Category: Russian Federation

MIL-OSI Russia: Russia imposes restrictions on 15 European web resources in response to EU sanctions

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 30 /Xinhua/ – Russia, in response to the European Union’s restrictions on Russian publications and information channels, is restricting access from the territory of the Russian Federation to the web resources of 15 European media outlets, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.

“As a response to the latest restrictions by the European Union against eight Russian publications and information channels /Eurasia Daily, Fondsk, Lenta, News Front, Rubaltic, South Front, the Strategic Culture Foundation, and the Federal State Budgetary Institution RIC Krasnaya Zvezda/, adopted within the framework of the so-called 16th sanctions ‘package’ approved by the EU Council in February of this year, the Russian side has decided to introduce counter restrictions on access from the territory of the Russian Federation to the web resources of fifteen media outlets of the bloc’s member states that participate in the dissemination of false information,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

As noted on Smolenskaya Square, official Brussels and the capitals of EU member states have been repeatedly warned that bans and unjustified restrictions directed against Russian media, as well as other forms of politically motivated repression, will not go unanswered by the Russian side. Responsibility for such developments lies entirely with the European Union and the bloc’s member states that supported the unlawful decisions.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also noted that “if restrictions on domestic publications and information channels are lifted, the Russian side will also reconsider its decision regarding European media.”

On February 24, the EU Council approved the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. The restrictive measures affected 48 individuals and 35 legal entities. The restrictions included a ban on broadcasting of a number of Russian media outlets, an expansion of the list of vessels in the Russian Federation’s “shadow fleet”, disconnection of 13 Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank system, an update to the list of goods prohibited for export to Russia, and sanctions against Russian ports and airports. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Death toll from Israeli strikes on Iran rises to 935 – Iranian authorities

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

TEHRAN, June 30 (Xinhua) — The death toll from Israeli strikes on Iran between June 13 and 24 has risen to 935, including 38 children and 132 women, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported on Monday.

As Iranian judicial spokesman Asghar Jahangir said at a press conference in Tehran, citing data from the Iranian Forensic Medicine Organization, some of the women killed were pregnant.

On June 13, Israel launched a series of massive airstrikes on nuclear and military sites in the Islamic Republic, killing military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians and injuring many others, according to Iranian officials.

Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, which also resulted in casualties and destruction.

A ceasefire agreement between the two countries was reached on June 24, ending a 12-day standoff. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: On June 28, the monorail in Moscow ended its operation and its reconstruction into the first year-round high-altitude park in Russia began.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

More than 71% of the capital’s residents voted for the idea of creating a green park on the site of the monorail on the Active Citizen portal. It is planned to open in 2027. Now they will receive a new urban space that will connect 5 districts at once, where 300 thousand people live.

Trips in this direction will continue using the developed transport network. Today, the monorail has alternatives in the form of convenient and fast routes through new metro and MCC stations, as well as trams and buses with electric buses, which partially duplicate its route.

The monorail was built more than 20 years ago, during which time it never fully began to perform its transport function. A scheduled inspection revealed the need for major repairs.

The monorail can be given a second life by updating its infrastructure and creating a new beautiful park space for Moscow residents.

The modern and unusual park will have free and round-the-clock entry. The number of visitors could reach up to 20,000 people per day, which is 10 times more than the monorail uses today.

For the first time in Russia, a running track for active recreation in any weather and quiet walking areas can be stretched along the entire length of the 4 km and 6 m above the ground! Everyone will be able to run their own “mono race” here. The park will offer a stunning view of the VDNKh area and the Ostankino Tower.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China extends anti-dumping duties on stainless steel imports from EU, UK, South Korea and Indonesia — China’s Ministry of Commerce

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 30 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Commerce announced Monday that it will extend anti-dumping duties on stainless steel billets and hot-rolled sheets and coils imported from the European Union, Britain, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Indonesia for another five years from July 1.

This decision was made following an investigation initiated in July 2024 at the request of the Chinese industry in connection with the expiration of anti-dumping measures in relation to the above-mentioned products.

As noted by the Ministry of Commerce, if the anti-dumping measures are terminated, dumping of stainless steel billets and hot-rolled sheets and coils imported from the EU, UK, ROK and Indonesia may continue or resume, potentially causing further or new damage to China’s industry.

Under the expanded measures, anti-dumping duties on imported stainless steel were set in the range of 23.1% to 103.1% for Kazakhstan, 43% for the EU and the UK, and 20.2% for Indonesia.

Stainless steel billets and hot rolled sheets and coils are widely used in shipbuilding, container manufacturing, railway construction, electric power, petroleum and petrochemical industries. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: On June 28, monorail service in Moscow came to an end, and reconstruction began to transform it into Russia’s first year-round elevated park.

The idea to create a green park on the former monorail route received support from over 71% of city residents in a vote on the «Active Citizen» portal. The park is scheduled to open in 2027. This new urban space will connect five districts, home to 300,000 people.

Travel along this corridor will continue thanks to Moscow’s extensive transport network. Today, the monorail has convenient and fast alternatives, including new metro and Moscow Central Circle (MCC) stations, as well as trams and electric buses—many of which partially duplicate its route.

The monorail was built over 20 years ago but never fully realized its potential as a transport link. Scheduled inspections revealed the need for major repairs.

Now, the monorail can be given a second life by updating its infrastructure and creating a beautiful new park space for Moscow residents.

The modern, unique park will offer free, round-the-clock entry. It is expected to attract up to 20,000 visitors a day—ten times more than the monorail ever served.

For the first time in Russia, a 4-kilometer-long running track will stretch the entire length of the park, six meters above ground, enabling active recreation in any weather, along with peaceful walking areas. Everyone will be able to run their own «mono-race» here. The park will also offer stunning views of the VDNKh area and the Ostankino Tower.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: HSE and JSC Nanotronika launch strategic partnership in electronic engineering

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

Photo: JSC “MNTs MIET”

At the industry conference “Electronic Engineering – 2025” held in early June MIEM HSE University and JSC Nanotronika (part of the Element Group of Companies) signed a strategic partnership agreement. The conference was held on the campus of SberUniversity and brought together more than 600 participants from 200 organizations, including leading enterprises, research centers, and universities. The event was supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Belarus.

The conference was actively attended by HSE Vice-Rector and MIEM Director Dmitry Kovalenko, Institute Advisor and Lecturer in the Department of Electronic Engineering Vladimir Vetrov, HSE Full Professor and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Konstantin Petrosyants and MIEM Head of the Department of Electronic Engineering Boris Lvov.

Dmitry Kovalenko and Konstantin Petrosyants spoke at the conference. The report by the MIEM Director touched upon the problems of training and developing the industry’s human resources potential in the context of the country’s course to strengthen technological sovereignty. Dmitry Kovalenko presented a detailed picture of the institute’s educational technologies aimed at solving modern problems in the field of electronic engineering, placing special emphasis on the mechanisms of interaction with technological partners from the industry implemented by the institute: large companies, leading research and financial organizations. The report was presented as part of the round table “Human Resources for Electronic Engineering”. Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Konstantin Petrosyants presented a report on the testing and implementation of a subsystem for determining the parameters of SPICE models of electronic components for industrial circuit CAD systems.

The main event of the conference for MIEM was the conclusion of an agreement with JSC Nanotronika, one of the young and most promising companies in the field of microelectronics and equipment, part of the Element Group. The agreement opens up new horizons for cooperation. The document provides for comprehensive interaction affecting educational, scientific and design areas of activity.

Among the priorities of the joint work is the organization of educational events with the participation of specialists and managers of the company “Nanotronika”. Representatives of the company will regularly give lectures to students, conduct practical classes and master classes, providing students with knowledge and skills relevant to the labor market.

An important element of the partnership will be project and research activities. The Nanotronika company will form a pool of projects, participation in which will allow MIEM students to gain real experience in solving modern engineering and technological problems. It is also envisaged to conduct joint scientific research and experimental design work (R&D), organize conferences, seminars and round tables with the participation of both parties.

The agreement pays special attention to the organization of industrial and pre-graduation practice. Students will be able to get acquainted with the high-tech production of the Nanotronika company, which will allow them to improve their professional competence and successfully adapt to industry enterprises after completing their studies. The company, for its part, will regularly inform MIEM about vacancies and employment opportunities for graduates who have proven themselves during practice and training.

In addition, the parties agreed to jointly prepare and publish scientific articles, reports and teaching aids reflecting the results of joint projects. One of the most important steps in implementing the agreement will be the creation of a joint workshop in the field of electronic engineering. This workshop will be equipped with modern tools and technologies and will become a practical platform where students and specialists of the company will be able to jointly develop and test innovative technologies.

“The development of electronic engineering today is of strategic importance for ensuring the technological sovereignty of the country,” says Dmitry Kovalenko. “In the context of global restrictions and growing demands on domestic microelectronics, the need to create our own infrastructure is growing – from design to production. The issue of personnel is especially acute: the industry requires highly qualified engineers capable of developing, implementing and servicing the most complex technological systems. This is why partnerships between leading universities and industrial companies are becoming not just desirable, but vital for the formation of a sustainable innovation ecosystem.”

“JSC Nanotronika specializes in the development and production of special technological equipment for microelectronics,” says Yulia Sukhoroslova, CEO of JSC Nanotronika. “It is impossible to provide Russian electronic components manufacturers with domestic high-tech installations without qualified personnel. Therefore, it is especially important for us to develop cooperation with universities and form teams of specialists with the necessary competencies. One of the most effective ways to train personnel is to involve students in solving real scientific and industrial problems. Our company, as an industrial partner, provides future specialists with the opportunity to participate in advanced projects and gain unique experience in developing the most modern equipment.”

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 –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Clarifications on issues of credit institutions related to blocked assets

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

Updated: 30.06.2025.

Bank of Russia Instruction No. 6379-U of 23.03.2023 “On the procedure for reflecting certain assets and liabilities in foreign currency in accounting accounts by credit institutions under restrictive measures” (hereinafter referred to as Instruction No. 6379-U) establishes the specifics of reflecting non-refundable blocked assets denominated in foreign currency in accounting accounts: these assets are recorded in rubles without reflecting currency revaluation. At the same time, Instruction No. 6379-U does not provide for any other exceptions from the general methodological principles of reflecting financial assets in accounting.

Due to the requirements of the Bank of Russia’s accounting regulations, when applying them, credit institutions are guided by International Financial Reporting Standards (hereinafter referred to as IFRS). Thus, the estimated reserve for expected credit losses on financial assets is reflected by credit institutions in accounting in accordance with paragraph 5.5.1 of IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” (hereinafter referred to as IFRS 9), and the method for assessing expected credit losses is determined in accordance with paragraph 5.5.17 of IFRS 9.

It is important to note that the principles of IFRS 9 do not provide for any specifics regarding assets that are non-current assets for Russian credit institutions, including the fact that the definition of a credit-impaired financial asset does not contain any circumstances due to which a blocked asset is recognized as non-current assets.

In their economic essence, NZA are losses of the CI, which, due to the relaxation introduced by the Bank of Russia, are recognized for the purposes of prudential regulation not at one time, but over a long period of time, until 2032, under the preferential reserve formation scheme for possible losses. At the same time, the preferential reserve scheme is not provided for by the principles of IFRS 9, that is, estimated reserves for expected credit losses are formed, including for accrued but not received interest income on NZA, in the amount of 100%.

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 –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Answers to typical requests from credit institutions on banking regulation and supervision

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

Question

from 15.10.2024

The Bank requests that the data sources used to reflect information about the address of residence (registration) of an individual be unified:

1. When filling out the register of obligations in accordance with Bank of Russia Instruction No. 4990-U.

2. When forming the credit history of an individual subject in accordance with Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P1.

3. When identifying an individual client and generating formalized electronic messages in accordance with Bank of Russia Instruction No. 5861-U2.

1 Bank of Russia Regulation dated 11.05.2021 No. 758-P “On the procedure for forming a credit history” (hereinafter referred to as Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P).

2 Bank of Russia Instruction dated 15.07.2021 No. 5861-U “On the procedure for submitting data and information by credit institutions to the authorized body in accordance with Articles 7 and 7.5 of the Federal Law “On Combating the Legalization (Laundering) of Criminally Obtained Incomes and the Financing of Terrorism” (hereinafter referred to as Bank of Russia Instruction No. 5861-U).

Answer

dated 11/15/2024 No. 4990-U-2024/8

Regarding question 1.

The source of data for reflecting information about the address of residence (registration) of the depositor1 are entries in the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation or, for persons under the age of fourteen, in the certificate of registration at the place of residence2.

If the identity document (hereinafter referred to as the I.D.) of an individual depositor does not contain certain address-forming elements (for example, the name of the region, city) of the depositor’s place of residence (registration), this information may be supplemented by the bank based on information from the registration authority that registered such depositor at the place of residence (stay), or based on additional information provided by the depositor when concluding the agreement or during the depositor’s next visit to the bank.

