagnostics, space with satellite systems, video technologies using AI, as well as clusters of projects from the joint Engineering and Mathematics School of the Higher School of Economics and VK and the MIEM Student Design Bureau with applied hardware and software projects, Center for Software Development and Digital Services with IT and IB services. As a result, MIEM’s design developments filled the entire space of the largest HSE site.

    “This is the first time that MIEM has presented itself so widely at Pokrovka,” said Veronika Prokhorova, Deputy Director of MIEM HSE. “It’s great that there are so many interested parties today. Students, teachers, and staff come up to us, ask questions, and are interested. For us, Technoshow and MIEM Tech Day are the tip of the iceberg. Today, we have gathered here the very best of what we do throughout the year. We are finally bringing it to the public and saying, ‘Guys, take a look and rejoice with us. We are great.’”

    Most of the developments presented at Technoshow are of an applied nature. Evgeny Kruk, scientific director of MIEM, notes the importance of applied sciences for introducing students to scientific research activities: “Our projects have a lot of applied science, and this is the right track for students focused on research work. A project is an entry into applied science, and applied science is the entry into fundamental science. And there is a gigantic field for discoveries.”

    The festival partners shared their impressions of the joint projects presented at Technoshow.

    “Today, milk production and agriculture in general are no longer just a plough and shovels, they are artificial intelligence, they are cutting-edge technologies that need to be implemented. In this regard, cooperation with the Higher School of Economics is a priority for us,” shared Anastasia Ornova, manager for work with the personnel reserve of the EkoNiva agricultural holding. “We have several joint projects. For example, a project on soybean phenotyping, the purpose of which is to conduct research in the field. Another project is aimed at analyzing logistics in the supply of raw milk from the agro-complex to the plant. In the near future, we are planning to hold the first joint hackathon with the National Research University Higher School of Economics.”

    “The event featured student projects, including those prepared by master’s students of the joint program with the Bank of Russia, “Information Security in the Credit and Financial Sphere,” says Elena Stavitskaya, consultant of the Department of Financial Cyber Literacy and Educational Initiatives of the Department of Methodology and Standardization of Information Security and Cyber Resilience of the Information Security Department of the Bank of Russia. “Some of the work is theoretical in nature, while others were presented in the form of implemented applied models. I would like to note the seriousness, depth, and, undoubtedly, practical nature of the projects, their focus on solving socially significant problems.”

    Thus, a joint project with the Information Security Department of the Bank of Russia offered everyone who wanted to deceive (almost always unsuccessfully) the protected algorithm of biometric identification by photo created at MIEM. Another project with the Bank of Russia presented a method for comparing countries by the level of fraud pressure, allowing to evaluate the success of the work of the structures interested in this.

    The festival also included an informal open day at MIEM HSE, as all of MIEM’s bachelor’s, specialist’s and master’s degree programs were presented in a separate area.

    In addition, the festival guests were treated not only to a scientific and educational program, but also to a variety of entertainment activities for relaxation and communication, including bingo with the opportunity to win merch from MIEM and IMS, areas for bead weaving and playing chess, as well as an area with anti-stress coloring books.

    The guests were also greatly interested in the stands and activities of partner companies and MIEM student communities – the MIEM Student Scientific and Technical Society and the MIEM Student Design Bureau.

    “MIEM Tech Day is not only an exhibition of the best technological products, but also a platform for exchanging experience,” emphasized Karina Lebedeva, consultant of the financial market training department of the Department for the Development of New Technologies in Education of the Bank of Russia. “In addition to student projects, the event featured presentations of the best cases of MIEM HSE partners. The stands of partners deserve special attention, where a large number of necessary handouts were presented. Thank you for the high level of organization of the event and the opportunity to literally touch student developments.”

    As a result, the day was filled with an atmosphere of friendly professional communication among all participants of the event – students, professionals, and those simply interested in the development of modern technologies and IT engineering.

    “What is MIEM Tech Day for me? First of all, it is people, student communities, teams, those who create the atmosphere of the event. Secondly, it is innovation, and thirdly, it is fun, because it is really fun here, it is fun to look at it, it is fun to touch it all. This is a very cool event! Finally, it is the team that organized this wonderful holiday,” concluded Ilya Semichasnov.

    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: European Commission approves Bulgaria’s transition to euro in 2026

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Brussels/Sofia, June 4 (Xinhua) — Bulgaria has met the criteria to adopt the euro as of January 1, 2026, making it the 21st member of the eurozone, the European Commission (EC) announced on Wednesday.