In the event of a discrepancy between the data on the depositor’s residential address (registration), filled in on the basis of the DUL, and the information reflected in the GAR FIAS3, the bank may, when sending the register of obligations to the Bank of Russia, provide additional explanations (comments) on the sources of relevant information it used.

At the same time, we note that in order to unify approaches to recording the address of an individual used to fill out the register of obligations and to identify the client4, it is planned to make editorial clarifications to Bank of Russia Instruction No. 4990-U, providing for the possibility of reflecting information about the address of the place of residence of an individual depositor when filling out lines of the register of obligations related to the address of residence (registration) and the address for postal notifications5.

Regarding question 2.

In accordance with Part 1 of Article 5 of Federal Law No. 218-FZ6, sources of credit history formation submit to the credit history bureau all available information specified in Article 4 of Federal Law No. 218-FZ, in the manner established by Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P.

The specified procedure establishes unified requirements for the formation of credit information indicators, including technical ones, which allows for the automation of information interaction between financial market participants and the bureau, reduces the costs of interaction participants, minimizes the risks of incorrect formation of credit information and, as a result, increases its accuracy and quality, in connection with which, in particular, information about the registration address (residence) of the subject of the credit history is formed in the form of a unique address number of the addressing object in the State Register of Financial Accounting Information (according to the indicator “Address number in the State Register”, the code of the settlement, street code, house (property) code, building code and apartment number code are indicated)7.

The unification of requirements for the formation of credit information indicators is also of particular importance to ensure the ability of financial market participants – users of credit histories – to automate the process of processing credit information for its use for analytical purposes.

At the same time, we note that, along with the formation of the credit information indicator “Address Number in the State Register” (the unique address number of the addressing object in the State Register of Financial Accounting Systems), Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P provides for the formation by the source of other credit information indicators containing information about the subject’s address, which can be formed both on the basis of information from the subject’s DUL and on the basis of information about the address contained in the State Register of Financial Accounting Systems (in addition to the unique address number of the addressing object in the State Register of Financial Accounting Systems).

In this regard, the addition of credit information indicators, provided for by Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P, with indicators that provide for filling in address information from the DUL has already been implemented in Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P.

Regarding question 3.

In accordance with paragraph two of subparagraph 1 of paragraph 1 of Article 7 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ8, when identifying individuals, credit institutions are obliged to establish data, including the address of residence (registration) or place of stay.

According to paragraph fourteen of Article 3 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ, confirmation of the accuracy of information obtained during the identification process is carried out using original documents and (or) duly certified copies and (or) state and other information systems.

Taking into account the provisions of Part One of Article 2 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ, the norm of the second paragraph of subparagraph 1 of paragraph 1 of Article 7 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ is of a universal nature and applies to all subjects subject to identification – individuals, both citizens of the Russian Federation and foreign citizens, and stateless persons.

The above-mentioned provision in terms of establishing the address of an individual provides for the possibility, in order for credit institutions to comply with the requirement of Federal Law No. 115-FZ on the identification of individuals, to establish information either on the address of their place of residence (registration) or place of stay. In this case, the concepts of “registration of a citizen of the Russian Federation at the place of stay”, “registration of a citizen of the Russian Federation at the place of residence”, “place of stay”, “place of residence” are defined by Article 2 of the Law of the Russian Federation of 25.06.1993 No. 5242-1 “On the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Freedom of Movement, Choice of Place of Stay and Residence within the Russian Federation” and can be used by credit institutions to comply with the requirements of paragraph two of subparagraph 1 of paragraph 1 of Article 7 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ.

The provision of the second paragraph of subparagraph 1 of paragraph 1 of Article 7 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ in terms of establishing by credit institutions, when identifying an individual client, information about the address of his/her place of residence (registration) or place of stay, does not in itself contain a requirement for the registration of such a client in the territory of the Russian Federation (a specific subject of the Russian Federation) or outside it, and does not define the sources of information on the basis of which this information should be established. In this regard, credit institutions, in order to implement the specified requirement, independently determine the relevant sources of information in the internal control rules.

Bank of Russia Instruction No. 5861-U defines the procedure for sending by credit institutions the information provided for by Federal Law No. 115-FZ to the authorized body, and not the identification requirements. When sending the relevant information to the authorized body, containing information, including the address of an individual, such information is reflected in accordance with the data from the client’s questionnaire (dossier), obtained during his identification (updating identification information).

1 Line 6 “Address of place of residence (registration)” of Table 3.1 of Section I of the Appendix to Bank of Russia Instruction No. 4990-U.

2 In accordance with paragraph 18 of the RF Government Resolution of 17.07.1995 No. 713 “On approval of the Rules for registration and deregistration of citizens of the Russian Federation at the place of stay and place of residence within the Russian Federation and the list of persons responsible for receiving and transferring to the registration authorities documents for registration and deregistration of citizens of the Russian Federation at the place of stay and place of residence within the Russian Federation.”

3 State Address Register of the Federal Information Address System (hereinafter referred to as the State Address Register of the Federal Information Address System). As a general rule, address elements in the Russian Federation must comply with the State Address Register of the Federal Information Address System, which is related to ensuring compliance with the requirement of Article 12 of the Federal Law of 23.12.2003 No. 177-FZ “On Insurance of Deposits in Banks of the Russian Federation”, which provides for sending messages to depositors of a bank in respect of which an insured event has occurred.

4 As part of the client identification procedure carried out for the purpose of combating the legalization (laundering) of proceeds from crime and the financing of terrorism, it is possible to obtain data on the client’s location (subparagraph 1.7 of paragraph 1 of Appendix 1 to Bank of Russia Regulation No. 499-P of 15.10.2015 “On the identification by credit institutions of clients, client representatives, beneficiaries and beneficial owners for the purpose of combating the legalization (laundering) of proceeds from crime and the financing of terrorism”).

5 Changes are planned to be made to the names of the corresponding lines of the register of obligations: “Address of place of residence (registration) or place of stay”, as well as to the explanations for filling in information about the address for postal notifications.

6 Federal Law of 30.12.2004 No. 218-FZ “On Credit Histories”.

7 Clause 4.3 of Chapter 4 of Section 1 of Appendix 3 to Bank of Russia Regulation No. 758-P.

8 Federal Law of 07.08.2001 No. 115-FZ “On Combating the Legalization (Laundering) of Criminally Obtained Incomes and the Financing of Terrorism.”

Seal

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 –

July 1, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Bank of Russia survey program for the second half of 2025

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

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.

Categories24-7, Central Bank of Russia, Mil-SOSI, Russian Banks, Russian Economy, Russian Finance, Russian Language, Russian economy, Russian banks

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Archives

Item No.	start date	End date	Name of the survey	Description of the survey	Survey instruments1	The structural division of the Bank of Russia responsible for conducting the survey, contact information for survey questions
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
1	July	July	Research into IT service providers.	The survey is conducted to study the quality of financial institutions’ management of the risk of outsourcing information technology and cloud services as of 01.07.2025.	Data submission deadline: no later than 21.07.2025 Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Information Security Department: Igor Vyacheslavovich Ozhered – Head of Department, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-65-69), e-mail: Celebration@kbr.ru; Mikhailovskaya Anastasia Sergeevna – consultant, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-64-37), e-mail: Mas@kbr.ru
2	July	July	Survey of financial market participants as part of the assessment of the “digital maturity” of the “Financial Services” industry.	The survey is conducted to assess the “digital maturity” of the “Financial Services” industry of financial market participants for the first half of 2025.	Data submission deadline: 28.07.2025 Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of financial technologies: credit organizations: Chazhengin Daniil Aleksandrovich – leading expert, tel.: (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 7-67-57), e-mail: Chazhenginda@kbr.ru; Viktorov Evgeniy Vyacheslavovich – expert of the 1st category, tel: (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 7-66-01), e-mail: Viktorovev@kbr.ru; Insurance Market Department: insurance organizations: Shagramanov Sergey Mikhailovich – head of department, tel.: (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 7-43-97), e-mail: Shagramanovsm@kbr.ru; Department of Investment Financial Intermediaries: non-state pension funds, management companies and professional participants in the securities market: Kravchenko Ishira Akhmedovna – chief expert, tel.: (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-69-89), e-mail: Kravchenko@kbr.ru; Tsrnobrnya Olga Vyacheslavovna – chief expert, tel.: (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-69-84), e-mail: Tsrnobrnyov@kbr.ru
3	July	July	A survey of the level of implementation and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the financial market.	The survey is conducted to assess the level of implementation and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the financial market.	Data submission deadline: 15.07.2025 Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Strategic Development of the Financial Market: Sadovskaya Tatyana Evgenievna – consultant, tel. 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 7-38-08), e-mail: Sadovskayate@kbr.ru; Department of Financial Technologies: Dmitry Vladislavovich Fedorov – Head of Department, tel. 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 7-31-73), e-mail: Fedorovdv@kbr.ru
4	July	July	A survey of trends in the segment of loans issued by microfinance organizations to small and medium-sized businesses.	The survey is conducted with the aim of studying the development of the small and medium-sized business loan segment.	Data provision period: 14 working days from the date the questionnaire is sent to the organization. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Non-bank Lending: Elizaveta Yuryevna Shtykova – leading expert, tel. 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-16-36), e-mail: Shtykovayu@kbr.ru
5	July	August	Survey of development trends in the pawnshop market	The survey is conducted with the aim of studying the development of the pawnshop market in the first half of 2025.	Data provision period: 14 working days from the date the questionnaire is sent to the organization. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Non-bank Lending: Elizaveta Yuryevna Shtykova – leading expert, tel. 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-16-36), e-mail: Shtykovayu@kbr.ru
6	July	August	Housing market survey.	The survey is conducted in order to obtain a more accurate assessment of the difference in prices between the primary and secondary housing markets, taking into account the region of location and the year the house was built for the period from 01.01.2021 to 30.06.2025.	Data submission deadline: 01.08.2025 Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in CSV file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Financial Stability: Margarita Olegovna Selezneva – Chief Economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-55-98), e-mail: Seleznevamo@kbr.ru
7	July	October	A survey of microfinance organizations on the volume of consumer loans (credits) secured by a pledge of a motor vehicle and loans granted to individuals for purposes not related to their entrepreneurial activities, the borrowers’ obligations for which are secured by a mortgage.	The survey is conducted with the aim of collecting information from microfinance organizations on the volume of consumer loans (credits) secured by a pledge of a motor vehicle and loans granted to individuals for purposes not related to their entrepreneurial activities, the borrowers’ obligations for which are secured by a mortgage, for the third quarter of 2025.	Data submission deadline: no later than 14.10.2025 Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Financial Stability: Irina Sergeevna Petukhova – leading economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-74-06), e-mail: Petukhova@kbr.ru; Khodjaeva Anastasia Petrovna – consultant, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-72-80), e-mail: Khojaevaap@kbr.ru
8	July	October	Survey “Customer Complaints Information”.	The survey is being conducted with the aim of analyzing complaints received directly by organizations supervised by the Bank of Russia for the second and third quarters of 2025.	Data submission deadline: for the second quarter of 2025 – July 2025; for the third quarter of 2025 – October 2025. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts. A letter from the Bank of Russia containing additional information is sent to survey participants before the start of the next reporting period.	Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Ensuring Accessibility of Financial Services: Vasily Evgenievich Zuev — head of the expert group, for technical support: e-mail: It_Appels@kbr.ru; for questions on methodological support: e-mail: method_appeals@cbr.ru
9	July	November	Cost of cross-border transfers by individuals from the Russian Federation.	The survey is conducted with the aim of achieving the sustainable development goals for the period up to 2030 (Sustainable Development Goals), adopted by UN Resolution No. 68/261 (indicator 10.c.1 of goal 10 “Reducing inequality within and among countries”) for the second and third quarters of 2025.	Data submission deadline: for the second quarter of 2025 – no later than 15.08.2025; for the third quarter of 2025 – no later than 15.11.2025. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Statistics: Elena Vyacheslavovna Rozhkova – Chief Economist, tel.: (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-71-67), e-mail: Rozhkovaev@kbr.ru
10	July	November	Survey of partner financing activities.	The survey is conducted to study the activities of participants in the partnership financing experiment for the second and third quarters of 2025.	Data provision period: 20 working days from the date the questionnaire is sent to the organization. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Non-bank Lending: Misnik Anastasia Romanovna – economic adviser, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 7-43-26), e-mail: Misnikar@kbr.ru
11	July	December	Survey of the implementation by credit institutions of the requirements of the Federal Law of 30.12.2004 No. 214-FZ “On participation in shared construction of apartment buildings and other real estate objects and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation.”	The survey is conducted for the purpose of operational monitoring of the functioning of developer accounts and escrow accounts issued to developers of loans using escrow accounts.	Data provision deadline: Section 1 information collection ceased on 01.08.2024. Sections 2, 3 monthly no later than the sixth working day of the month following the reporting month. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of banking regulation and analytics: Akimov Alexander Nikolaevich – head of department, tel.: 8 (495) 957-81-13, e-mail: Akimovan@kbr.ru; Puzin Aleksey Mikhailovich – consultant, tel.: 8 (495) 957-83-07, e-mail: Puzinami@kbr.ru; Karelina Inna Igorevna – leading economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-30-63), e-mail: Karelinai@kbr.ru
12	July	December	Inspection of bank accounts of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs.	The survey is conducted with the aim of analyzing current trends in the development of the deposit market, in particular, attracting funds to current accounts of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, and the cost of attracting them.	Deadline for providing data: monthly, no later than the 23rd day of the month following the month being surveyed. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Statistics: Krylova Darya Olegovna – Head of Department, tel.: 8 (495) 957-89-65, e-mail: Doroshdu@kbr.ru; Fomicheva Ekaterina Yurievna – chief economist, tel.: 8 (495) 315-76-81, e-mail: RIZ1@kbr.ru; Morozova Arina Olegovna – chief economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-58-77), e-mail: Morozovao@kbr.ru
13	July	December	A survey of the expenses of financial institutions on software and services required for its use at significant critical information infrastructure facilities of the Russian Federation that they own.	The survey is conducted with the aim of qualitatively assessing the expenses of financial institutions on software and services necessary for its use at their significant critical information infrastructure facilities of the Russian Federation for the second and third quarters of 2025.	Deadline for submitting data: no later than the 20th day of the month following the reporting quarter. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Information Security Department: Bondarev Alexander Vladimirovich – Leading Engineer, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-68-90), e-mail: Bondarevav@kbr.ru
14	July	December	Examination of concluded agreements for receiving credit (borrowed) funds without the voluntary consent of the client.	The survey is conducted with the aim of collecting information on concluded agreements for receiving credit (borrowed) funds without the voluntary consent of the client for the second and third quarters of 2025.	Deadline for submitting data: no later than the fifteenth working day of the month following the reporting quarter. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Information Security Department: Egor Romanovich Sokrut – Lead Engineer, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-29-05), e-mail: TRASTER@Kbr.ru
15	July	December	Survey of loans granted to individuals in rubles using bank cards.	The survey is conducted with the aim of analyzing interest rates on loans granted to individuals without collateral using an electronic means of payment (bank cards), taking into account the interest-free grace period.	Deadline for providing data: monthly, no later than the 12th working day of the month following the month being surveyed. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Statistics: Krylova Darya Olegovna – Head of Department, tel.: 8 (495) 957-89-65, e-mail: Doroshdu@kbr.ru; Morozova Arina Olegovna – chief economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-58-77), e-mail: Morozovao@kbr.ru; Fomicheva Ekaterina Yurievna – chief economist, tel.: 8 (495) 315-76-81, (ext. 5-76-81), e-mail: RIZ1@kbr.ru
16	July	December	Monitoring the leasing market and assessing its key risks.	The survey is conducted to analyze the volume of the leasing market and its key risks for the second and third quarters of 2025.	Data submission deadline: for Q2 2025 – September 2025; for Q3 2025 – December 2025. Survey form Survey participants Information is provided by e-mail in MS Excel file format.	Department of Financial Stability: Vlada Valerievna Monastyreva – Leading Economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-55-71), e-mail: Monastyrevavv@kbr.ru
17	July	December	Survey of deposits of individuals and the conditions for their attraction by credit institutions.	The survey is conducted with the aim of analyzing bank offers for deposits, deposits of individuals, indicating the maximum range of additional parameters that influence the increase in the base rate (minimum guaranteed rate) for a banking product, and their subsequent comparison with the actual level of the cost of attracting deposits.	Deadline for providing data: monthly, no later than the 23rd day of the month following the month being surveyed. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Statistics: Krylova Darya Olegovna – Head of Department, tel.: 8 (495) 957-89-65, e-mail: Doroshdu@kbr.ru; Fomicheva Ekaterina Yurievna – chief economist, tel.: 8 (495) 315-76-81, e-mail: RIZ1@kbr.ru; Morozova Arina Olegovna – Chief, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-58-77), e-mail: Morozovao@kbr.ru
18	July	December	Information on the assignment of rights of claim (cession) and the issue of securities (securitization) secured by claims on consumer loans granted to resident individuals.	The survey is conducted with the aim of analyzing the portfolio of consumer loans, the rights to claim which were assigned to legal entities (including credit institutions), including with subsequent securitization, for the correct assessment of the dynamics of the total consumer portfolio of credit institutions.	Deadline for providing data: monthly, no later than the 16th working day of the month following the month being surveyed. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Statistics: Krylova Darya Olegovna – Head of Department, tel.: 8 (495) 957-89-65, e-mail: Doroshdu@kbr.ru; Morozova Arina Olegovna – chief economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-58-77), e-mail: Morozovao@kbr.ru; Fomicheva Ekaterina Yurievna – chief economist, tel.: 8 (495) 315-76-81, e-mail: RIZ1@kbr.ru
19	July	December	Changes in the bank’s credit policy.	The survey is conducted with the aim of qualitatively assessing changes in the parameters of banks’ credit policy, the reasons for these changes for an in-depth analysis of the transmission mechanism of monetary policy, and identifying factors influencing lending volumes for the second and third quarters of 2025.	Data submission deadline: last working day of the reporting quarter. For the largest multi-branch banks, the questionnaire may be submitted at a later date. The questionnaire is published on the official website of the Bank of Russia at: http: //kbr.ru/stastiki/dkp/bank_landing_Terms/ in the section “Monetary policy”, “Statistics”, “Terms of bank lending”. Survey participants Information is provided by e-mail in MS Excel file format.	Department of Monetary Policy: employee responsible for methodological support of the survey: Egorov Aleksey Vladimirovich – economic adviser, tel.: 8 (495) 957-88-91, e-mail: Egorovav@kbr.ru; Main Directorate of the Bank of Russia for the Central Federal District: employee responsible for conducting the survey: Veronika Eldarovna Islyamova – consultant, tel.: 8 (495) 950-20-72, e-mail: SVP1@kbr.ru
20	July	December	Lessee risk assessment.	The survey is conducted with the aim of quantitatively assessing the risks of lessees for the second and third quarters of 2025.	Data submission deadline: for Q2 2025 – September 2025; for Q3 2025 – December 2025. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Financial Stability: Vlada Valerievna Monastyreva – Leading Economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-55-71), e-mail: Monastyrevavv@kbr.ru
21	July	December	Monitoring of individuals’ loan debt.	Monitoring underwriting standards and credit quality of portfolios of banks specializing in lending to individuals for the purpose of assessing systemic credit risks of the banking sector in the second and third quarters of 2025.	Data submission deadline: for the second quarter of 2025 – 01.08.2025; for the third quarter of 2025 – 01.11.2025. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Financial Stability: Ivanova Elizaveta Dmitrievna – economist of the 2nd category, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-77-47), e-mail: Ivanovad@kbr.ru
22	July	December	Survey of planned indicators of credit institutions.	The survey is being conducted with the aim of improving the quality of operational forecasts and internal analytical models of the Bank of Russia.	Data submission deadline: no later than 25 working days following the reporting quarter. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel and Word file formats using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of banking regulation and analytics: Popov Maxim Andreevich – head of department, tel.: 8 (800) 250-40-88, (ext. 2-15-66), e-mail: Poppyma01@kbr.ru; Shterts Ruslan Sergeevich – consultant, tel.: 8 (800) 250-40-88, (ext. 2-15-86), e-mail: Sertsrs@kbr.ru
23	July	December	Survey on received subsidies to compensate for lost income on loans under government support programs.	The survey is conducted in order to identify, as part of the credit institution’s income, subsidies received to compensate for lost income on preferential loans issued for purposes determined by state support programs (quarterly data for the period: Q1 2020 – Q4 2024; monthly data for the period: January – December 2025).	Deadline for providing data: monthly, no later than the eighth working day of the month following the month being surveyed. Survey form Survey participants Information is provided by e-mail in the form of a scanned copy, MS Excel file format, or through the personal account of the information exchange participant.	Department of Statistics: Kolesnikova Tatyana Alekseevna – Head of Department, tel.: (495) 987-71-35, e-mail: Kolesnikova@kbr.ru; Khizhnyak Anton Vitalievich – Head of Department, tel.: 8 (495) 771-42-71, e-mail: Hizhnyakav@kbr.ru
24	August	September	Survey of individuals receiving/sending cross-border money transfers.	The survey is conducted with the aim of analyzing information on received/sent cross-border money transfers of individuals.	Deadline for providing data: no later than 40 calendar days after sending the questionnaire to the organization. Survey form Survey participants Information is provided by e-mail in the form of a scanned copy, MS Excel file format, or through the personal account of the information exchange participant.	Department of Statistics: Elena Vyacheslavovna Rozhkova – Chief Economist, tel.: (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-71-67), e-mail: Rozhkovaev@kbr.ru
25	September	October	A survey of the personnel needs of financial sector organizations for information security specialists.	The survey is being conducted with the aim of studying the personnel needs of financial sector organizations for information security specialists.	Deadline for providing data: no later than 30 calendar days from the date the questionnaire is sent to the organization. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Information Security Department: Elena Ivanovna Stavitskaya — consultant, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-69-43), e-mail: Stavitskaya@kbr.ru; Terekhov Sergey Vasilievich – chief engineer, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-28-76), e-mail: Terekhovsv@kbr.ru
26	October	October	Survey of satisfaction of credit institutions with the quality of cash.	The survey is conducted to assess the satisfaction of credit institutions with the quality of cash.	Data submission deadline: 15.10.2025 Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in Word file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Cash Circulation Department: Natalya Andreevna Mavrushina — Head of Department, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-86-70), e-mail: MNA7@kbr.ru; Dzhabrailov Adil Millat ogly – leading economist, tel: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-86-88), e-mail: Dzhabrailovam@kbr.ru
27	October	October	Investigation of cash withdrawal transactions without the client’s voluntary consent using ATMs.	The survey is conducted with the aim of studying operations on issuing cash by credit institutions without the voluntary consent of the client using ATMs (data for September 2025 will be presented in the third quarter of 2025).	Deadline for submitting data: no later than the fifteenth working day of the month following the reporting quarter. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Information Security Department: Egor Romanovich Sokrut – Lead Engineer, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-29-05), e-mail: TRASTER@Kbr.ru
28	October	November	A survey of development trends in the market of consumer credit cooperatives.	The survey is conducted with the aim of studying the development of the consumer credit cooperative market for the first to third quarters of 2025.	Data provision period: 14 working days from the date the questionnaire is sent to the organization. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Non-bank Lending: Elizaveta Yuryevna Shtykova – leading expert, tel. 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-16-36), e-mail: Shtykovayu@kbr.ru
29	October	November	A survey of development trends in the market of agricultural credit consumer cooperatives.	The survey is conducted with the aim of studying the development of the agricultural credit consumer cooperative market for the first to third quarters of 2025.	Data provision period: 14 working days from the date the questionnaire is sent to the organization. Survey form Survey participants The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.	Department of Non-bank Lending: Elizaveta Yuryevna Shtykova – leading expert, tel. 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-16-36), e-mail: Shtykovayu@kbr.ru

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Security and trade at heart of Foreign Secretary visit to Ankara
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Press release

Security and trade at heart of Foreign Secretary visit to Ankara

UK visit to Turkey to bolster defence and security ties
David Lammy will visit Ankara to underscore close trade and security links between UK and Turkey during first bilateral visit to the country.

Foreign Secretary to meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan to discuss the situation in the Middle East and Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Visit comes as negotiations begin over new free trade agreement to supercharge UK-Turkey trade and deliver growth through the Plan for Change.

The UK’s deep security and trade links with Turkey are set to be further strengthened as the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, visits Ankara today [Monday 30 June].

In his first bilateral visit to the country, the Foreign Secretary will seek to advance UK-Turkish efforts on shared priorities, including joint work on regional security and the deepening of UK-Turkey trade and defence ties.

While in Ankara, the Foreign Secretary will meet Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss stability in the Middle East and efforts to secure a just, lasting peace in Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion. As close NATO allies, the UK and Turkey are working together to push for diplomatic solutions and an end to ongoing violence which threatens regional and global security.

As set out in the recent National Security Strategy, security and defence collaboration with Turkey is imperative to UK security interests. This includes joint work on the prospective export of Eurofighter Typhoons to Turkey, and the government is clear that welcoming Turkey as a Typhoon operator will build on the bonds of friendship developed over many decades between key NATO Allies.

Our cooperation with Turkey also delivers our security objectives of tackling global challenges such as terrorism, serious organised crime and irregular migration.

The strengthening of the UK-Turkey trading relationship will also be a key priority for the Foreign Secretary, with his visit coming as the UK and Turkey begin negotiations over a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) designed to unlock more opportunities for British and Turkish businesses.

UK-Turkey trade was worth almost £28 billion in 2024 and directly supports tens of thousands of UK jobs – furthering strengthening this relationship is a priority for the Foreign Secretary and will help to stimulate UK economic growth, a key part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

In an increasingly volatile world, the UK and Turkey remain the closest of friends and partners as we work together to find peaceful solutions to conflict in the Middle East and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Ours is a relationship which delivers directly for Turkish and British citizens at home – trade between our nations is responsible for thousands of jobs, while our security and defence links help keep our people safe.

During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will see a range of Turkish produced armoured vehicles built using UK-made safety equipment and engines at the Nurol Makina factory.

Later, at Ankara Airport, he will meet with Country President Simon Ward from aerospace company, Airbus, to mark a recent deal between Airbus and Turkish cargo airline MNG Airlines for commercial aircraft containing British-made Rolls Royce engines, worth hundreds of millions to the UK and Turkish economies.

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Published 30 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: A meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the CSTO member states was held in Kyrgyzstan

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

BISHKEK, June 30 (Xinhua) — The next meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member states was held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, on Monday, the press service of the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry reported.

During the meeting, current issues of international and regional security were discussed, as well as the coordination of foreign policy activities of member countries within the CSTO. Particular attention was paid to the situation in the CSTO’s area of responsibility, strengthening collective approaches to countering external threats, and interaction with other international organizations.

In his speech, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev emphasized the importance of consolidating the efforts of the CSTO member countries against the backdrop of growing global challenges and emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to the principles of collective security, equal dialogue and respect for sovereignty.

The Minister noted that the Kyrgyz side attaches particular importance to issues of strengthening trust between the states of the region, expanding multilateral diplomacy, and the active participation of the CSTO in resolving crisis situations exclusively by peaceful means.

In addition, the meeting participants emphasized the need to further deepen cooperation in the information sphere, counteract the spread of destructive ideologies, and strengthen the CSTO’s position in the international arena.

Following the meeting, a number of statements were signed, including on countering radicalization leading to terrorism and extremism, on international information security, on the United Nations Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, and in connection with the situation in the Middle East.

The meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, as well as the CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Iran says US ‘betrayed’ diplomacy by ‘encouraging’ Israeli attacks

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

TEHRAN, June 30 (Xinhua) — Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Monday accused the United States of “betraying” diplomacy, saying Washington’s alleged role in recent military strikes against Israel jeopardizes the future of proximity talks on Iran’s nuclear program.

At a weekly press conference in Tehran, spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the United States had encouraged the Israeli attack, which came just two days before the scheduled sixth round of Oman-brokered Iran-US talks.

The US has betrayed the diplomatic process, he stressed, adding that “one cannot expect that this fact will not affect the continuation of negotiations.”

The diplomat also rejected US accusations that Iran was not serious about the talks, calling them “baseless” and a pretext to justify the strikes.

In addition, E. Baghaei criticized Germany and France for supporting Israel, singling out German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s remarks, which described Israeli actions as “the dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us.” These words will bring “historical and eternal shame on Germany,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to Algeria
Source: IMF – News in Russian

June 30, 2025

End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.
- The near-term prospects for the Algerian economy remain broadly positive despite global uncertainty, but fiscal vulnerabilities are high.
- A gradual yet urgent fiscal adjustment is essential to strengthen fiscal resilience and rebuild buffers, while monetary policy should remain focused on price stability. Greater exchange rate flexibility would strengthen the economy’s ability to absorb external shocks, including from hydrocarbon prices.
- Strengthened policy frameworks, along with reforms to enhance fiscal resilience, diversify the economy, and promote private investment, are critical to lifting growth and creating jobs over the medium-term.
Algiers, Algeria: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Charalambos Tsangarides visited Algiers during June 16–30, to conduct the 2025 Article IV consultation with Algeria.

At the end of the mission, Mr. Tsangarides issued the following statement:

“Economic activity eased to 3.6 percent in 2024 from 4.1 percent in 2023, as OPEC+ production cuts weighed on the hydrocarbons sector, while nonhydrocarbon activity remained strong, expanding by 4.2 percent. The current account balance turned to a deficit in 2024 amid lower hydrocarbon output and gas prices. International reserves remained robust at US$ 67.8 billion, covering about 14 months of imports.

Inflation fell sharply from an average of 9.3 percent in 2023 to 4 percent in 2024, driven mainly by lower food prices, with core inflation also declining. Monetary policy remained accommodative in the first half of 2025. The budget deficit widened significantly in 2024, reaching 13.9 percent of GDP due to lower hydrocarbon revenues and higher wage and investment spending, and is expected to remain high in 2025.

The near-term outlook is broadly positive, supported by a gradual recovery in hydrocarbon production as OPEC+ production cuts ease, which is expected to sustain growth in 2025, while inflation remains moderate. However, growing fiscal pressures pose significant financing challenges and if continued, would increase public debt in the medium term. Continued global uncertainty and volatile hydrocarbon prices are likely to dampen exports and investment, contributing to a wider current account deficit in 2025.

Economic prospects face several risks, primarily from volatile hydrocarbon prices amid shifting trade policies and geopolitical tensions, and persistent fiscal deficits that strain debt sustainability and deepen financial linkages between the government, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and public banks (SOBs). However, medium-term economic prospects would improve with sustained reforms to diversify the economy, and effective implementation of the government’s Action Plan and structural reforms.

To safeguard macro-financial stability and mitigate near-term risks amid a volatile global environment, the mission recommends gradual yet timely fiscal rebalancing. This will curb rising financing needs driven by large deficits and falling hydrocarbon prices, helping to reduce vulnerabilities, rebuild buffers, and stabilize public debt over the medium term. Monetary policy should continue to be guided by economic conditions and firmly focused on its inflation objective, while maintaining close oversight of financial sector developments. More exchange rate flexibility will enhance the economy’s ability to absorb external shocks amid heightened hydrocarbon price volatility and global uncertainty.

Medium-term reform priorities include enhancing fiscal sustainability, strengthening monetary and financial frameworks, and advancing structural reforms to boost private investment, inclusive growth, and job creation.

The fiscal adjustment strategy would be strengthened by reforms to increase nonhydrocarbon revenues and streamline spending. A revised revenue mobilization strategy would support efforts to expand the tax base, including by rationalizing tax expenditures, and enhance compliance via digitalization. Reforming subsidies would help rebuild fiscal buffers and create space for priority expenditures, including targeted support for vulnerable households. Enhancing public investment efficiency would support the authorities’ economic diversification goals. Improving oversight, efficiency, and governance of SOEs would be essential to contain macro-financial risks. The mission welcomes progress in implementing the 2018 Organic Budget Law, which is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in budget execution, the establishment of a unit within the Ministry of Finance to oversee SOEs and strengthen fiscal risk management, and the expected implementation of the new Public Procurement Law.

The mission commends the authorities for their ongoing implementation of the 2023 Monetary and Banking Law, improvements in liquidity management, and strengthened capacity in macroeconomic forecasting and policy analysis. Clarifying the monetary policy framework—by defining a clear primary objective and nominal anchor—would enhance policy transmission and effectiveness. Improving financial sector oversight is crucial to mitigate risks arising from strong financial linkages between the central government, SOEs, and SOBs.

The authorities’ efforts to diversify the economy and improve the business climate to boost private investment are welcome. Key initiatives include a one-stop digital shop for real estate access, aligning exports with international standards, and advancing online trade. The mission encourages continuing these reforms but cautions against broad application of fiscal incentives that may create revenue gaps. Additional gains can be achieved by removing administrative restrictions, increasing flexibility in product and labor markets, and ensuring a level playing field between public and private sectors. The mission also welcomes recent governance reforms and continued efforts to strengthen the AML/CFT framework and enhance transparency and accountability in the public sector.”

“The mission expresses its gratitude and appreciation to the authorities and all interlocutors for their warm hospitality and the open and constructive discussions.”

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

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

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/30/pr-25226-algeria-imf-staff-completes-2025-article-iv-mission

MIL OSI
MIL OSI Russia News –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: New cooperation in logistics: GUU and TransContainer signed an agreement

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

On June 30, the State University of Management and the leading Russian container operator TransContainer signed a cooperation agreement.

Representatives of the company, represented by HR Director Oleg Novikov and Deputy HR Director Ekaterina Balykina, who are graduates of the educational programs of the State University of Management, arrived at the university to meet with the management.

Rector Vladimir Stroyev, vice-rectors Dmitry Bryukhanov and Maria Karelina, as well as associate professor of the Department of Transport Complex Management Artem Merenkov spoke about the history of the university, discussed the future of the industry and priority formats of interaction.

“Historically, one of the first logistics departments was established at our university, back in the days of Sergo Ordzhonikidze. Of course, the name was different, but that doesn’t change the essence. Of course, there were also railway universities back then, but they were only looking at one area, while we trained transport hub managers in a more global sense and in different areas. Today is the time for quick actions and decisions, so it is especially important that we signed the agreement in the shortest possible time. Now it’s time for specific working steps,” Vladimir Stroyev noted.

Dmitry Bryukhanov spoke about project-based learning, which is carried out at the State University of Management from the first year, and also drew attention to the possibility of interaction within the framework of the work of the State University of Management Higher School of Business and Technology.

Oleg Novikov also confirmed his readiness to implement joint projects.

“We are extremely interested in cooperation. Today is the time when personnel must be forged before they are intercepted. Literally 5-7 years ago we were monopolists, but now there are many competitors, albeit on a smaller scale, but they exist. First of all, we are interested in attracting students for internships in order to assess their abilities and readiness for employment. We are also interested in project activities, since we have ideas that we would like to implement, and we are confident that students of the State University of Management will help with this,” concluded the representative of TransContainer.

The parties also agreed on the possibility of conducting introductory tours for students at the company’s enterprises and practical classes from TransContainer experts.

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 –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Technologies of the Future: Demo Day of the Accelerator “City Energy. Wednesday 2.0” was held at the State University of Management

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

The State University of Management hosted the Demo Day of the Acceleration Interuniversity Program “City Energy. Environment 2.0”, which was held at the State University of Management from February to June 2025.

Over 1,000 students from the State University of Management and other Russian universities took part in the accelerator; 212 startup projects were prepared; over 30 experts from such fields as medicine, education, IT, construction, agro-industrial complex, ecology and others were involved in providing expert advice to the teams.

The acceleration program included an educational block, expert webinars, team consultations with trackers, equator, expert consultations and project defense. The industrial partner was Technopark, a part of the Rusnano Group.

The trackers of the acceleration program were teachers of the project management department, who have extensive experience in tracking and mentoring student teams. The tracking process was carried out using the BusinessChain platform from the partner of the State University of Management, IPI Lab.

On the final day of the program, student teams presented projects such as:

“City breathing” (the product is a bull for collecting cigarette butts for subsequent processing).
“The Light of the Future 2.0” (adaptive lighting system with AI and motion sensors to save electricity and increase people’s performance).
“Smart Bird Monitoring System” (software, which will allow to collect, analyze and recommend taking measures based on data from video surveillance and humidity and sensors, lighting, temperature and ammonia concentration. The product is focused on poultry farms).
“Dron Cleaning” (autonomous drone for cleaning water bodies. The product is focused on hotel owners, fishing facilities, NPOs, distributors).
“Universkino” (the organization of a cinema on the territory of the GUU in the open air with the involvement of students, applicants and partners of the GUU).
“QR code, as a way of quick connection with the owner of a lost thing” (a service for creating personalized icons / stickers / stickers intended for labeling personal things and increasing the likelihood of returning a lost thing to the owner).
The game on ecology “Eco -geria” (board game on ecology for children is 7-12 years old, which will allow the environmental education of the younger generation).
Wedding machine of useful drinks “Ne Ice” (an automatic machine for the preparation of fruit frhes with ice).
The mobile application “Interactive map of Russia” is an interactive map that allows you to open tourist places in Russia, as well as upload a description and photos of new places. Extended functionality will allow users to get acquainted and unite for planning joint trips).
Guli-Guli WMS system (simple warehouse management system for B2B and B2C customers)
“Smart device for the refrigerator” (allows you to keep records of products and shelf life, make a menu and inform the owner about the need to buy the necessary products).

The works were evaluated by the following jury members:

Head of the Acceleration Program “City Energy. Environment 2.0”, Deputy Head of the Project Management Department of the State University of Management, certified project manager IPMA® Level B Ekaterina Khalimon; Deputy General Director of TEN Group LLC – TechnoSpark technology park in Troitsk Igor Volkov; Head of the Committee of the Scientific and Technical Council of the Moscow Confederation of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Yuri Bocharov; Head of the Logistics Department of the transport company KIT Alexander Alexandrov; Chairman of the Youth Association for Project Management Young Crew SOVNET Mikhail Zorin; Associate Professor of the Project Management Department of the State University of Management, experienced mentor and tracker of student startups Tatyana Chernova; Associate Professor of the Project Management Department of the State University of Management, experienced mentor and tracker of student startups Tatyana Mezina.

The experts noted the deep development of the projects: the teams presented manufactured technological prototypes, mock-ups, 3D models, certificates from companies with intentions to further implement the technological product in the company’s activities. In addition, the jury members offered their assistance in the further implementation of startup projects, in finding potential investors and partners.

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 –

July 1, 2025
NATO fund backs biotech startup in push to counter biological threats

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The NATO Innovation Fund has made its first investment in a biotechnology company, it said on Monday, seeking to enhance defences against biological threats

The fund is co-leading a $35 million fundraising round for Portal Biotech, which uses protein sequencing to detect engineered threats and defend against biological warfare.

UK-based Portal Biotech’s capability is essential for biosecurity defence and security, said Ana Bernardo-Gancedo, senior associate at NATO Innovation Fund.

“We believe that it is absolutely imperative that we are able to detect, monitor and create countermeasures,” she said.

The fund, created in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, plans to invest more than $1 billion in technologies that would enhance NATO’s defences.

Portal Biotech uses an AI-backed technology with biological sensors that can work at the single molecule level on-site, giving results within hours.

“It’s for everything from measuring diseases to better pandemic prevention … you can take this out of large labs with long turnaround times and into the field,” CEO Andy Heron told Reuters.

Heron said the company’s instruments can detect any pathogen and can be used for continuous monitoring of anything from a field to water supply.

“It allows you not just to detect what you did know was out there, but it allows you to detect what you didn’t know,” he said.

Beyond biosecurity, Portal Biotech expects its portable equipment to aid in drug discovery and precision medicine.

The company’s investors include Earlybird Venture Capital, Science Creates VC, Pillar VC, 8VC, We VC and British Business Bank.

(Reuters)

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: New cargo air route links Xinjiang and Tbilisi

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 30 (Xinhua) — A cargo flight from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, landed at Laining International Airport in Kashgar Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Saturday, marking the launch of a new cargo air route between the two regions, the prefecture’s press service said.

The cargo carried on the aircraft, including chilled salmon from Norway, live jumbo land crabs from France and cherries from Tajikistan, was delivered to the integrated import inspection facility upon arrival at the airport. It is the first shipment of fruits and edible aquatic organisms to be brought to the facility since it was granted import approval in 2024.

It should be noted that to ensure the quality of these food products on the charter flight, a cold chain and advanced freshness preservation technologies were used.

It should be recalled that Laining International Airport is the second largest air checkpoint in Xinjiang and one of the important hub airports of the Belt and Road Initiative. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: SCO countries seek to jointly expand a new space for cooperation through the development of the digital economy

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

TIANJIN, June 30 (Xinhua) — The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum, themed “New Links in the Digital Economy, Jointly Expanding New Cooperation Space,” will be held in Tianjin, north China, from July 10 to 11, a press conference in the city said Monday.

The event is aimed at further expanding the new space for the development of the SCO so that the peoples of the SCO region can enjoy the dividends from the development of the digital economy, it was noted at the press conference.

It will bring together more than 600 Chinese and foreign guests from various circles to discuss issues such as data circulation and transactions, digital transformation of industry, digital infrastructure construction, application of artificial intelligence, smart cities, and training of digital talent.

According to Zhai Lixin, Deputy Mayor of Tianjin, the forum will bring together politicians, university rectors, and heads of think tanks, enterprises and cities to conduct in-depth exchanges on issues such as the integration of the digital economy and the real economy, educational innovation and the cultivation of transnational talents for the digital economy, data management and joint construction of the ecosystem, innovative development of digital infrastructure and open cooperation.

“We will deepen the alignment of development strategies of SCO member states, strengthen mutual trust in the field of data, promote the building of closer partnerships and jointly expand new growth points in the digital economy,” said Yu Ying, deputy director of the State Data Administration of the People’s Republic of China.

As previously reported, the event will be organized by the State Data Administration of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Tianjin.

Let us recall that the next SCO summit will be held in Tianjin this autumn. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Grigory Kulishenko defended the Chinese people at the cost of his life and will forever remain in the memory of future generations

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

CHONGQING, June 30 (Xinhua) — Wei Yingxiang, a native of Wanzhou in southwest China’s Chongqing City, never imagined that his life would be linked to a Soviet pilot he had never met. The pilot’s name was Grigory Akimovich Kulishenko.

Grigory Akimovich Kulishenko, born in 1903, became a squadron commander of bombers in the Soviet Air Force, and in 1939, together with his comrades, was sent by the Soviet government to China with two groups of bombers to help the Chinese people in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

In October 1939, G. A. Kulishenko, leading a bomber group of the volunteer air forces for aid to China, carried out a raid on the Japanese airfield in Hankou and inflicted serious damage on the Japanese army.

On the way back, G. A. Kulishenko’s plane was intercepted by the enemy and one of the engines was shot down, as a result of which he was wounded in the chest and left shoulder. When he took off over Wanxian County (now Wanzhou District, Chongqing City), the plane lost its balance, and in order to protect the plane and people on the ground, the commander refused the parachute and made an emergency landing on the surface of the Yangtze River in the Chenjiaba District of Wanxian County.

Two of his comrades swam to the shore, but the wounded Kulishenko was carried away by the current and died a heroic death at the age of 36.

Local residents found the pilot’s body 20 days later. They held a memorial service and funeral in his honor.

“I experience the misfortune of the Chinese people as if I were experiencing the misfortune of my homeland. It is very hard for me to see how the Japanese indiscriminately bomb Chinese soil,” G. Kulishenko said with feeling during his lifetime.

The Chinese people have not forgotten this hero.

In 1958, the Wanxian County People’s Government built a special cemetery for G. Kulishenko. That year, Wei Yingxiang was 4 years old. He thought that this hero must be great.

Wei Yingxiang’s grandfather lived by the Yangtze River and volunteered to search for G. A. Kulishenko’s remains along the river along with many other people. His grandfather told him that G. A. Kulishenko died defending the Chinese people.

That year, Wei Yingxiang’s mother, Tan Zhonghui, took on the duties of guardian of G.A. Kulishenko’s grave. At the age of 31, Tan Zhonghui was engaged in landscaping in Xishan Park. Due to her respect for G.A. Kulishenko, she volunteered to guard the grave, clean the cemetery, wipe the tombstone, pull out weeds, trim branches and leaves, regardless of the weather.

In 1977, before retiring, Wei Yingxiang’s mother wanted to entrust her son with guarding the grave. Young Wei Yongxiang thought that working at the cemetery was boring and monotonous. But his mother insisted that he should be persistent even in monotonous tasks: “This hero’s home is far from Chongqing, and he has no relatives here, so we should accompany him and not let him feel lonely.”

Since then, guarding the grave of Grigory Kulishenko became the most honorable thing in Wei Yingxiang’s life. There were organizations and enterprises that offered him a high salary, but Wei Yingxiang rejected the offers one after another.

After retiring in 2014, he still visits the cemetery every day, as if visiting an old friend. “I always worry and worry about him,” Wei Yingxiang said, adding that his mother also influenced him. After her retirement, she would go to the cemetery every morning to check if everything was in order, so that her heart would be at peace. In 2018, Tan Zhonghui died at the age of 91. Before her death, she still remembered Grigory Kulishenko’s grave and asked her son to protect it.

For decades, under the care of this mother and son, the G. A. Kulishenko cemetery has served as an example of the gratitude of the Chinese people, and the exploits of the heroes have been passed down from generation to generation.

Around the tombstone of G. Kulishenko grow tall trees planted by Tan Zhonghui, Wei Yingxiang’s mother. He said that he would guard this grave during his lifetime, because for him “this is not only a responsibility and deep gratitude, but also the conscience of the Chinese people.” -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dance battle between teams from China and Russia took place in Heihe

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

HEIHE, June 30 (Xinhua) — The Purple Night Dance Festival opened in Heihe, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, marking the start of a series of weekly competitions. Many dancers from China and Russia gathered in Heihe to dance and make friends, kicking off a month-long summer festival of dance and cultural exchanges.

The opening ceremony of the competition took place on Saturday evening on a stage set up at Century Square on the Heilongjiang /Amur/ River embankment.

The dance duel features creative groups from China and Russia, who practice completely different types of dance – from graceful classics and mesmerizing folklore to bold street rhythms. The competition was held in several stages: a carefully prepared dance number; improvisation with a folk group from China; improvisation with an object among Russian groups. The competition will last throughout July and end on August 3.

The competition will also include inspiring dance master classes and summer discos under the starry sky. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Digital ruble today and tomorrow: Bank of Russia report on piloting

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Central Bank of Russia –

Citizens and companies participating in the pilot from more than 150 localities in Russia opened about 2.5 thousand wallets on the digital ruble platform and carried out about 100 thousand transactions. The regulator publishes the interim results of the pilot and plans for the development of the new form of national currency inreport “Digital Ruble: Current Status of the Project”.

In addition to testing simple operations, the pilot participants focused on the convenience of the customer journey, as well as security issues, including protection from cyberattacks and ensuring data privacy. Preliminary results showed the platform’s functionality and sustainability.

The document notes that the Bank of Russia is currently conducting additional discussions of the economic model of the digital ruble with banks participating in the project, as well as government agencies. In particular, the most popular scenarios for the implementation of smart contracts are being developed, which will make it possible to use the innovative potential of the new form of the ruble to improve the economic efficiency of processes, including budgetary ones.

In the future, it is planned to expand the platform’s functionality: launch payments in online commerce, connect individual entrepreneurs to the platform, make payments according to registers for mass and regular transactions, and so on.

Preview photo: Liudmila Puchinskaia / 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: //VVV.KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 24741

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Admission priorities: how to choose and how to arrange

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

In 2025, the system of admission by priorities for admission to bachelor’s, specialist’s and master’s degree programs will continue to operate. We tell you how it works and how to rank them correctly.

What are priorities?

Admission priorities are the ordinal numbers that applicants use to rank their chosen educational programs in their application. One means the highest priority: the applicant wants to get into the corresponding educational program the most. The higher the priority value of a program, the less desirable it is for the applicant.

“Applicants set priorities within one university at the time of application. Remember that all HSE campuses are considered one university, so priorities for them are indicated cross-cuttingly. If any changes have occurred and the applicant wants to change the priority of the programs they have chosen, this can be done during the entire period of accepting documents. In the case of admission to a budget-funded bachelor’s and specialist’s degree, there is time until July 25, and for a master’s degree – until August 8. Please note that the deadlines for accepting documents for fee-paying places depend on the program,” commented Alexander Chepovsky, Director of Strategic Work with Applicants.

What are the limitations when choosing programs?

Applicants to the HSE bachelor’s and specialist’s programs this year can choose up to five areas of training/specialization and an unlimited number of programs in each. It is important to note that the areas by campus are counted in total.

An example of prioritization of 13 educational programs when choosing five areas of training

Starting this year, Master’s degree applicants can choose any number of educational programs.

Are there any special requirements for admission under the target quota?

In accordance with federal legislation, applicants must separately indicate the priority of the target quota. For other admission conditions, the priority of other places is indicated.

If the priority of the target quota is higher, then the applicant is considered first in the competition for targeted training.

How to determine the priority for enrollment

After the application period is over, all universities publish competitive lists, which determine the highest priorities for each applicant.

The main highest priority is calculated regardless of whether applicants have consents to enrollment. It shows which program an applicant will be enrolled in if all other applicants in all priorities submit consents to enrollment.

Highest Passing Priority — the highest enrollment priority an applicant has in the competition, taking into account the consents submitted for enrollment at the time the competition lists are created. This indicator will be updated, showing an increasingly accurate picture as other applicants submit consents and the end of their admission approaches.

How is enrollment on a budget in bachelor’s and specialist’s degrees organized?

Those applicants who submit their consent for admission to the university within the established deadlines will be enrolled with the highest passing priority if they pass the competition. Please note that consents for admission are accepted until 12:00 Moscow time on the corresponding day. In the bachelor’s and specialist’s degree programs, the deadline for the priority stage (applicants without entrance examinations and by quotas) is August 1, for the main stage (applicants based on the results of entrance examinations) – August 5. At the time of enrollment, the consent must remain at the university (not be revoked).

On August 2–3, applicants will be enrolled in the priority stage. If the applicant’s highest passing priority is the target quota priority, he/she will first participate in the competition for target places. The same happens if, for all other programs, the applicant only participates in the general competition (i.e., not in the priority stage). In this case, to be enrolled, it is necessary to pass the competition not only for the total number of allocated target places, but also for the number of places specified by the customer in the relevant offer for targeted training.

If the applicant’s highest passing priority is the priority of other places, then he is enrolled in the main budget places without entrance examinations. If the applicant did not have such a condition for admission (or he did not pass the competition), then he is enrolled under a separate quota. Accordingly, if the applicant did not participate in this competition (or did not pass it), then he is enrolled under a special quota.

“Please note that those admitted at the priority stage are excluded from further competition for the main budget places in the same educational program. If an applicant expresses a desire to participate in the general competition, he/she can refuse admission by writing an application before 12:00 Moscow time on August 5,” added Alexander Chepovsky.

On August 6–7, information on those admitted in the main stage will be published in accordance with the priorities of other places. First of all, the applicant will participate in the competition for the program with the highest position in his personal ranking list. In case of failure to enter the budget for this program, he will participate in the competition for the second program, and so on.

How budget enrollment in a master’s program works

Admission to master’s programs is carried out in one stage. Applicants who submit consent to enrollment in the university before 12:00 Moscow time on August 24 and pass the competition will be enrolled according to the highest passing priority. An important condition is also the fact that consent must not be revoked at the time of enrollment.

If the applicant’s highest passing priority is the priority of the target quota, then he/she first participates in the competition for target places. We remind you that the competition is for both the total number of allocated target places and the number of places specified by the customer in the relevant proposal for targeted training. If the highest passing priority is the priority of other places, the applicant participates in the competition for the main budget places in the order of priority of the selected programs.

How does enrollment for fee-paying places work?

Applications for fee-paying places are submitted separately from budget places, so programs are also ranked separately. When enrolling in such places, the key factors are the presence of a concluded education agreement and payment for the first half of the year. The payment receipt must be uploaded to the applicant’s personal account or sent by e-mail Treaty@mse.ru – this determines whether the applicant has consented to enrollment in fee-paying places in the relevant program.

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 –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: China’s support for Mali’s military carries risks: researcher outlines what they are

Source: The Conversation – Africa (2) – By Paa Kwesi Wolseley Prah, Postdoctoral Fellow, Dublin City University

Mali, a landlocked Sahelian nation of 25 million people, has faced significant instability since 2012, marked by terrorism, state neglect and armed conflicts.

That year a Tuareg rebellion started in northern Mali and President Amadou Toumani Touré was ousted in a military coup. Constitutional rule was suspended. Rebels in northern Mali went on to seize cities like Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal, declaring an independent Islamic State of Azawad and imposing sharia law.

They also destroyed cultural heritage sites, including 14 of Timbuktu’s 16 Unesco-listed mausoleums. The crisis prompted international intervention, including a UN authorised mission, which retook northern cities within weeks. Islamist rebels retreated into civilian populations and remote areas.

Despite these efforts, violence against civilians by extremist groups and community militias has continued. By 2023, 8.8 million Malians needed humanitarian assistance. Over 375,500 were internally displaced, primarily women and children.

Meanwhile, the former French colony had turned to China for military assistance. Between 2012 and 2013, China provided €5 million (about US$5.8 million) in logistical equipment to improve the Malian army’s mobility.

Read more:
China’s interests in Africa are being shaped by the race for renewable energy

In August 2013, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army gave the Malian army military supplies totalling 1.6 billion CFA francs (about US$2.8 million). China made similar donations between 2014 and 2023.

I am an international security and global governance researcher. My recent research explored the impact of China’s security sector assistance on Mali’s fragility.

China’s assistance to Mali aims to equip the country to address terrorism and insurgency. But I argue that it may have unintended consequences and cause further damage to the country.

The heavy reliance on Chinese supply exposes Mali to vulnerabilities, including supply disruptions, diminished bargaining power, and limited strategic flexibility. This could destabilise security even more should China face manufacturing issues or supply chain disruptions leading to delays or shortages in the production of weapons.

It also raises concerns about the potential influence of China on Mali’s defence policies and decision-making processes. In turn this could entrench the Malian military government’s position. China takes a hands-off approach to the governance structures of the countries it engages with. Hopes of democratisation in the country could be affected.

Read more:
US trade wars with China – and how they play out in Africa

Rich in resources

Mali has significant natural resources, including 800 tons of gold reserves (it’s Africa’s fourth-largest producer), iron ore, manganese, lithium, and potential uranium and hydrocarbon deposits.

In 2019, gold production generated US$734 million, or 9.7% of Mali’s GDP, supporting over 10% of the population.

Chinese firms, such as Ganfeng Lithium and China National Nuclear Corporation, have invested heavily in Mali’s mining sector. They are involved in a US$130 million lithium project and uranium exploration in the Kidal and Falea regions.

Despite security risks, including attacks on Chinese personnel in 2015 and 2021, China remains committed due to Mali’s resource potential.

Beyond mining, China has invested in Mali’s infrastructure. A US$2.7 billion railway modernisation project connects Bamako to Dakar, facilitating resource exports like iron ore and bauxite.

The total of Mali’s external debt to China is not explicitly stated. But the 2014 loan agreement of US$11 billion and the 2016 loan of US$2.7 billion alone suggest Mali’s debt to China could be at least US$13 billion. This is without including loans for projects like the Bamako-Ségou expressway, and bridges in Bamako.

This has often been criticised as “debt trap diplomacy”, increasing recipient countries’ dependence on Beijing. In Mali, I believe this risks entrenching economic vulnerability and giving China geopolitical leverage.

Read more:
China reaps most of the benefits of its relationship with Africa: what’s behind the imbalance

China’s security sector assistance to Mali

Historically, Mali relied on France. More recently, it’s used Russia’s expeditionary corps, formerly known as Wagner Group, for security support.

In 2011, China provided US$11.4 million in grants, US$8.1 million in zero-interest loans, and a US$100.8 million concessional loan to foster bilateral cooperation.

China’s participation in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali, starting in 2013 with 395 personnel, marked a shift in its security engagement.

Chinese peacekeepers, including engineers, medical personnel and security guards, repaired infrastructure, provided medical aid and supported Mali’s 2013 elections.

Their professionalism earned praise from the UN special envoy Albert Gerard Koenders for helping to ensure a smooth election.

China’s involvement in Mali challenged traditional European approaches to peacekeeping, particularly France’s military-heavy strategy.

Read more:
China-Africa relations: new priorities have driven major shifts over the last 24 years – 5 essential reads

How China’s assistance contributes to Mali’s fragility

In spite of the positives, China’s security sector assistance contributes to Mali’s fragility in several ways.

First, its no-strings-attached nature allows Mali’s military junta to consolidate power without making democratic or governance reforms.

This lack of accountability enables corrupt military factions to operate unchecked. Governance weaknesses and authoritarianism can continue.

Second, the heavy reliance on Chinese supply raises concerns about the potential influence of China on Mali’s defence decisions.

This over-reliance on military solutions risks escalating conflicts and could lead to human rights abuses by security forces, as seen in increased violence against civilians. It doesn’t address root causes of conflict like social cohesion or local governance.

Third, Mali’s growing dependence on Chinese aid — both military and economic — makes it vulnerable to disruptions from geopolitical tensions, supply chain issues, or changes in China’s foreign policy. This limits Mali’s ability to diversify its military capabilities or respond to evolving threats.

Finally, China’s infrastructure investments, such as the US$1.48 billion (750 billion CFA francs) Bamako-Dakar railway loan, creates “debt trap diplomacy”.

This pattern deepens economic dependence and reduces policy autonomy, further weakening state resilience.

Read more:
Maps showing China’s growing influence in Africa distort reality – but some risks are real

The way forward

To mitigate the risks of Chinese security sector assistance and promote sustainable stability, Mali must adopt a multifaceted strategy.

First, it should collaborate with China to align security sector assistance with civilian-led security approaches.

Second, Mali should diversify security and economic partnerships with donors like the US, the UK, and the EU.

Third, transparent guidelines, developed through consultation with stakeholders, should assess the impacts of assistance to avoid deepening dependence.

Fourth, engaging civil society and publishing regular reports on security sector assistance use and outcomes will foster public trust.

Finally, promoting regional economic integration and ties with global powers will bolster Mali’s economic resilience.

Paa Kwesi Wolseley Prah 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. China’s support for Mali’s military carries risks: researcher outlines what they are – https://theconversation.com/chinas-support-for-malis-military-carries-risks-researcher-outlines-what-they-are-257738

MIL OSI –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Why bending over backwards to agree with Donald Trump is a perilous strategy

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Gawthorpe, Lecturer in History and International Studies, Leiden University

Donald Trump is a difficult figure to deal with, both for foreign leaders and figures closer to home who find themselves in his crosshairs. The US president is unpredictable, sensitive and willing to break the rules to get his way.

But in Trump’s second term, a variety of different leaders and institutions seem to have settled on a way to handle him. The key, they seem to think, is flattery. The most obvious example came at the recently concluded Nato summit in The Hague, Netherlands, where world leaders got together to discuss the future of the alliance.

Previous summits with Trump have descended into recrimination and backbiting. The organisers were determined to avoid a repeat – and decided the best way to do it was to make Trump feel really, really good about himself.

Even before the summit began, Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte had texted Trump to thank him for his “decisive action” in bombing Iran. This, he said, was something “no one else dared to do”.

Then, when discussing Trump’s role in ending the war between Israel and Iran, Rutte referred to Trump as “daddy” – a name the White House has already transformed into a meme.

The summit itself was light on the sort of contentious and detailed policy discussions that have historically bored and angered Trump.

Instead, it was reduced to a series of photo opportunities and speeches in which other leaders lavished praise on Trump. Lithuania’s president, Gitanas Nausėda, even suggested the alliance ought to copy Trump’s political movement by adopting the phrase “make Nato great again”.

Nato leaders aren’t the only ones trying this trick. British prime minister Keir Starmer has had a go at it too. Starmer has made sure that Trump will be the first US president to make a second state visit to the UK. He described the honour in Trump-like terms: “This has never happened before. It’s so incredible. It will be historic.”

After Trump announced global trade tariffs earlier in the year, Starmer was the first leader to give Trump a much-needed victory by reaching a framework trade agreement. But it worked both ways, with Starmer able to land a political victory too.

In his first term, flattery was also seen as a tool to be used to get Trump onside. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky tried it in phone conversations with the US president, calling him a “great teacher” from whom he learned “skills and knowledge”.

Flattery and compliance clearly have their uses. Trump is extremely sensitive to criticism and susceptible to praise, however hyperbolic and transparent it might be. Buttering him up may be an effective way to get him to back off.

But it doesn’t achieve much else. At the Nato summit, an opportunity was missed to make progress on issues of real importance, such as how to better support Ukraine in its war against Russia or to better coordinate European defence spending.

A summit dedicated to the sole aim of making Trump feel good is one with very limited aims indeed. All it does is push the difficult decisions forward for another day.

A missed opportunity

Individual decisions to bow down to Trump also mean missing the opportunity to mount collective resistance. One country might not be able to stand up to the president, but the odds of doing so would be greatly improved if leaders banded together.

For example, Trump’s trade tariffs will damage the US economy as well as those of its trading partners. That is especially the case if those partners impose tariffs of their own on US goods.

If each country instead follows Britain’s lead in the hope of getting the best deal for itself, they will have missed the opportunity to force the president to feel some discomfort of his own – and possibly change course.

But perhaps the greatest danger of flattering Trump is that it teaches him that he can get away with doing pretty much whatever he likes. For a president who has threatened to annex the territory of Nato allies Denmark and Canada to nevertheless be feted at a Nato summit sends a message of impunity.

That’s a dangerous lesson for Trump to learn. He has spent much of his second term undermining democratic and liberal norms at home and key tenets of US foreign policy abroad, such as hostility to Russia. He is attempting to undermine all traditional sources of authority and expertise and instead make the world dance to his own tune.

Given the expansive scope of his aims, which many experts already think is leading to a constitutional crisis that threatens democracy, the willingness to suck up to Trump normalises him in a menacing way.

When his targets roll over, it sends a message to others that Trump is unstoppable and resistance is futile. It encourages not just the next presidential abuse of power, but also the next surrender from those he chooses to attack.

Perhaps the best that can be said for this strategy is that maybe it will appease Trump enough to prevent him from doing too much actual harm. But when dealing with such an unpredictable and vindictive president, that is a thin reed of hope.

It is much more likely to encourage him to press on – until the harm becomes too severe to ignore.

Andrew Gawthorpe 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. Why bending over backwards to agree with Donald Trump is a perilous strategy – https://theconversation.com/why-bending-over-backwards-to-agree-with-donald-trump-is-a-perilous-strategy-259936

MIL OSI –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Why flattering Donald Trump could be dangerous

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

This article was first published in The Conversation UK’s World Affairs Briefing email newsletter. Sign up to receive weekly analysis of the latest developments in international relations, direct to your inbox.

Once again Donald Trump and his senior team are unhappy with their press coverage. Here’s the US president, fresh from his triumph in The Hague, having persuaded Nato’s leaders to open their wallets and agree to up their defence spending to 5% of GDP (apart from Spain, that is, which can expect to hear of triple-digit tariffs coming its way in the near future) – and do the media focus on Trump’s tour de force? Do they hell. Instead they focus on whether his strikes against Iran had been as successful as he claimed.

As you can imagine, this would have been irksome in the extreme for the president, who might reasonably have expected that the story of the day would be his victory in getting pledges from virtually all Nato’s members to pull their weight in terms of their own defence. Certainly the Nato secretary-general, Mark Rutte, could appreciate the scale of his achievement. Even before the summit, Rutte was talking it up.

“Donald, you have driven us to a really, really important moment for America and Europe, and the world,” he wrote in a message to Trump as the US president prepared to fly to The Netherlands. “You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done.”

The fact that Trump promptly posted this message to his TruthSocial website suggests how important praise is to the the US president. It’s something that many world leaders (including Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin who have become past-masters at pouring honey in the president’s ear) have recognised and are willing to use as a diplomatic tool when dealing with the man Rutte calls “Daddy”.

Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

But while flattery as a tactic seems to be effective with the US president, Andrew Gawthorpe, a political historian from Leiden University, cautions that flattery, appeasement and compliance are a flawed approach when dealing with a man like Trump. For a start, he writes it means that not much actually gets done and that problems are often merely avoided rather than solved.

But more worryingly, simply capitulating in the face of Trumpian pressure or ire risks giving this US president the idea that he can do anything he wants. “When his targets roll over, it sends a message to others that Trump is unstoppable and resistance is futile,” writes Gawthorpe. It encourages not just the next presidential abuse of power, but also the next surrender from its victims.

Read more:
Why bending over backwards to agree with Donald Trump is a perilous strategy

We got a taste of what the US president’s anger at being defied sounds like as he prepared to fly to The Netherlands for the Nato summit. Asked about the ceasefire he had negotiated between Israel and Iran, he lashed out at both countries who had breached the peace within hours of agreeing to stop firing missiles at each other. “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing,” he told reporters as he walked to the presidential helicopter.

Psychologist Geoff Beattie, of Edge Hill University, believes this was no accidental verbal slip. Trump wanted to let the world know how angry he was and chose to use the “f-bomb” as a way of showing it. Beattie looks at what this can tell us about the character of the US president – and how it might reflect a tendency to make rapid decisions based on emotional reactions.

Read more:
Trump’s f-bomb: a psychologist explains why the president makes fast and furious statements

And so to Nato

What was remarkable about the Nato summit was that it was condensed to one fairly short session which focused solely on the issue of Nato members’ defence budgets. Usually there’s a much broader agenda. Over the past couple of years the issue of Ukraine has been fairly high on the list, but this time – perhaps to avoid any potential divisions – it was relegated to a side issue.

Perhaps the biggest success for Nato, writes Stefan Wolff, is that they managed to get Trump to the summit and keep him in the room. After all, less than a fortnight previously he walked out of the G7 leaders’ meeting in Canada a day early before authorising the bombing raids on Iran’s nuclear installations (of which more later).

Wolff, an expert in international security from the University of Birmingham (and a regular contributor to this newsletter) believes that the non-US members realised they had little choice but to comply – or at least to be seen to be complying. There’s a significant capability deficit: “European states also lack most of the so-called critical enablers, the military hardware and technology required to prevail in a potential war with Russia.”

So keeping the US president onside – and inside Nato with a remaining commitment to America’s article 5 mutual defence pledge – was top of the list this year and something they appear to have pulled off.

Read more:
At June’s Nato summit, just keeping Donald Trump in the room will be seen as a victory

The fact is, writes Andrew Corbett, a defence expert at King’s College London, that Europe and the US have different enemies these days. Europe is still focused on the foe it faced across the Iron Curtain after 1945, against which Nato was designed as a defensive bulwark.

The US is now far more focused on the threat from China. This means it will increasingly shift the bulk of its naval assets to the Pacific (although the Middle East seems to be delaying this shift at present). This inevitably means downgrading its presence in Europe, something of which European leaders are all-too aware.

The importance of continuing US involvement in European defence via Nato was underlined, as Corbett highlights, by a frisson of unease when it appeared that the US president might be preparing to reinterpret article 5, which requires that members come to the aid of another member if they are attacked.

So there was relief all round when the US president reaffirmed America’s commitment to the principle of collective defence. But one feels Rutte will need to use all his diplomatic wiles to keep things that way.

Read more:
How Nato summit shows Europe and US no longer have a common enemy

The trouble with Iran

Rutte, who has the nickname “Trump whisperer”, is clever enough to know that emollient words will have been just what the US president was looking for given the stress of the past couple of weeks. The decision to launch strikes against Iran was controversial even within his own base as we noted last week.

But by directly engaging in hostility against Iran, Trump risked embroiling the US in the “forever war” that he always promised his supporters he would avoid. The move was freighted with risk. Nobody knew how Iran might retaliate or how the situation could escalate. There was (and remains) the chance that an angry Iran could try to shut down the Strait of Hormuz. This is one of the world’s most important waterways though which 20% of the world’s oil transits. This would have huge ramifications for the global economy, seriously damaging Iran’s Gulf neighbours and angering China, which gets much of its oil from the region.

Read more:
Iran is considering closing the strait of Hormuz – why this would be a major escalation

For now it appears that Iran has contented itself with performative strikes against US bases in Iraq and Qatar, having given advance warning. This token retaliation was made shortly before the ceasefire was negotiated. Despite a defiant message from Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran is reported to be making noises about coming to the negotiating table. A deal to restore calm to the region would be an achievement indeed.

But legal questions remain about the US decision to launch strikes. For a start, Article 2(4) of the UN charter strictly forbids the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, or “in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations”.

But, as Caleb Wheeler, an expert in international law from the University of Cardiff writes, it’s a rule that has rarely been either observed or enforced. He points out that the Korean War, when following a resolution of the UN security council, a number of countries went to war with North Korea to defend its southern neighbour which had been attacked in violation of article 2(4), was the high watermark of compliance with the UN on conflict.

In most other international conflicts since, the use of vetoes by one or another of the permanent members of the security council has effectively prevented the UN acting the way it was supposed to.

Now, writes Wheeler, there can be little doubt the US has violated article 2(4) by bombing Iran, particularly as Trump expressed his opinion that a regime change might be appropriate. Given that the US is one of the leading lights of the UN, Wheeler thinks you could reasonably expect a degree of condemnation from other world leaders. He worries that the absence of criticism could seriously lower the bar for aggression in the future.

Read more:
Bombing Iran: has the UN charter failed?

And if, as remains unclear at present, Iran’s nuclear programme was not set back by years, as the US claims, but merely by months, then you could expect Tehran to redouble its efforts to acquire a bomb. The Islamic Republic will be mindful of the fact that there has been little talk of bombing North Korea in recent years, for example. Possession of a nuclear deterrent means exactly what it says.

So, conclude David Dunn and Nicholas Wheeler, these strikes which were conducted on what they feel was the false premise of defence against an “imminent” threat from a nuclear Iran, could actually have the opposite effect of encouraging Iran to rapidly develop its own bomb.

Read more:
US attack on Iran lacks legal justification and could lead to more nuclear proliferation

Elon Musk’s geopolitical eye in the sky

After Israel began its latest campaign of airstrikes against Iran earlier this month, the government moved to restrict internet access around the country to discourage criticism of the regime and make it difficult for protesters to organise. But in June 14 in response to a plea over social media, Elon Musk announced, appropriately on X, that he would open up access to his Starlink satellite system.

Joscha Abels, a political scientist at the University of Tübingen, recalls that Starlink became very popular in Iran during the protests that followed the killing of Mahsa Amini in 2022, and which really rocked the regime to its core. He also points to the use of Starlink by Ukraine as a vital communications tool in its defence against Russia over the past three years.

But Abels warns that what is given is also too easily switched off, as Musk did in Ukraine in 2023. At the time a senior Starlink executive warned that the tool was “never intended to be weaponized”. The concern is that such an important tool, which can make or break a regime or cripple a country’s defence, could be a risk in the hands of a private individual.

Read more:
In the sky over Iran, Elon Musk and Starlink step into geopolitics – not for the first time

World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get updates directly in your inbox.

– ref. Why flattering Donald Trump could be dangerous – https://theconversation.com/why-flattering-donald-trump-could-be-dangerous-259940

MIL OSI –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed

Source: The Conversation – Africa (2) – By Martin Bekker, Computational Social Scientist, University of the Witwatersrand

The problem is simple: it’s hard to know whether a photo’s real or not anymore. Photo manipulation tools are so good, so common and easy to use, that a picture’s truthfulness is no longer guaranteed.

The situation got trickier with the uptake of generative artificial intelligence. Anyone with an internet connection can cook up just about any image, plausible or fantasy, with photorealistic quality, and present it as real. This affects our ability to discern truth in a world increasingly influenced by images.

Read more:
Can you tell the difference between real and fake news photos? Take the quiz to find out

I teach and research the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), including how we use and understand digital images.

Many people ask how we can tell if an image has been changed, but that’s fast becoming too difficult. Instead, here I suggest a system where creators and users of images openly state what changes they’ve made. Any similar system will do, but new rules are needed if AI images are to be deployed ethically – at least among those who want to be trusted, especially media.

Doing nothing isn’t an option, because what we believe about media affects how much we trust each other and our institutions. There are several ways forward. Clear labelling of photos is one of them.

Deepfakes and fake news

Photo manipulation was once the preserve of government propaganda teams, and later, expert users of Photoshop, the popular software for editing, altering or creating digital images.

Today, digital photos are automatically subjected to colour-correcting filters on phones and cameras. Some social media tools automatically “prettify” users’ pictures of faces. Is a photo taken of oneself by oneself even real anymore?

Read more:
The use of deepfakes can sow doubt, creating confusion and distrust in viewers

The basis of shared social understanding and consensus – trust regarding what one sees – is being eroded. This is accompanied by the apparent rise of untrustworthy (and often malicious) news reporting. We have new language for the situation: fake news (false reporting in general) and deepfakes (deliberately manipulated images, whether for waging war or garnering more social media followers).

Misinformation campaigns using manipulated images can sway elections, deepen divisions, even incite violence. Scepticism towards trustworthy media has untethered ordinary people from fact-based accounting of events, and has fuelled conspiracy theories and fringe groups.

Ethical questions

A further problem for producers of images (personal or professional) is the difficulty of knowing what’s permissable. In a world of doctored images, is it acceptable to prettify yourself? How about editing an ex-partner out of a picture and posting it online?

Would it matter if a well-respected western newspaper published a photo of Russian president Vladimir Putin pulling his face in disgust (an expression that he surely has made at some point, but of which no actual image has been captured, say) using AI?

The ethical boundaries blur further in highly charged contexts. Does it matter if opposition political ads against then-presidential candidate Barack Obama in the US deliberately darkened his skin?

Would generated images of dead bodies in Gaza be more palatable, perhaps more moral, than actual photographs of dead humans? Is a magazine cover showing a model digitally altered to unattainable beauty standards, while not declaring the level of photo manipulation, unethical?

A fix

Part of the solution to this social problem demands two simple and clear actions. First, declare that photo manipulation has taken place. Second, disclose what kind of photo manipulation was carried out.

The first step is straightforward: in the same way pictures are published with author credits, a clear and unobtrusive “enhancement acknowledgement” or EA should be added to caption lines.

Read more:
AI isn’t what we should be worried about – it’s the humans controlling it

The second is about how an image has been altered. Here I call for five “categories of manipulation” (not unlike a film rating). Accountability and clarity create an ethical foundation.

The five categories could be:

C – Corrected

Edits that preserve the essence of the original photo while refining its overall clarity or aesthetic appeal – like colour balance (such as contrast) or lens distortion. Such corrections are often automated (for instance by smartphone cameras) but can be performed manually.

E – Enhanced

Alterations that are mainly about colour or tone adjustments. This extends to slight cosmetic retouching, like the removal of minor blemishes (such as acne) or the artificial addition of makeup, provided the edits don’t reshape physical features or objects. This includes all filters involving colour changes.

B – Body manipulated

This is flagged when a physical feature is altered. Changes in body shape, like slimming arms or enlarging shoulders, or the altering of skin or hair colour, fall under this category.

O – Object manipulated

This declares that the physical position of an object has been changed. A finger or limb moved, a vase added, a person edited out, a background element added or removed.

G – Generated

Entirely fabricated yet photorealistic depictions, such as a scene that never existed, must be flagged here. So, all images created digitally, including by generative AI, but limited to photographic depictions. (An AI-generated cartoon of the pope would be excluded, but a photo-like picture of the pontiff in a puffer jacket is rated G.)

The suggested categories are value-blind: they are (or ought to be) triggered simply by the occurrence of any manipulation. So, colour filters applied to an image of a politician trigger an E category, whether the alteration makes the person appear friendlier or scarier. A critical feature for accepting a rating system like this is that it is transparent and unbiased.

The CEBOG categories above aren’t fixed, there may be overlap: B (Body manipulated) might often imply E (Enhanced), for example.

Feasibility

Responsible photo manipulation software may automatically indicate to users the class of photo manipulation carried out. If needed it could watermark it, or it could simply capture it in the picture’s metadata (as with data about the source, owner or photographer). Automation could very well ensure ease of use, and perhaps reduce human error, encouraging consistent application across platforms.

Read more:
Can you spot a financial fake? How AI is raising our risks of billing fraud

Of course, displaying the rating will ultimately be an editorial decision, and good users, like good editors, will do this responsibly, hopefully maintaining or improving the reputation of their images and publications. While one would hope that social media would buy into this kind of editorial ideal and encourage labelled images, much room for ambiguity and deception remains.