    The conclusion of the Commission’s 2025 Convergence Report, prepared at Bulgaria’s request, confirms that the country meets the four nominal convergence criteria required for adoption of the euro. The assessment also took into account broader economic indicators such as market integration and the balance of payments. The findings were also supported by a parallel report from the European Central Bank (ECB).

    Based on the conclusion, the European Commission proposed that the EU Council adopt a decision and a regulation on the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria. The final decision should be taken by the EU Council in the first half of July after consultations with the Eurogroup, the European Council, the European Parliament and the ECB.

    “This brings Bulgaria one step closer to adopting the euro,” said EC President Ursula von der Leyen, adding that eurozone membership would strengthen the country’s economy through increased trade, investment and access to finance.

    Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov welcomed the positive assessment, calling it the result of years of reforms and coordination with other European partners. He is expected to make a formal statement later on Wednesday.

    Meanwhile, public opinion in Bulgaria remains divided on the issue. A recent poll by the Trend Research Center found that only 21 percent of respondents support switching to the euro in 2026, while 33 percent want to delay the introduction of the single currency and 38 percent reject the idea entirely. In recent weeks, protests have been held across the country demanding a referendum on keeping the national currency, the lev. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 11 killed, 50 injured in stampede at cricket stadium in Bangalore, India /more details/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NEW DELHI, June 4 (Xinhua) — At least 11 people were killed and 50 others injured in a stampede near a cricket stadium in the southern Indian city of Bangalore on Wednesday, multiple local media reported.

    The stampede occurred outside the Mangalam Chinnaswamy Stadium where thousands of cricket fans had gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning their first Indian Premier League title.

    “The injured were taken to Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital and Vaidehi Hospital. Seven people succumbed to their injuries in Bowring and four others succumbed to their injuries in Vaidehi,” New Delhi-based News18 reported.

    RCB won the league title for the first time in 18 years, which led to a rush of jubilant fans filling the stadium and surrounding areas to see their idols.

    Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed the deaths but did not specify the number of casualties.

    “I apologize for the stampede,” he said. “We have deployed over 5,000 personnel. We are dealing with a young, lively crowd and cannot use lathis (long batons used by Indian police) against them,” DK Shivakumar added.

    Television channels showed thousands of people, some waving the team’s red flags, lining the streets leading to the stadium as the cricket team arrived at the venue by bus. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: German Techno

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Izmailovsky Park will host a unique lecture dedicated to the history of German electronic music. Guests will learn how in the 1970s in Dusseldorf, the Kraftwerk group laid the foundations for this trend, creating the very machine sound that later became the hallmark of German techno.

    Participants will learn how experiments with synthesizers and rhythm boxes turned into an entire movement that inspires generations of musicians. Listeners will find themselves in Frankfurt in the 1980s — the epicenter of the emerging club culture. The final part of the event will highlight the key musical confrontations of the 1990s: the creative rivalry of EBM (Electronic Body Music) and techno house, as well as the formation of the German trance wave. Guests will learn about the characteristic features of each style, the most significant performers and bands, as well as the global influence of the German electronic scene on the world music industry.

    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: // Rytlet.mos.ru/Event/347738257/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The establishment of an ecological compensation mechanism for the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers is planned to be completed by 2027

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — China will establish a unified inter-basin ecological compensation mechanism for the main rivers of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers by 2027 as part of a broader effort to improve water management, the Ministry of Finance announced Wednesday.

    According to a plan jointly released by the ministry and four other government departments, the mechanism will be extended to main channels and major tributaries of key river basins including the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers by 2035.

    Compensatory measures will become richer in content, more diverse in methods, improved in standards and mature in mechanisms.

    The central government will actively play a coordinating and guiding role in the implementation of this mechanism, rationally determining compensation indicators and funding volumes to ensure that they correspond to the situation with the protection of the aquatic ecological environment and an acceptable burden on local budgets.

    China first unveiled plans to establish compensation mechanisms for the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Since then, the country has made significant progress in preserving and restoring the ecology of these rivers.

    For example, the Yangtze River Basin has seen a recovery in aquatic biodiversity since a 10-year fishing ban was imposed in 2020. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 344 native fish species were recorded in the river between 2021 and 2024, 36 more than in the 2017-2020 period before the ban took effect.

    The Yellow River, China’s second-longest waterway, has also seen steady environmental improvements, including improved water security and environmental quality. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China hopes Japan will reconsider its historical crimes and firmly adhere to the path of peaceful development – Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — China hopes Japan will deeply reflect on its historical crimes, earnestly learn from the past, and firmly adhere to the path of peaceful development, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Wednesday.