The success of an initiative like this hinges on technology developers, media organisations and policymakers collaborating to create a shared commitment to transparency in digital media.

Martin Bekker receives funding from the National Research Foundation in South Africa.

– ref. How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed – https://theconversation.com/how-to-tell-if-a-photos-fake-you-probably-cant-thats-why-new-rules-are-needed-252645

MIL OSI –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Emmanuel Ojo, Associate Professor, University of the Witwatersrand

Global crises have shaped our world over the past two decades, affecting education systems everywhere. Higher education researcher Emmanuel Ojo has studied the impact of these disruptions on educational opportunities, particularly in southern Africa.

He looked at 5,511 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 to explore what the research suggests about making education systems more resilient. Here, he answers some questions about his review.

What are the global crises that have undermined education?

In my review I drew up a table documenting how multiple crises have disrupted education systems worldwide.

The cycle began with the 2000-2002 dot-com bubble collapse, which reduced education funding and slowed technological integration. This was followed by the 2001 terrorist attacks, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak (2002-2004), Iraq War (2003-2011), Indian Ocean tsunami (2004), and Hurricane Katrina (2005). The Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2000, global food crisis (2007-2008), financial crisis (2007-2008), and European debt crisis (2010-2012) continued this pattern of disruption.

More recently, the Ebola epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine war have destabilised education systems. Meanwhile, the ongoing climate crisis creates challenges, particularly in southern Africa where environmental vulnerability is high.

Who suffers most, and in what ways?

Education has consistently been among the hardest-hit sectors globally. According to Unesco, the COVID pandemic alone affected more than 1.6 billion students worldwide.

But the impact is not distributed equally.

My research shows crises have put vulnerable populations at a further disadvantage through school closures, funding diversions, infrastructure destruction and student displacement. Quality and access decline most sharply for marginalised communities. Costs rise and mobility is restricted. Food insecurity during crises reduces attendance among the poorest students.

In southern Africa, the Covid-19 disruption highlighted existing divides. Privileged students continued learning online. Those in rural and informal settlements were completely cut off from education.

Climate change compounds these inequalities. Unicef highlights that climate disasters have a disproportionate impact on schooling for millions in low-income countries, where adaptive infrastructure is limited.

What’s at stake for southern Africa is the region’s development potential and social cohesion. The widening of educational divides threatens to create a generation with unequal opportunities and capabilities.

What makes southern African education systems fragile?

My review focused on the 16 countries of the Southern African Development Community, revealing what makes them vulnerable to crisis impacts.

Southern Africa’s geographic exposure to climate disasters combines with pre-existing economic inequalities. The region’s digital divide became starkly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some students were excluded from learning by limited connectivity and unreliable electricity.

The region’s systems also rely on external funding. The Trump administration’s sudden foreign aid freeze was a shock to South Africa’s higher education sector. It has affected public health initiatives and university research programmes.

Research representation itself is unequal. Within the region, South African researchers dominate and other nations make only limited contributions. This creates blind spots in understanding context-specific challenges and solutions.

Each successive crisis deepens educational divides, making recovery increasingly difficult and costly. Weaker education systems make the region less able to respond to other development challenges, too.

How can southern Africa build education systems to withstand crises?

One striking finding from my review was the surge in educational research after the Covid-19 pandemic began – from 229 studies in 2019 to nearly double that in 2020, with continued rapid growth thereafter. This indicates growing recognition that education systems must be redesigned to withstand future disruptions, not merely recover from current ones.

Research points to a number of ways to do this:
- Strategic investment in educational infrastructure, particularly digital technologies, to ensure learning continuity.
- Equipping educators with skills to adapt teaching methods during emergencies.
- Innovative, context-appropriate teaching approaches that empower communities.
- Integration of indigenous knowledge systems into curricula, enhancing relevance, adaptability and community ownership.
- Interdisciplinary and cross-national research collaborations.
- Protection of education budgets, recognising education’s role in crisis recovery and long-term stability.
- Community engagement in education, ensuring interventions are culturally appropriate and widely accepted.
In my view, African philanthropists have a duty to provide the independent financial base that education systems need to withstand external funding fluctuations.

What’s the cost of doing nothing?

The economic and social costs of failing to build resilient education systems are profound and long-lasting. Each educational disruption creates negative effects that extend far beyond the crisis period.

When students miss critical learning periods, it reduces their chances in life. The World Bank estimates that learning losses from the Covid-19 pandemic alone could result in up to US$17 trillion in lost lifetime earnings for affected students globally.

Social costs are equally severe. Educational disruptions increase dropout rates, child marriage, early pregnancy, and youth unemployment. These outcomes create broader societal challenges that require costly interventions across multiple sectors.

Spending on educational resilience avoids those costs.

The question isn’t whether southern African nations can afford to invest in educational resilience, but whether they can afford not to.

The choices made today will determine whether education systems merely survive crises or make society better. Evidence-based policies and regional cooperation are essential for building education systems that can fulfil Southern Africa’s human potential.

Emmanuel Ojo receives funding from National Research Foundation (NRF).

– ref. Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa – https://theconversation.com/global-crises-have-hit-education-hard-24-years-of-research-offers-a-way-forward-for-southern-africa-251833
MIL OSI –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Xinjiang hosts event to establish agricultural trade and economic cooperation and promote local agricultural brands to overseas markets

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

URUMQI, June 30 (Xinhua) — An event to boost agricultural economic and trade cooperation and promote Xinjiang’s agricultural brands to overseas markets was held in Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on June 29. The event is an important part of the trade promotion program of the 2025 Eurasian Goods and Trade Expo.

According to local newspaper Xinjiang Daily, the event aims to promote interactions between agricultural enterprises and organizations, make full use of the advantages of Xinjiang’s geographical location, openness and strengths of the industry, and serve high-quality agricultural economic and trade cooperation between China and participating countries in the framework of jointly building the Belt and Road.

On that day, representatives of agricultural departments, research institutes, and enterprise associations from 14 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan, as well as heads of relevant departments in Xinjiang and representatives of leading agricultural enterprises in the region, gathered together to present their products and consolidate opinions on cooperation issues.

According to Tan Mingze, an official with the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xinjiang has been comprehensively promoting international cooperation in the agricultural sector in recent years by relying on its advantages. In 2024, Xinjiang’s agricultural trade volume reached 2.77 billion US dollars, with an average annual growth rate of 35 percent over the past three years. Xinjiang’s elite crop varieties, water-saving irrigation technologies and advanced agricultural machinery have been widely applied in neighboring countries. In the future, Xinjiang will continue to promote facilitation of agricultural economic and trade cooperation and fully support local agricultural enterprises in entering international markets.

“This event is of great significance to promoting trade in Xinjiang’s high-quality agricultural products, establishing links between enterprises and deepening cooperation in agricultural supply chains,” said Zhang Qian, chief project appraisal specialist at the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

During the event, foreign participants expressed hope for joint efforts with other participants to expand agricultural trade and economic cooperation. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Interview: China’s Indigenous C909 Airliner Opens New Horizons in Regional Aviation

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

SHANGHAI, June 30 (Xinhua) — China’s commercial jet airliner C909, formerly known as ARJ21, celebrated the ninth anniversary of its maiden flight on Saturday.

The C909 is a turbofan regional airliner developed by China itself, seating 78 to 97 people and having a range of 2,225 km to 3,700 km. It complies with international civil aviation regulations and is the first of its kind independently developed by China.

According to the data, a total of 166 C909 aircraft have been delivered to the market to date, serving more than 700 air routes and carrying more than 24 million passengers.

The C909 was a breakthrough in the commercial operation of domestic jet airliners and explored the development path of the entire life cycle of Chinese-made commercial aircraft, Chen Yong, chief designer of the aircraft, told Xinhua News Agency.

LINKING BORDER CITIES

The C909 aircraft were first put into service in China’s border areas, including the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwest China), the northeast region and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (north China). By expanding the regional air route network, they improve travel convenience, support people’s mobility and stimulate local economic development.

Since the C909’s debut in Xinjiang in June 2023, a total of 22 aircraft of this model have entered service, opening more than 120 routes and carrying more than 1.3 million passengers safely, according to Chen Yong, who is also the chief engineer of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the developer of the C909.

In June 2025, when Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region entered its peak tourist season, four daily round-trip flights were launched between the popular cities of Kashi (Kashgar) and Yining. The flights are operated by C909 aircraft of Chengdu Airlines and China Express.

“We have received positive feedback from various airlines, including Chengdu Airlines, which confirmed that in terms of performance, this model of aircraft is very well suited to operating conditions in regions such as Xinjiang,” Chen Yong said.

In addition, these airliners have expanded the international route schedule. On October 26, 2019, the C909 launched its first international flight, connecting Harbin in northeast China and Vladivostok in Russia. The airline promotes economic, cultural and tourism exchanges and integration between cities on both sides of the border.

MARKET EXPANSION TO SOUTHEAST ASIA

On 18 April 2023, the C909 made its maiden flight in Indonesia, thus initiating regional inter-island routes and expanding services to cross-border trunk routes. Notably, the Manado-Guangzhou route, with a length of over 2,700 km, is the longest commercial route served by the C909 to date.

Chen Yong believes that the advanced airport infrastructure, flexible route configuration and comfortable passenger conditions make the C909 particularly suitable for the operational needs of the Southeast Asian aviation market. The aircraft has pioneered a new business model for domestic passenger aircraft in the region: it is leased to airlines under dry lease and wet lease agreements.

The term “dry lease” means the provision of only the aircraft by the lessor, while aircraft package leasing means the provision of not only the aircraft but also the flight crew, safety management, maintenance and operational control.

For example, two C909 aircraft that Chengdu Airlines wet leased to Vietnam’s Vietjet Air operate daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, respectively.

“The runway length of Con Dao Airport is only 1,800 meters, and the sea serves as a natural boundary on both sides. This fully confirmed the C909’s short and narrow runway performance and its suitability for the humid climate of Southeast Asia,” Chen Yong added.

Today, three Southeast Asian airlines – Indonesia’s TransNusa, Laos’ Lao Airlines and Vietnam’s Vietjet Air – operate a total of seven C909 aircraft. Fifteen new routes have been opened, providing air service between 18 cities, and the combined passenger traffic on these routes has exceeded 370,000 person-times.

EXPANSION OF SERIAL PRODUCTION

Developing variants of aircraft models is a characteristic feature of the commercial aviation industry. Currently, four variants of the C909 jet airliner are available to the public: a cargo aircraft, a command aircraft for emergency response, a medical aircraft, and a business jet.

Chen Yong says the C909 cargo aircraft can meet various air cargo needs, covering the special cargo market, highland market and short-haul international cargo routes. The rescue command aircraft version can provide situational awareness, decision-making and coordination in disaster relief. Its versatility extends to applications such as transporting rescue forces and establishing temporary communication networks in disaster-stricken areas.

The medical aircraft model is capable of performing rescue and air ambulance missions, as well as aeromedical transportation of patients. The business jet is flexible, efficient, quiet and comfortable. Its functionality package can be easily adjusted to meet specific customer requirements.

“Over its nine-year operational history, the C909 has undergone a series of upgrades and optimizations. These modifications have been aimed at improving various aspects of the aircraft, including its performance, crew experience and passenger cabin comfort,” Chen Yong said. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Pakistan-China partnership continues to soar to new heights: Pakistan Deputy PM

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

ISLAMABAD, June 30 (Xinhua) — Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Monday emphasized the growing strength and deepening content of the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, calling it a cornerstone of Islamabad’s foreign policy and a key driver of regional peace, development and connectivity.

Addressing an event to mark the 52nd anniversary of the inauguration of the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, he said that Pakistan-China bilateral relations continue to “scale to new heights” by adapting to the changing global and regional environment through enhanced cooperation in various fields.

“Our foreign policy remains proactive and results-oriented, and the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership continues to deepen and expand,” M. I. Dar said, adding that the partnership is being strengthened in line with the demands of a changing world.

He stressed China’s leading role in promoting regional connectivity through inclusive multilateral mechanisms. He cited the recent trilateral forums of China-Pakistan-Afghanistan and China-Pakistan-Bangladesh as examples of the shared commitment to regional integration and win-win cooperation.

M. I. Dar said the recent meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan in Beijing marked a “qualitative change” in relations and laid the foundation for the expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.

“Such cooperative mechanisms based on mutual benefit and common interests are central to Pakistan’s pivot to geo-economics,” he added.

Launched in 2013, CPEC, a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is a corridor connecting the port of Gwadar in Pakistan with the city of Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025

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And so to Nato

The trouble with Iran

Elon Musk’s geopolitical eye in the sky

Deepfakes and fake news

Ethical questions

A fix

Feasibility

What are the global crises that have undermined education?

Who suffers most, and in what ways?

What makes southern African education systems fragile?

How can southern Africa build education systems to withstand crises?

What’s the cost of doing nothing?