    The diplomat made the statement at a regular briefing for journalists, responding to a question about Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s recent statement that Japan must remember the painful experiences and lessons of history and not repeat the mistakes of the war period.

    “China attaches great importance to this position,” Lin Jian noted.

    The official spokesperson recalled that during the meeting of the leaders of China and Japan in November 2024 in Lima, Peru, Shigeru Ishiba assured that the Japanese side would adhere to the spirit of looking honestly at history and focusing on the future, firmly following the path of peaceful development.

    “In his speech, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba particularly emphasized the need to understand the historical past, learn lessons from history, and prevent the mistakes of the war period from being repeated. We attach great importance to this position,” Lin Jian added.

    Correctly understanding and treating history, expressing remorse and apology for the war of aggression through concrete actions are key prerequisites for Japan’s post-war reintegration into the international community, Lin Jian stressed, noting that these issues concern not only the political basis of Sino-Japanese relations, but also Japan’s ties with neighboring countries, as well as its international image.

    “We call on Japan to completely abandon any attempt to whitewash or conceal the history of its aggression, take a responsible stance toward history, its people and the future, firmly adhere to the path of peaceful development, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through real actions,” Lin Jian concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia demands response from US and UK to Ukrainian attacks on Russian airfields — Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 4 (Xinhua) — Russia is demanding a clear response from the United States and Britain to Ukraine’s attacks on Russian airfields to prevent further escalation, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

    “We demand that both London and Washington react in such a way as to stop this cycle of escalation and return it to something that will be somewhat closer to common sense and a common sense of strategic stability. I hope that this concept of strategic stability does not belong to the past and we will find a sufficient share of reason in Western capitals, including London,” TASS quotes Ryabkov as saying.

    The Deputy Head of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a corresponding statement during a press conference dedicated to the 11th International Scientific Expert Forum “Primakov Readings”.

    According to S. Ryabkov, the lack of reaction from Western countries may indicate their involvement in preparing the strikes. The decision on how Moscow will respond to these strikes will be made by the Russian Defense Ministry, the diplomat emphasized.

    He noted that over the past two days, “speculations” have been spreading on social networks that Ukraine could not have prepared an attack on Russian airfields without intelligence from those “who have such capabilities and share this data with Kiev.” “These questions remain unanswered,” S. Ryabkov stated. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Magnitude 5.3 earthquake hits northern Mongolia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ULAN BATOR, June 4 (Xinhua) — A 5.3-magnitude earthquake was recorded in northern Mongolia, the Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics of the country’s Academy of Sciences said on Wednesday.

    According to him, the earthquake occurred on Wednesday at 18:22 local time. The epicenter was located 71 km northwest of Ulaan-Uul soum of Mongolia’s Khuvsgol aimag.

    Residents of Khovsgol aimag felt strong tremors.

    There are no reports of casualties or damage yet. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In the first five months of 2025, the volume of gold purchases by the Central Bank of Mongolia decreased by 29.3 percent.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ULAN BATOR, June 4 (Xinhua) — The Central Bank of Mongolia’s gold purchases fell by 29.3 percent in the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year, the regulator’s press service said on Wednesday.

    During the specified period, the Central Bank of Mongolia purchased 4.3 tons (more than 151 thousand ounces) of gold from legal entities and individuals, the official statement noted.

    As of May, the Central Bank of Mongolia’s gold buying rate was around US$105 per gram, in line with the low rate on the London Metal Exchange.

    The purchase of gold is one of the regulator’s most important instruments, promoting economic stability through the gradual increase of the country’s gold and foreign exchange reserves.

    According to the latest data from the Central Bank, Mongolia’s foreign exchange reserves reached US$5.135 billion in the first quarter of 2025. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine and Russia to conduct prisoner exchange on 500-500 basis this weekend – V. Zelensky

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Kyiv, June 4 /Xinhua/ — Ukraine and Russia plan to hold another prisoner exchange on June 7-8. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following bilateral consultations held on Wednesday, as reported by the Ukrinform agency.

    According to him, Russia expressed its readiness to hand over 500 people to Ukraine. Kyiv will release the same number of prisoners.

    At the same time, V. Zelensky noted that Ukraine has not yet received a list of persons whom the Russian Federation is preparing for exchange.

    On June 2, the second round of peace talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation since 2022 took place in Istanbul. At the talks, the parties agreed to exchange prisoners according to the “all for all” formula for two categories of servicemen: seriously ill and those aged 18 to 25. V. Zelensky stated that journalists and political prisoners could also return to Ukraine as part of this exchange. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –