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Category: Russian Federation

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NPC Standing Committee Chairman Calls on People’s Congresses to Advance Development, Reform

    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

    HOHHOT, June 19 (Xinhua) — Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, has called for utilizing the powers of people’s congresses to advance socio-economic development and accomplish key reform tasks.

    Zhao Leji, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the call during an inspection and familiarization tour of North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from June 16 to 19.

    During the trip, Zhao Leji visited urban communities and enterprises, where he interacted with legislators and members of the public, and inspected the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People’s Congress and the Arshan City People’s Congress.

    The Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee called on the legislative organs to strictly adhere to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party, conscientiously implement the requirements of the CPC Central Committee, and consistently advance legislative, supervisory and parliamentary work.

    In addition, Zhao Leji headed the NPC Standing Committee’s inspection team to verify compliance with the Forestry Code of the People’s Republic of China in Inner Mongolia.

    Noting that Inner Mongolia is the largest functional ecological zone in northern China in terms of area and the richest in species diversity, Zhao Leji stressed the importance of faithfully implementing the Forestry Code, sustainably preserving natural forests and artificial afforestation, and continuously increasing the total volume and quality of forest resources. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ceasefire is an urgent priority in resolving the conflict in the Middle East – Xi Jinping

    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 19 (Xinhua) — A ceasefire is an urgent priority in resolving the conflict in the Middle East, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday.

    The Chinese leader made the corresponding statement in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the conversation, the heads of the two states exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East.

    Xi Jinping outlined China’s principles and position, saying that the current situation in the Middle East is extremely dangerous, proving once again that the world is entering a new turbulent period of fundamental change.

    If the conflict continues to escalate, it will not only lead to increased losses for its participants, but will also cause serious damage to states throughout the region, the Chinese president warned.

    The use of force, Xi Jinping stressed, is not the right way to resolve international disputes and only increases hatred and exacerbates contradictions.

    The conflicting parties, especially Israel, must cease fire as soon as possible to stop the spiral of escalation and under no circumstances allow the war to spread beyond the region, the Chinese leader said.

    Xi said ensuring the safety of civilians is a top priority, adding that the red line of protecting civilians in armed conflicts should never be crossed and the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable.

    The Chinese President called on the parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to international law, avoid causing harm to innocent civilians and facilitate the safe evacuation of third-country nationals.

    Launching dialogue and negotiations is the fundamental way to resolve the issue, and communication and dialogue are the right path to lasting peace, Xi Jinping is convinced.

    He called on relevant parties to remain firmly committed to finding a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and return the issue to the path of political settlement through dialogue and negotiations.

    The international community’s efforts to establish peace are indispensable, Xi Jinping noted, adding that without stability in the Middle East, world peace is unlikely.

    The Chinese President noted that the conflict between Israel and Iran has led to a sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East and dealt a serious blow to global security.

    The international community, especially large countries with special influence on the parties to the conflict, should make efforts to cool the situation, rather than do the opposite, Xi stressed, calling on the UN Security Council to play a more active role in this regard.

    Xi Jinping said China is willing to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with all parties, pool their efforts, uphold justice and play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE and the Government of the Tula Region have signed an agreement on strategic cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025, the Higher School of Economics and the Government of the Tula Region signed a cooperation agreement aimed at developing the region and improving the quality of life of its residents. The document was signed by HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov and Tula Region Governor Dmitry Milyaev.

    The agreement provides for the formation of a sustainable partnership between the university and the region with the aim of promoting the socio-economic development of the Tula region, strengthening human resources and expanding opportunities for self-realization and professional orientation of young people and the population.

    The parties intend to cooperate in the sphere of strategic planning and implementation of regional development programs, including in the field of education, training of specialists and advanced training of personnel. Particular attention in the framework of cooperation will be paid to the creation of conditions for equal access to quality education, including support for large families.

    The University and the Government also agreed to work together to improve the practical orientation of educational programs that take into account the current needs of the region, and to develop initiatives in the field of additional professional education.

    “We are pleased to sign a cooperation agreement with the Tula Region, a region that has supported various initiatives of the Higher School of Economics for many years. We will develop cooperation in a wide range of areas, including support for large families, primarily through programs for joint financing of education in universities for children from such families. I am confident that students from the Tula Region, having received access to quality education, will then return home to contribute to the development of their native region,” said Nikita Anisimov.

    “The Government of the Tula Region is entering a new phase of cooperation with the Higher School of Economics. We are starting a project of support for large families, which is important from a social point of view. We have agreed that children from large families in the region will study at the Higher School of Economics on preferential terms,” said Dmitry Milyaev.

    The signing of the agreement at SPIEF 2025 was an important step towards closer cooperation between HSE and the subjects of the Russian Federation interested in attracting intellectual resources to solve regional development problems.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Questions Army Leaders on Munitions Production, Drone Utilization and Funding Challenges

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) questioned Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George about the Army’s modernization initiative and its potential impact as well as the importance of stable funding and current and future drone capabilities at a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing.

    “I share your concerns with modernization. I share the concerns of many in Congress about the loss of the organic industrial base. Current events have made one thing clear: the commercial industrial base alone cannot meet our munitions demands. That’s why Congress has advocated for investing in Army-owned, organic industrial base facilities,” Boozman said.

    “It is – there are probably a couple of threats if we don’t figure out how to get scalable solutions together, we are going to put our Army in a bad position and that is absolutely one of them. I would be honored to work with you,” Driscoll stated.

    Boozman, along with Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), has pushed back on the Army’s intentions to potentially downsize the Pine Bluff Arsenal rather than expand its operations to help meet munitions needs. The lawmakers subsequently called for detailed plans for the future of the Arsenal as a critical element of the defense industrial base.

    As a senior Appropriations Committee member, Boozman also questioned the effect temporary funding and authorities – in the form or continuing resolutions – has on military missions and commitments.

    “We wouldn’t be able to make some of the changes because it would be based on previous years. That would obviously be a detriment to us in the Army. We know the battlefield is constantly changing,” George responded.

    “Predictable funding is a virtuous concept that helps us in a lot of different ways. When we continue to have CRs, it makes our spending decisions and the downstream effect on our suppliers even more amplified,” Driscoll continued.

    The senator concluded by pressing for details on the Army’s plan to integrate and field mass small drone technology in light of recent drone attacks abroad, including Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web that successfully targeted Russia’s air fleet.

    “We need to produce – we’re producing very few drones stateside. We need to have [that] here in our organic industrial base. That’s certainly one area where there’s an intersection where we need to improve on,” George explained.

    Boozman previously discussed the threat of drone attacks on U.S. domestic military installations and assets with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Italian Science Fiction Writer Roberto Quaglia Participates in SPIEF-2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOSCOW, RUSSIA, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is in Russia from June 18 to 21. Among the participants is Italian writer and publicist Roberto Quaglia, holder of the title of Europe’s best science fiction writer. He noted the significance of SPIEF as a space where the architecture of the future world is being formed.

    “There are places in time and space where the future is created. This is one of them. Today, a new multipolar world is born—with new connections, centres of power, and initiatives. The economy plays a decisive role here, and that is precisely why the forum in Russia has special significance,” emphasised Roberto Quaglia.

    One of the main events of the first day of SPIEF was the session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth”, which opened the business program. It was organised based on the results of the Open Dialogue of the Russia National Centre. Leading specialists from Russia, Cameroon, Spain, Azerbaijan, and Canada participated in the discussion, as well as authors of the best essays from the Open Dialogue.

    Experts discussed tectonic shifts in the world system, Africa’s potential as a centre of future economic development, demographic challenges, and the role of advanced technologies. Special attention was paid to the theme of the economy’s cultural foundations and business’s social responsibility. Maxim Oreshkin noted that open and substantive dialogue is necessary to develop sustainable solutions.

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    Media Contact

    Brand: Russia National Centre

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    Email: pressa@russia.ru

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: China remains the main driver of global economic growth and Russia’s number one trading partner — VTB CEO A. Kostin

    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 19 (Xinhua) — China remains the main driver of global economic growth and Russia’s number one trading partner, said Andrey Kostin, president and chairman of the board of Russian bank VTB, in a written interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is being held in St. Petersburg from June 18 to 21.

    Over the past 5 years, China’s contribution to global economic growth has averaged around 30 percent, making China one of the main drivers of global economic growth, noted A. Kostin.

    Speaking about bilateral trade between Russia and China, A. Kostin reported that “last year, trade turnover amounted to almost 245 billion dollars, and in the medium term, it is expected to reach 300 billion dollars per year,” he added.

    At the same time, according to the head of VTB, the interaction between Russia and China in the area of mutual investments is still noticeably lagging behind the dynamic growth in trade. “Their volume today does not correspond to the level and quality of political dialogue,” the banker is sure.

    A. Kostin recalled that in order to develop this area, Russia and China updated their investment cooperation plan in August 2024. In his opinion, one of the promising areas for joint investment is the development of transport and logistics infrastructure, which is important for ensuring further growth of trade and economic cooperation, including cross-border and regional.

    Joint projects in the energy, oil and gas, and agro-industrial sectors have great potential. “Here we can talk about investments in projects in Russia, Russian supplies of raw materials and agricultural products to China, as well as the creation of joint ventures to enter third-country markets with final products,” suggested the Xinhua source.

    In addition, according to A. Kostin, in order to ensure the technological sovereignty of the two countries in modern geopolitical realities, it is important to finance joint developments and projects in the field of developing technological cooperation, including digitalization and the creation of artificial intelligence.

    The head of VTB noted that China has traditionally been one of the most important areas of the bank’s international activities. The branch in Shanghai has been operating in the Chinese market for 17 years and today remains the only Russian bank in the country.

    In addition, VTB has been supporting Russian-Chinese cultural exchanges for many years, because mutual study of culture and traditions helps people from different countries to understand each other better. “In international business, knowledge of the partner’s ‘cultural code’ helps to establish deeper and more trusting relationships, and therefore, it facilitates effective cooperation and the achievement of a more lasting result,” the head of the Russian bank believes.

    As part of the cross-cultural Years of China and Russia /2024-2025/, VTB has become a partner in a series of large-scale tours of Russian art in China, and projects that introduce Russians to Chinese art are being implemented with its support. “We will be glad to continue to take an active part in the development of cultural dialogue between our countries,” concluded A. Kostin. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “For the Higher School of Economics, teaching AI technologies is a hygienic requirement”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    © Dmitry Orlov / Roscongress Foundation

    “Technologies of the future: a single global space or everyone for himself” – this question was put in the title of the session held on June 19 with the support of Alfa-Bank at SPIEF-2025. The discussion was attended by the rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Nikita Anisimov, and the moderator was journalist, TV presenter and public figure Ksenia Sobchak.

    Opening the discussion, Ksenia Sobchak noted that we are currently experiencing a second technological revolution. The first was the universal use of computers and the Internet, and the second is related to AI, which means that we will see a huge number of breakthroughs in the economy, medicine, and in our human existence in general.

    “It would seem that this is a chance to join forces like never before, to face new challenges and opportunities together, but these breakthroughs are happening against the backdrop of a global technological divide, and this presents a huge number of additional challenges for all of us,” the moderator emphasized.

    Vladimir Verkhoshinsky, CEO of Alfa-Bank, said that the policy of technological isolation leads to a dead end, so his bank puts openness first. Previously, in the industrial economy, it was possible to patent a gear, a machine, a robot, but now, in the digital economy, it is impossible to patent a code, any innovation is easily copied, and the speaker believes that this is good.

    “Western countries were great in the 1990s and early 2000s, when they were technological leaders and openly shared technologies with the world,” added Vladimir Verkhoshinsky. In his opinion, now the leaders of many countries are pursuing protectionist policies, trying to close and ban everything.

    Addressing Nikita Anisimov, Ksenia Sobchak stated that the Higher School of Economics, as a source of personnel, must also face these modern challenges, and, in particular, asked how the university adapts its programs to the needs of AI.

    Nikita Anisimov specified that the entire education system can be considered a forge of personnel, while some simply prepare for the workplace, while others create the technologies of tomorrow, think about the future and form the values of the future. “It is important for us, and there are not many such universities in the world, that there is an environment that creates future technologies. There should be universities in the world that are a forge not of personnel, but of the technologies of the future,” he said. Such institutions – universities – exist both in our country and in the world, where AI technologies are introduced into the educational process and taught.

    “For the Higher School of Economics, teaching artificial intelligence technologies is a hygienic requirement. Our students take an exam on digital literacy already in their first year, and if they fail, we expel them,” the rector explained.

    He also said that 1% of the world’s leading universities compete for 1% of the world’s talent, and each person views studying at these universities as entering a special environment and culture, investing in themselves, creating opportunities for self-realization, and not preparing for a specific job. According to Nikita Anisimov, this understanding of the university was initially characteristic of Russia.

    The HSE rector also put forward a hypothesis that the preparation of a student for a specific job today is determined by a strong demographic impact on the labor market. So solving the demographic problem will help preserve the essence of university education.

    “What is a talent pool for? To fill jobs. And then you tell every university, even the one that is supposed to create an environment for creating the future, listen, but we don’t have enough people. Therefore, solving the demographic issue is critically important for technological leadership,” Nikita Anisimov emphasized.

    The moderator’s questions, addressed to Rostelecom President Mikhail Oseevsky, concerned the possibility of transforming various AI solutions for editing, design, visuals, etc. into a single system. “Many different wallets, with different currencies in them. It seems to be in order, but in fact it’s chaos,” Ksenia Sobchak drew an analogy.

    Mikhail Oseevsky responded that it is impossible to create a single universal solution that will be effective for different types of tasks. “That is why we create for ourselves and then bring to market a product called a “neural gateway” that allows employees and clients, depending on the task that needs to be solved, to access different “engines” “under the hood”. These can be global networks,” he explained.

    At the same time, in his opinion, it is necessary to keep in mind that in order to ensure security and sovereignty, not all information can be loaded into solutions that do not belong to us. In corporate activities, interaction should be carried out with those neural networks that are located in our data centers and that are specially trained on our material.

    “We believe that we need to focus on diversity, but within the framework of one product, ensuring personal and corporate security,” concluded Mikhail Oseevsky.

    The discussion was also attended by Deputy Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation Ivan Chebeskov, Chairman of the Board of the Moscow Exchange Viktor Zhidkov, and futurist writer from Singapore, author of the bestseller “AI 2041” Chen Qiufan.

    In conclusion, Ksenia Sobchak invited the session participants to briefly answer the question posed in its title. As it turned out, the speakers were unable to come to a consensus on whether it would be possible to create a single global technology space.

    Vladimir Verkhoshinsky offered an optimistic formulation: “Technology has no borders, especially now, in the digital world, like friendship and love. Perhaps, in the short term of 30-50 years, everyone will be for themselves, and if we look strategically 100-200 years ahead, we will have a single world, I would like to hope, a beautiful, space.”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Euro Area: IMF Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Mission on Common Policies for Member Countries

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    July 19, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. 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 Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC: Europe’s economy remains resilient with record-low unemployment, headline inflation broadly at target, and a stable financial system. However, policymakers face mounting challenges, including trade tensions, rising demand for defense spending, and the need to ensure energy security, all while addressing subpar productivity, rapid aging, and weak medium-term growth. The most effective solutions require decisive EU actions. Deepening the EU single market is the key tool available to policymakers to enhance investment, innovation, and productivity. A better-integrated EU single market, in turn, calls for a joint provision of key public goods including for energy connectivity and defense—including through the multiannual financial framework. This can help internalize positive cross-border externalities of investments, leverage economies of scale, and avoid costly duplicative national efforts. Ensuring orderly growth-friendly fiscal consolidations designed to address country-specific risks is critical to preserving fiscal sustainability and managing long-term spending pressures associated with aging and increased spending on security. Diversifying economic ties and expanding rule-based trade integration can further bolster competitiveness and strengthen economic resilience. Safeguarding price and financial stability continues to be the bedrock for addressing these longer-term challenges. 

    Outlook and Risks

    The euro area economy is navigating an increasingly challenging global environment of higher tariffs, elevated trade policy uncertainty, and geopolitical risks. The April 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) projected growth to remain moderate at 0.8 percent in 2025, picking up to 1.2 percent in 2026. Trade tensions and elevated uncertainty have dimmed the outlook for domestic demand and exports, outweighing an anticipated boost from higher defense and infrastructure spending. In addition, the geopolitical situation in Europe is expected to dampen sentiment and weigh on investment and consumption, despite looser monetary policy and projected gains in real income.   

    Headline inflation is close to 2 percent and, under staff’s April WEO projections, is expected to remain broadly at target with weak energy and core goods inflation offsetting elevated services inflation. Ongoing nominal wage growth moderation amid subdued activity and firmly anchored inflation expectations is expected to gradually lower services inflation. As a result, core inflation is projected to decline to 2 percent later than headline inflation, in 2026.

    Risks to growth are on the downside. Trade policy uncertainty, further tariff escalation, or geopolitical tensions could weigh on demand and growth more than expected. These would likely outweigh possible positive impacts of unanticipated further fiscal easing if more countries were to boost defense spending. The April 9th announcements of a pause in US tariffs constitutes a small upside risk to the April 2025 WEO projections as they lower the effective tariff rate on EU exports to the US.

    Risks to inflation are two-sided. Lower-than-expected non-energy goods prices because of trade diversion, weaker-than-expected activity and wages, as well as the recent euro appreciation could pull inflation lower than in the baseline. On the other hand, fiscal spending could turn out larger or more inflationary than assumed in the baseline, while geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and tariff escalation could lead to faster increases in import prices, and wage growth may not moderate as strongly as expected. 

    Structural constraints weigh on the medium-term outlook. Risks of persistently elevated trade policy uncertainty, an escalation of tariffs, still high and volatile energy prices, and the shifting geopolitical context all add to pre-existing challenges from aging, skills shortages, and weak productivity trends.

    Policy Priorities

    Given the challenges outlined above, a comprehensive policy strategy for decisive EU level actions on multiple fronts is needed. The goals include strengthening potential growth amidst aging and a more difficult external environment, ensuring new public spending priorities are met without risking fiscal sustainability, and safeguarding broader macro and financial stability.

    Structural and Trade Policies

    To bolster productivity growth and resilience in the EU, it is crucial to enhance innovation and facilitate the scaling up of firms (Draghi 2024; Letta 2024; Adilbish and others 2025). The key lever available to achieve this is deeper integration of the EU single market. Staff analysis finds that remaining barriers within the single market are equivalent on average to a 44 percent tariff on goods and 110 percent on services (Adilbish and others 2025). More integration will unlock gains from specialization within the EU, as global value chains reconfigure and enable firms to capitalize on economies of scale. 

    Staff analysis highlights four key actionable priorities to help complete the single market and realize these ambitions (Arnold and others 2025). First, lowering regulatory fragmentation. For instance, a 28th corporate regime—alternative to national regimes—that establishes uniform regulations and legal rules crucial for not only the formation and operation of firms, but also their dissolution can provide a voluntary EU-wide legal framework to support firms’ expansion without requiring them to navigate divergent national regulations. By offering an alternative viable solution to simplify the regulatory landscape, the 28th regime can facilitate firms’ scaling up and enhance the efficiency of cross-border capital allocation, ultimately fostering innovation. Second, advancing the Capital Markets Union (CMU) to facilitate more efficient channeling of savings to risk capital for firms. For instance, increasing institutional investors’ familiarity with venture capital (VC) as an asset class and addressing remaining undue restrictions on their ability to invest in it can help meaningfully increase VC investment in the EU from a very low level currently (Arnold and others 2024). This, together with continued efforts to complete the Banking Union (BU)—critical for a more resilient and efficient banking sector—will build a well-functioning Savings and Investments Union (SIU). Lowering barriers to cross-border bank mergers and acquisitions would help augment bank finance, address long-standing concerns of structurally low profitability and high costs, and spur competition within the euro area’s banking sector. Third, enhancing intra-EU labor mobility (such as through extending the automatic system of professional qualification recognition) can offer productive firms greater access to talent and improve skills matching. Last, integrating the EU energy market, guided by a coordinated strategy for an energy system transformation, can help provide lower and more stable energy prices. Simulation results suggest that a few actionable steps along these dimensions could jumpstart the process of deeper integration and deliver a meaningful payoff by increasing the EU potential GDP level relative to baseline by around 3 percent over 10 years, benefiting every country. In this regard, the digital euro also has an important role to play. In addition to reinforcing monetary sovereignty in the growing presence of private digital currencies, the digital euro can help deepen the integration of financial services within the European market by streamlining and unifying cross-border retail payments. It can improve payment system efficiency, reduce transaction costs, and complement the SIU and the single market more broadly.

    While deeper intra-Europe integration is one key element in boosting growth prospects, complementary policy actions are needed at the national level. Recently published staff analysis (Budina and others 2025) identifies domestic structural reform priorities for individual European countries. Successful implementation—by which countries aim to close 50 percent of their prioritized policy gaps with respect to the most growth-friendly regulatory settings—would entail sizable gains in GDP level of around 5.7 percent for the EU in the medium term. The prioritized reforms cover labor market and human capital (e.g., education and training), fiscal structural issues (e.g., tax policy), business regulation, and credit and capital markets.

    An escalation of trade tensions poses important challenges to the EU. The EU would benefit from its continued advocacy for a stable, rules-based global trading system. Further diversifying economic ties can help strengthen supply chain resilience and capture efficiency gains from trade. Any new industrial policies should be limited to well-defined market failures and be coordinated at the EU level.

    Fiscal Policy

    Fiscal risks and optimal fiscal policy strategies differ across countries. For countries with high debt and limited fiscal space, significant fiscal adjustments are needed to mitigate risks, while countries with fiscal space can implement a more back-loaded fiscal adjustment. For the euro area economies excluding Germany, staff recommends improving the structural primary balance to a surplus of 1.4 percent of GDP in 2030—a cumulative improvement of 2.9 percentage points from a deficit of 1.5 percent of GDP in 2024. Achieving this requires an additional cumulative deficit reduction of close to 2 percentage points over 2024–30 relative to the baseline (typically predicated on current budgets and specified, concrete measures under consideration).

    The needed deficit-reduction creates challenging tradeoffs because, at the same time, Europe faces high and rising spending pressures that are crystallizing faster than previously anticipated. Pressures from interest costs, an aging population, climate transition and energy security, and defense would reach 4.4 percent of GDP annually for the euro area economies in 2050 (Eble and others 2025). Member states should transparently account for rising spending pressures to lay out trade-offs within the fiscal framework and develop credible plans to ensure sustainability. 

    The use of escape clauses to support member states’ ramp-up in defense spending should be restricted to its initial phase. Member states and the Commission should assess the impact of increased defense spending on debt sustainability on an ongoing basis and develop plans to put debt on a stable/declining path over the medium term. Also, it is crucial that care be taken in implementing the EU fiscal rules to ensure that countries with low fiscal risks that intend to increase spending to boost potential growth and enhance resilience should not be constrained from doing so by the rules. Eventually, a broader reassessment of key parameters may be needed to achieve an optimal balance between allowing countries with low fiscal risks to fulfill spending objectives that can also have favorable EU-wide spillovers, and ensuring that debt remains sustainable.

    Coordinated efforts at the EU level and targeted investments can help address shared challenges in a cost-effective manner, supporting member states in managing fiscal tradeoffs (Busse and others 2025). Identifying existing investment gaps and areas where joint EU-level initiatives would deliver cost-effective solutions can provide a blueprint for priority actions—for instance, public goods investment including on innovation, clean energy transition, and collective defense. To support investments in these areas, the EU budget size will need to increase by at least 50 percent, if existing programs are to be maintained. Coordinated investments that better internalize positive cross-border externalities and minimize duplicative national efforts will generate net budgetary savings for member states. In the area of the clean energy transition, for instance, our recent work estimates that better EU-level coordination and planning can lower investment costs by 7 percent (IMF 2024). In addition, reforms are needed to make the budget more streamlined, responsive to evolving needs, and more effective by incentivizing good performance. A performance-based approach that links financial support to implementing national-level reforms that support EU priorities and enhance growth potential can deliver objectives more effectively, particularly in areas where incentives are currently weak, and outcomes are closely linked to efforts. Lastly, strengthening the financing framework of the budget with borrowing capacity and increased own resources will help meet the growing demand for EU level investment in shared priorities in a timely manner while spreading the fiscal burden over time.

    Monetary and Financial Sector Policies

    Since headline inflation is broadly at target, core inflation is slightly above 2 percent, and the output gap is mildly negative, a monetary policy stance close to neutral is justified. Barring further shocks that materially revise the inflation outlook, maintaining the policy rate at 2 percent will help keep inflation around target in the second half of 2025 and beyond. But the outlook is highly uncertain, and the policy path may need to be adjusted on the basis of incoming data or developments.

    The concurrent Financial Stability Assessment Program (FSAP) found that the banking system generally appears adequately capitalized and liquid, but the authorities should closely monitor the vulnerabilities from the growing NBFI sector. Although financial stability risks linked to past monetary tightening are easing, a deteriorating business environment for corporates, especially those with trade exposures to the US, could weigh on banks’ otherwise healthy balance sheets. Moreover, new systemic risks have emerged, particularly from market volatility due to higher tariffs and banks’ exposures to NBFIs. Authorities should stand ready to address potential liquidity stress, including by preparing a framework for the provision of emergency liquidity assistance to NBFIs, paired with closer oversight.

    Facilitating better data sharing among EU and national authorities will improve risk monitoring, particularly to close gaps that hinder system-wide analyses. A key policy priority is to improve system-wide risk monitoring of the financial sector beyond banks, including by closing data gaps arising from legal restrictions for sharing or timely access by supervisors, which currently limit the ability to undertake complete system-wide analyses.

    Fragmentation continues to hinder the full benefits of the banking union and the development of a more resilient, deeper and integrated EA-wide financial system. Further steps to strengthen the euro area financial architecture include completing the Banking Union with the introduction of a common deposit insurance system; allowing a greater use of national deposit guarantee funds for resolution and making bail-in requirements more flexible; putting in place arrangements for the Single Resolution Fund to provide guarantees to enhance the provision of central bank liquidity in resolution, ideally with an EU fiscal backstop; fully implementing the international capital standard for banks (Basel III); and strengthening the resources and prudential powers of the European authorities overseeing NBFIs, including empowering ESMA to top-up national measures for substantially leveraged investment funds and to enforce cross-border reciprocation.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Eva-Maria Graf

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/18/mcs-06182025-euro-area-imf-cs-of-2025-mission-on-common-policies-for-member-countries

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Scientific and Technical Library of SPbGASU switches to summer mode of operation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    Dear users of the scientific and technical library of SPbGASU! The library is switching to summer mode of operation.

    From July 7 to August 31, the library is open for visits according to the following schedule:

    Monday – Thursday from 14:00 to 18:00; Friday from 14:00 to 17:00

    You can check whether you have debt in the user’s personal account

    Tel. for inquiries: 7 (812) 575-04-29, 7 (812) 575-08-33

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: US protectionism damages economic stability and leads to the destruction of global trade mechanisms – VTB CEO A. Kostin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, June 19 (Xinhua) — U.S. protectionism is damaging economic stability and creating uncertainty in international trade, said Andrey Kostin, president and chairman of the board of Russia’s VTB Bank, in a written interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is being held in St. Petersburg from June 18 to 21.

    “The US protectionist measures affect almost all countries in the world. Such policies cause obvious damage to the stability of economic cooperation and lead to the destruction of the mechanisms and principles of world trade. They create uncertainty in international trade, which negatively affects the prospects for global growth,” said the head of VTB.

    According to A. Kostin, the most alarming fact is that in the last few years the US and other Western countries have begun to actively use the instruments of the international economic system to achieve their geopolitical goals. “The degree of this ‘weaponization’ /use as a weapon/ of economic levers continues to increase,” he stated.

    As the banker noted, the current situation is pushing the countries of the Global South and East to search for alternative mechanisms of financial and trade-economic interaction, to create a new model of relationships. “This process is largely objective. The strengthening of geoeconomic competition in the world in recent years only gives it a significant acceleration,” he explained.

    A. Kostin noted the active work of new international development institutions, such as the New Development Bank of BRICS, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the Eurasian Development Bank. “Their role in solving regional and global problems is constantly growing,” the banker is confident. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Calls on Israel to Stop Attacks on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities and Sites — Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    St. Petersburg, June 19 /Xinhua/ — The main thing at the moment is to prevent an escalation of violence, achieve a ceasefire and prevent possible strikes on nuclear facilities. Moscow is making political and diplomatic efforts to facilitate the settlement of the Iran-Israel conflict, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

    “Russia calls on the Israeli leadership to immediately stop raids on nuclear installations and sites that are under safeguards and are the objects of IAEA verification activities, and is particularly concerned about the safety of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, in whose work Russian specialists are involved,” M. Zakharova said during a briefing on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    “Today, the main thing is to prevent the spiral of violence from further unwinding, to achieve a ceasefire, to restore peace, which in turn will create the preconditions for returning the situation to the negotiating track. We are ready to contribute to this in every possible way and are making political and diplomatic efforts in this direction,” she added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Invites Multinational Companies, Entrepreneurs to Invest in Country — Vice Premier of State Council of China

    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

    QINGDAO, June 19 (Xinhua) — China welcomes international multinational companies and entrepreneurs to invest and do business in China as the country steadily advances high-level opening up, Vice Premier He Lifeng said Thursday.

    He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the 6th Multinational Enterprise CEOs Summit in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province.

    The Vice Premier stressed that China will unswervingly promote high-level opening-up, create a world-class business environment, and firmly safeguard the multilateral trading system.

    With a huge domestic market and the most complete industrial system in the world, China has strong economic resilience and growth potential and is an ideal, safe and promising investment destination for multinational companies, He Lifeng added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE and the Russian Ministry of Construction signed a cooperation agreement at SPIEF-2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    As part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025, the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) and the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation (Minstroy of Russia) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at creating a sustainable partnership in the field of scientific research, education and expert and analytical support.

    The parties intend to combine the academic resources and scientific expertise of the HSE with the practical tasks of the Russian Ministry of Construction to improve the quality and effectiveness of state policy in the construction industry and housing and utilities. The agreement provides for the implementation of joint research projects aimed at studying the key problems and development prospects of the industry. Particular attention will be paid to issues of standard design, economic efficiency of design documentation, as well as the introduction of information modeling technologies for capital construction projects.

    HSE and the Russian Ministry of Construction have agreed to develop and implement educational programs, including professional retraining and advanced training for specialists in the construction industry. The programs will cover a wide range of topics – from legal and regulatory aspects to estimating and digitalization of design.

    HSE will also provide expert support to the initiatives of the Russian Ministry of Construction in the formation and development of a standard design institute, improvement of information modeling technologies and creation of a register of cost-effective design documentation for capital construction projects for social and other purposes.

    “The Ministry of Construction is carrying out important work for the country, on which the future of Russia and the well-being of our fellow citizens depend. The construction of new housing and infrastructure is underway throughout the country, our cities are acquiring a new look, a well-appointed environment is being created, new regions are being restored. The Ministry regularly faces various challenges – from training qualified personnel to increasing the economic efficiency of investments, and the Higher School of Economics has developments in many of these areas. We are confident that our educational, expert and scientific research assistance to the Ministry of Construction of Russia will serve the sustainable development of the domestic construction industry and the achievement of national development goals,” said HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov.

    “Modernization and construction of infrastructure, improvement of housing conditions and quality of the urban environment for citizens remains one of the priorities of the construction industry and housing and communal services complex of the country. The implementation of these tasks becomes possible thanks to qualified specialists who have the necessary knowledge and experience. In this regard, one of the areas to which the Ministry of Construction pays special attention is the personnel, scientific and resource provision of the construction industry and professional transformation. Of course, cooperation with one of the leading universities of the country, the National Research University Higher School of Economics, will allow creating a sustainable partnership in the field of formation of modern educational programs and scientific research,” noted the head of the Ministry of Construction of Russia Irek Faizullin.

    The agreement underlines the importance of dialogue between science and the state and opens new horizons for the effective integration of scientific and practical knowledge in the interests of sustainable development of the Russian construction industry.

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

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  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says ceasefire an urgent priority in Middle East

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

    BEIJING, June 19 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that ceasefire must be an urgent priority in the Middle East.

    Xi made the remarks during his phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the call, the two leaders exchanged views regarding the situation in the Middle East.

    Xi outlined China’s principles and position, saying that the current Middle East situation is highly perilous, further proving that the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation.

    If the conflict continues to escalate, not only will the parties directly involved suffer greater losses, but countries across the region will also be severely affected, Xi said.

    He said the use of force is not a right way to resolve international disputes and only serves to deepen hatred and confrontation.

    The parties involved in the conflict, especially Israel, should halt military operations as soon as possible to prevent a spiral of escalation and to firmly avoid the spread of war beyond the region, Xi said.

    Xi also said that ensuring civilian safety must be a top priority, adding that the red line of protecting civilians in armed conflicts must not be crossed at any time, and indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable.

    He called on the parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to international law, avoid harming innocent civilians, and facilitate the safe evacuation of third-country nationals.

    Dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental solutions, Xi said, adding that communication and dialogue are the right ways to achieve lasting peace.

    Xi urged the relevant parties to firmly support a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, and push the issue back to the track of political solution through dialogue and negotiation.

    The international community’s peacemaking efforts are indispensable, Xi said, adding that without stability in the Middle East, there can hardly be peace in the world.

    The conflict between Israel and Iran has led to a sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East and severely impacted global security, Xi noted.

    The international community, especially major countries that have a special influence on parties to the conflict, should make efforts to cool down the situation, not the opposite, he said, calling on the UN Security Council to play a bigger role in this regard.

    Xi stressed that China stands ready to continue enhancing communication and coordination with all parties, pool their efforts, uphold justice, and play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: Joint Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: Joint Statement to the OSCE

    Acting Ambassador Deirdre Brown delivers a joint statement marking the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

    Thank you, Madam Chair.

    I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine and my own country the United Kingdom.

    Today, on 19 June, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. We pay tribute to victims, survivors and those around the world who dedicate their lives to ending conflict-related sexual violence.

    Madam Chair, the global scale and trajectory of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) cases in recent years is deeply concerning. In the OSCE region, we have continued to see evidence of conflict-related sexual violence committed by Russian forces against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, indicating its potential use as a tactic of war. This has been documented by successive Moscow Mechanism reports, ODIHR Interim Reports and other independent monitoring.

    It is vital that we, the international community, take effective action to end impunity for conflict-related sexual violence. Sexual violence in all forms must stop, all perpetrators must be held accountable, and survivors must be supported.

    The UN Security Council’s resolutions on prevention and response to CRSV are important mechanisms in this regard. Multilateral cooperation and international initiatives such as the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict and the OSCE’s mandated work on prevention and accountability for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Armed Conflict highlight the importance of working together towards internationally agreed standards on accountability and support to survivors.

    We strongly support the priorities of Ukraine’s 2025 chairpersonship of the International Alliance, and its specific focus on raising awareness of sexual violence in conflict settings, strengthening international support for survivors, and mobilising global efforts towards justice.

    It is important that conflict-related sexual violence is tackled as part of wider global action to end all forms of gender-based violence, achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity, implement global Women, Peace and Security commitments, empower women’s rights organisations, and promote and defend comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.

    Madam Chair, participating States must continue to work together to promote international action to address and prevent conflict-related sexual violence. We must work to ensure that survivor-centred approaches are at the heart of our collective international response, and that survivors including children born of conflict-related sexual violence receive the support and protection they need.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Secular gossip from 200 years ago. Who is the subject of the exhibition “Gossip” at the Tropinin Museum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The chamber exhibition “Gossip. What Muscovites talked about 200 years ago” is dedicated to the citizens of the first half of the 19th century, their everyday life and conversations. Moscow of that time was very different from today, representing a mixture of urban development, gardens, vegetable gardens and estates. In the crowded and diverse city one could find both European sophistication and the simplicity dear to the Russian heart. This was the Moscow of Pushkin, Griboyedov and Tropinin.

    Especially for “Moscow Culture”, the exhibition curator Ekaterina Arkhipova conducted a tour and shared the stories of the heroes.

    Prologue

    What did they talk about in the English Club, the Noble Assembly, the Bolshoi Theatre and the drawing rooms? These places served as centres of social life and exchange of opinions. Here they discussed the latest events, literary novelties and, most importantly, personal stories. Aristocrats, military men, artists and writers, adventurers, gamblers, duelists and just eccentrics – who were they, the heroes of the society columns, whose lives occupied the attention of Muscovites at the end of the 18th – first half of the 19th century?

    Monk Pimen – Dmitry Blagovo

    Belonging to an ancient noble family, Dmitry Blagovo, a man of unusual destiny, lived through the reign of four emperors: Nicholas I, Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II. Having lost his father early, he remained in the care of his grandmother Elizaveta Yankova, née Rimskaya-Korsakova, who gave him an excellent home education.

    Dmitry Dmitrievich moved in high society, was a regular at the salon of the famous poetess Evdokia Petrovna Rostopchina. He was going to marry one of her daughters, Lydia, but literally on the eve of the wedding, to everyone’s amazement, he married 18-year-old Nina Uslar, a girl from the family of a Russified German professor. All of Moscow was gossiping about this event. Lydia Rostopchina was inconsolable and never married again.

    After several years of a cloudless family life, misfortunes rained down on Blagovo. First, in 1861, his little son and heir died, and in the same year, his beloved grandmother passed away. A year later, his wife fell in love with another man and left her husband with their daughter, and soon Dmitry Dmitrievich’s mother died. All these events shocked Blagovo so much that he decided to do something that shocked secular Moscow no less than his marriage had done: he gave his wife a document in which he took all the blame on himself, so that she could divorce him and remarry (however, the Holy Synod allowed the dissolution of the marriage only after 20 years). Blagovo retired to the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery near Moscow as a novice, which again shocked the Moscow and St. Petersburg aristocracy. In 1880, he transferred to the Tolga Monastery and took monastic vows under the name Pimen. Four years later, he was elevated to the rank of archimandrite and appointed rector of the Russian Embassy Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Rome. He served there until his death in 1897.

    Poor Lisa

    The story of the main character of Nikolai Karamzin’s sentimental tale is usually considered fictional, but poor Liza’s contemporaries, the then residents of Moscow, perceived her as a real person. The tale was read by very different women – from refined aristocrats to poor bourgeois women.

    Karamzin’s Liza lived near the Simonov Monastery, which at that time was not within the city limits. The place was very secluded. But after the publication of the story in 1792 and its resounding success, the pond near the monastery began to be called Liza’s. Secular pilgrimages began to be made to it, dates began to be arranged near it, and numerous inscriptions appeared on the trees around it. One of the most famous reads: “Here Erastov’s bride threw herself into the pond. Drown yourself, girls: there is enough room in the pond!” The area around was also given the girl’s name, Liza’s Slobodka, Liza’s Street and Liza’s Dead End appeared. Kiprensky painted her famous portrait as if he really knew her. Poor Liza was on the lips of Muscovites for many years – so the story became not just a literary event, but also a cultural and social phenomenon, and its heroine moved from the pages of the book into real life. Now on this site there is a modern residential complex with a park and a pond, which immediately received the popular name Lizin Pond – in honor of the old “literary” pond.

    American – Count Fyodor Tolstoy

    Another incredible personality is Count Fyodor Ivanovich Tolstoy, nicknamed the American, Leo Tolstoy’s cousin. He was a living legend not only of old Moscow, but of all Russian literature of the 19th century. In Alexander Griboyedov’s comedy Woe from Wit, the high society public easily recognized the extravagant count in the “night robber and duelist” who returned from Kamchatka as an Aleut.

    His life was full of jokes and adventures. A desperate gambler and even a sharper, a womanizer, a brawler and a duelist, he was always distinguished by excellent health and endurance, but at the same time by a tendency to violence, fights and recklessness. The desire for adventure prompted Fyodor Ivanovich to take part in a round-the-world voyage on the sloop Nadezhda in 1803 under the command of Captain-Lieutenant Ivan Fyodorovich Kruzenshtern. This was the first round-the-world voyage under the Russian flag. On board, Tolstoy behaved defiantly: he provoked quarrels, threw parties with card games, and in one of the ports he bought a tame monkey and taught it various tricks, which caused him to seriously quarrel with the commander of the expedition. He was forced to arrest his subordinate several times and eventually landed the uncontrollable Tolstoy on Kamchatka. From there, the Count reached the Aleutian Islands, where he spent several months among the natives. At that time, he decorated himself with numerous tattoos, which he later proudly showed off. Upon returning from the trip, he received his nickname.

    The affairs of the heart of Tolstoy the American were also unusual. Despite numerous affairs with socialite ladies, he married a simple gypsy – a camp singer Avdotya Tugaeva. The family had 12 children, 10 of whom died in infancy. Every time one of the children died, Tolstoy put a note in his diary “quits”, believing that God punished him with the death of his children for each of the 11 people he killed in duels. The greatest blow to him was the death of his beloved daughter Sarah. The girl was incredibly beautiful and talented, but did not live to see 18. Fyodor Ivanovich spent most of his last years in Moscow, living alone with his daughter Praskovia, the only surviving of all his children. In old age, he became devout and prayed a lot, atoning for the sins of his youth.

    “Moscow Grannies” – Opinion Leaders

    Some of the most colorful figures in Griboyedov’s Moscow, whose opinions were highly respected in the first half of the 19th century, were, as Alexander Pushkin called them, “Moscow grandmothers.” Probably the most famous, authoritative and eccentric of them was Nastasya Dmitrievna Ofrosimova. A lady of iron character and iron will, she had an incredible gift of persuasion, knew everything about everyone, expressed herself with sharp directness and belonged to the type of people who endlessly give value judgments, numerous pieces of advice and always know how to do the right thing. This “grandmother” had a colossal influence in society. In fact, she ruled it, in some ways even decided destinies. Mothers of noble families introduced their daughters to her and asked for her blessing and assistance in society for them.

    Contemporaries described her as a very rude old woman of masculine build, tall, with a stern dark face, black eyes and even a moustache. The general’s wife Nastasya Dmitrievna was herself a general in a skirt both in her own home and in all of Moscow. Evil tongues claimed that she personally “kidnapped” her husband from his house in order to get married. Despite numerous jokes, everyone without exception respected her and trembled before her. She became the prototype of two minor literary characters. Griboyedov presented Nastasya Dmitrievna in the image of the quarrelsome old woman Anfisa Nilovna Khlestova, the sister of Famusov’s late wife. And Leo Tolstoy in “War and Peace” depicted her almost under her real name – as Maria Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, an imperious and straightforward, but fair Moscow lady and godmother of Natasha Rostova.

    Love and Death on the Battlefield. Margarita Naryshkina and Alexander Tuchkov

    A poignant romantic story is connected with the youngest of the five Tuchkov brothers, Alexander Alexeevich. When they met Margarita Naryshkina, she was married to a certain Pavel Lasunsky, a despot and tyrant who abused his wife in every possible way. Once he brought her to a nervous breakdown, after which the Naryshkin family obtained a divorce for their daughter in the Holy Synod. Having met the handsome officer Alexander Tuchkov, Margarita fell in love at first sight. Having learned about the divorce, he proposed, but her parents were afraid of another unsuccessful marriage. Only several years later did they manage to get married.

    Margarita loved her chosen one so much that, probably sensing the imminent tragedy, she obtained the monarch’s permission to be with her husband in the active army. During the Battle of Borodino, he was mortally wounded, and they couldn’t even carry him off the battlefield. Alexander Tuchkov’s body was never found, although Margarita personally searched for it. Later, at her own expense, she built the Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands on the site of her husband’s presumed death. Soon their little son died, after which Tuchkova took monastic vows and in 1840 became the abbess of the Spaso-Borodino Monastery. This romantic story struck the young Marina Tsvetaeva at the time, and she wrote the famous poem “To the Generals of the Twelfth Year”, which became a popular romance at the end of the 20th century.

    Epilogue

    Although Moscow was different and time was slower, without television and the Internet, people, their customs and passion for gossip remain very similar after centuries. You can easily see this by coming toexcursion on the exhibition “Gossip. What Muscovites talked about 200 years ago.” Tickets to the V.A. Tropinin Museum and Moscow artists of his time can be purchased at mos.ru.

    Get the latest news quicklythe city’s official telegram channel Moscow.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155463073/

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Since the start of the renovation program, about six million square meters of housing have been built in the capital

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Since the start of the renovation program, about six million square meters of housing have been built in the capital. This was announced at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum by Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “In more than seven years since the renovation program began, the city has built a total of about six million square meters of housing. This volume will allow Muscovites to receive new apartments from about 1,300 old houses. New residential complexes are located in all districts of the capital. In particular, 63 houses were built in the Eastern Administrative District under the renovation program, 56 in the South-Eastern District, and 55 new buildings in the Northern District,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    For new residents, the renovation program creates a comfortable urban environment with landscaped and green courtyards.

    “Residential complexes were built in 89 districts of the capital. The leader in the number of houses built under the renovation program was Lyublino – 17 new buildings appeared there. The apartments are handed over for occupancy with a finished improved finish, so Muscovites do not have to waste time on additional repairs. The first floors in the new buildings were designed as non-residential – pharmacies, shops, leisure centers and other social and household facilities are opened there,” added the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    All residential complexes under the renovation program are being built taking into account the criteria of a barrier-free environment. Wide passages in entrances, vestibules and elevator halls are located on one level, without high steps, and pedestrian passages in the courtyard are designed so that it is comfortable for both parents with strollers and people with disabilities to move around.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that another 131 sites were included in the renovation programconstruction of houses.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the program intwice.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU and Rostransnadzor signed an agreement at SPIEF-2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On June 19, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a cooperation agreement was signed between the State University of Management and the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport (Rostransnadzor).

    The document was signed by the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev and the head of Rostransnadzor Viktor Gulin.

    The organizations agreed to work together to develop and implement educational programs for higher and additional education, as well as practical training of specialists, including within the framework of project-based learning.

    Another area of cooperation will be the implementation of joint research and development work on the introduction of unmanned aircraft systems into control (supervisory) activities.

    Also on the sidelines of the SPIEF, agreements were signed with the Fatherland Defenders Foundation, as well as with TMH JSC and Netology.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: At SPIEF-2025, Vladimir Stroyev signed agreements with new partners of the State University of Management

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the State University of Management signed cooperation agreements with new partners.

    On June 19, Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management, and Natalia Shishlakova, Director of the TMH Corporate University, signed an agreement to implement joint educational programs and practical training for students, as well as candidates for a PhD degree, without interrupting their work.

    On June 18, an agreement was signed with Netology to develop joint interactive educational programs.

    In addition, agreements were signed with the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, as well as with the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport.

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President calls for solidarity as global landscape changes

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted the importance of solidarity and collaboration in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape. 

    Delivering a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University, the Deputy President explained that South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) comes at a time characterised by geopolitical tensions and economic disparities.

    “As we gather here today, amidst the tumultuous global crises characterised by rising geopolitical tensions, trade wars, unemployment, inequality, poverty, armed conflicts, and climate catastrophe, it has become very clear that the world needs solidarity now more than ever,” the Deputy President said on Thursday. 

    Deputy President Mashatile arrived in Russia this week for a working visit aimed at strengthening economic and trade ties between the two nations. 

    The visit focuses on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining industries, as well as cooperation in science and technology.

    South Africa’s G20 Presidency

    Deputy President Mashatile’s speech highlighted South Africa’s role as the current chair of the G20 and its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.

    South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” articulates the necessary principles of fostering a more inclusive global community. 

    “Only through exercising solidarity and identifying with each other’s struggles can we do justice to the notion of international community or ‘Ubuntu’.”

    Deputy President Mashatile reiterated the importance of global solidarity, urging those present to work together to create a more equitable world. 

    “We aim to capitalise on the prospects of globalisation while limiting its risks and ensuring that the benefits of economic progress and technological advancement are shared by all,” he said.

    He called for unity, adding that “we must build upon that legacy and strengthen our cooperation in science, technology, research, and innovation”.

    Universities like St. Petersburg State University can play a pivotal role in bridging the priorities of BRICS, the African Union, and the G20.
     “Our future lies in knowledge economies, and your institution is a natural partner in this effort,” Mashatile added.

    The country’s second-in-command praised the university’s Faculty of International Relations and the Institute for African Studies for their engagement with scholars across Africa. 

    He extended an invitation for deeper collaborations with leading South African institutions, emphasising the mutual benefits that such partnerships could foster.

    The Deputy President highlighted the university’s impressive legacy, noting that it has produced numerous renowned figures, including President Vladimir Putin and the Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin. 

    “The presence of so many renowned scholars, leaders, and diplomats here today is a testament to the university’s continued relevance in shaping discourse on global affairs.” 

    The Deputy President reflected on the historical ties between South Africa and Russia, expressing gratitude for the support received during the anti-apartheid struggle. 

    Despite the prevailing geopolitical environment, he said South Africa is steadfast in its commitment to this course. 

    “… And with our G20 Presidency, we possess a unique opportunity to influence the global discourse on critical issues.” 

    Sustainable Development Goals

    The G20 has a significant role to play in fostering global cooperation, collaboration and partnership to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.

    He announced the country’s G20 Presidency will, through its four overarching priorities, seek to address challenges that stifle the ability of the Global South to achieve desired levels of growth and development. 

    In addition, South Africa will take steps to enhance disaster resilience and response. 

    The country also aims to ensure debt sustainability for low-income nations, mobilise financing for a Just Energy Transition, and seek to leverage critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow has connected another Russian bank to the implementation of KRT projects

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    At the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Moscow Government and Gazprombank signed an agreement on interaction and development of cooperation in the implementation of integrated territorial development projects (ITD). This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    One of the key tasks of interaction between the capital and representatives of the banking community is to increase the availability of credit products and expand the range of instruments for financing KRT projects that are implemented by attracted investors.

    “The demand for bank financing of projects and provision of bank guarantees increases annually. And now one of the largest universal banks in Russia, Gazprombank, has become the city’s partner. This gives capital and regional developers another incentive to participate in the implementation of integrated territorial development projects and the creation of a comfortable urban environment in Moscow. The partnership will allow us to develop working mechanisms for more effective implementation of KRT projects. The agreement between the capital and the bank was signed for 10 years,” noted Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Gazprombank Alexey Belous added that the bank supports the initiatives of the capital’s Government and the efforts of businesses aimed at developing Moscow, creating new jobs and improving the standard of living of Muscovites. The city has enormous potential for implementing KRT projects. Gazprombank’s experience and scale of business allow it to effectively engage in the development of complex and large-scale city projects.

    According to the program of integrated development of territories, multifunctional city blocks are being created, where roads, comfortable housing and all necessary infrastructure are being designed on the site of former industrial zones and inefficiently used areas. Currently, 302 KRT projects with a total area of about 4.2 thousand hectares are at various stages of development and implementation in Moscow. This work is being carried out on behalf of Sergei Sobyanin.

    Get the latest news quicklythe city’s official telegram channel Moscow.

    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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Renovation Fund builds 15 percent of housing in the capital

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Moscow Fund for Renovation of Residential Development is the leader in housing construction in the capital, accounting for about 15 percent of development. This was announced at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum by Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “Currently, the renovation fund is building over 3.5 million square meters of housing. This is more than 180 residential complexes in 11 administrative districts of Moscow. About 125 thousand Muscovites will move into them. Most new buildings are currently being built in the southeast of the capital – 43 buildings, in the east – 27. Another 21 residential complexes are being built in the North-Eastern Administrative District,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The buildings will have elevator halls, rooms for strollers and bicycles. The passages will be through. Residents will be able to exit the entrance into the inner courtyard with children’s and sports grounds, and onto the roadway with guest parking.

    “The renovation fund is building the most houses in Kuzminki — 16. The second place in terms of the number of construction projects is in the Lyublino district — nine new buildings, and the third place is shared between five districts at once: Golyanovo, Koptevo, Losinoostrovsky, Fili-Davydkovo and Khoroshevo-Mnevniki — five new buildings each,” he specified.

    Vladislav Ovchinsky, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy.

    The adjacent territories will be improved: trees and bushes will be planted, lawns and flower beds will be laid out, playgrounds and sports grounds will be equipped. For the safety and comfort of all residents, video surveillance cameras and street lights will be installed.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that the renovation program included 131 more sites for the construction of houses.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program in twice.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life.”

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Flood emergency response activated in some parts of China

    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 19 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Water Resources on Thursday issued a Level 4 flood alert in nine provincial-level regions amid incessant rainfall in parts of the country.

    According to the department, this regime will apply to the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Hunan and Guizhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as well as the centrally subordinate city of Chongqing.

    The ministry has dispatched three working teams to Hunan, Hubei and Anhui provinces to lead local flood control efforts amid heavy rainfall.

    The National Meteorological Center (NMC) on Thursday extended a yellow alert for thunderstorms, forecasting heavy rainfall in parts of Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region provinces from 2 p.m. Thursday to 2 p.m. Friday. Severe convective phenomena including thunderstorms and strong winds are also expected in some parts of these regions.

    Local authorities have been urged to strengthen real-time monitoring and early warning systems, ensure timely evacuation of residents from high-risk areas and take precautions against urban flooding, the ministry said.

    Let us recall that China has adopted a four-tier emergency response system for flood-related emergencies, with level 1 being the highest. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Ministry of Commerce: China is fully prepared to join CPTPP

    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 19 (Xinhua) — China is fully prepared to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.

    Since submitting its formal application to join the CPTPP in September 2021, China has conducted an in-depth analysis and assessment of the content of the agreement, prepared market access applications in areas such as trade in goods, services, investment and government procurement, and held extensive exchanges of views with all other members, fully demonstrating its determination, capabilities and actions to achieve the high standards of the agreement, ministry spokesman He Yadong said at a press conference.

    In the future, China will actively follow high-standard international economic and trade rules such as the CPTPP, steadily expand its institutional opening-up, and continue to carry out in-depth communication and exchanges with all members in accordance with relevant procedures, actively advancing the country’s accession to the agreement, he said.

    The Chinese Ministry of Commerce hopes that CPTPP members will accelerate China’s accession process, support multilateralism and free trade through practical actions, and bring more certainty and impetus to global trade and economic development, He Yadong concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Australia’s unemployment rate remains stable at 4.1 per cent.

    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

    CANBERRA, June 19 (Xinhua) — Australia’s unemployment rate remained stable at 4.1 percent in May, official data showed.

    Monthly labour force data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Thursday showed the unemployment rate was unchanged in May, both seasonally adjusted and year-on-year, at 4.1 per cent.

    The ABS said employment fell by 2,500 people between April and May but rose by 329,100, or 2.3 per cent, over the past 12 months, compared with the pre-pandemic 10-year average annual growth of 1.7 per cent.

    The fall in employment in May came after the number of Australians in work increased by 89,000 between March and April.

    The labour force participation rate in May was 67 percent, down slightly from 67.1 percent in April, according to the ABS.

    It is noted that the total number of hours worked by Australians increased by 1.3 percent from April to May and by 3.1 percent over 12 months, amounting to 1.99 billion. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cooperation in the Organization of Asian and Pacific News Agencies has an impact on all media in the world – TASS Director General

    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

    St. Petersburg, June 19 /Xinhua/ — The General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) is the most important event in the international information field, cooperation in OANA has a huge impact on the entire professional news community, on all media in the world. This was stated by TASS Director General Andrei Kondrashov at the plenary session of the 19th OANA General Assembly.

    He noted that cyber threats are currently becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the spread of fakes leads to a decline in trust in the media. In these conditions, it is necessary to focus efforts on improving the quality and reliability of information, and to follow high ethical standards of a journalist. One of the key areas in modern news journalism is the introduction of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data and automation of events coverage processes.

    OANA members need to create a foundation for prosperity and development, for a diverse, fair and equal exchange of information, said A. Kondrashov.

    More than one hundred representatives of news agencies from more than 30 countries of the world arrived in St. Petersburg for the 19th OANA General Assembly. The meeting participants will hold several sessions, the main theme of which is “News agencies and challenges of the modern world.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: Ceasefire is urgent priority in resolving Middle East conflict – Xi Jinping

    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 19 (Xinhua) — A ceasefire is an urgent priority in resolving the conflict in the Middle East, and the use of force is not the right way to resolve international disputes, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

    Discussing the situation in the Middle East, the Chinese leader called on the conflicting parties, especially Israel, to cease fire as soon as possible.

    Xi Jinping said the top priority is to ensure the safety of civilians amid tensions between Iran and Israel, calling on the conflicting parties to strictly abide by international law and resolutely avoid harming innocent civilians.

    Dialogue and negotiations are the fundamental solution, he said, calling on the international community, especially large countries with special influence on the parties to the conflict, to make efforts to de-escalate the situation.

    China is willing to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with all parties, join their efforts and uphold justice so as to play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East, he said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China: China will actively expand imports of energy resources, minerals and high-quality agricultural products from Central Asian countries

    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 19 (Xinhua) — China will faithfully implement the important agreements and results reached at the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, actively expand imports of energy resources, minerals and high-quality agricultural products from Central Asian countries, promote exports of automobiles, home appliances, communications equipment, textiles and other products, and cultivate new business forms of trade such as trade in services and cross-border e-commerce, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said at a regular press conference on Thursday.

    He Yadong noted that during the summit, the ministry signed three documents with relevant departments of Central Asian countries on strengthening trade and economic cooperation, deepening cooperation on unimpeded trade and intensifying cooperation in the field of “green” mineral resources, as well as five bilateral documents with relevant countries in the fields of economy, trade, investment, e-commerce and technical and economic cooperation.

    According to him, the ministry will deepen the development and utilization of green mineral raw materials in all links of the industrial chain, including their exploration, production, supply, storage and marketing, and expand cooperation in new areas such as electric vehicles, biomedicine, new energy sources and the digital economy.

    The number of China-Europe freight trains passing through Central Asian countries will also be increased, and the capacity of border crossings will be increased to ensure stability and continuity of supply chains, he added.

    China will implement the new versions of investment agreements signed with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, and accelerate negotiations on an agreement on trade in services and investment with Kyrgyzstan, He Yadong noted, stressing that China firmly supports Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan’s aspirations to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and, together with Central Asian countries, defends the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The cost of inaction in Ukraine is much greater than the cost of support: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    The cost of inaction in Ukraine is much greater than the cost of support: UK statement to the OSCE

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says that our support to Ukraine is not charity – it is a strategic investment in European security. We will continue to stand with Ukraine – today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.

    Thank you, Madam Chair.

    I would like to start by offering my condolences to Ukraine. Overnight Russia staged horrific air attacks on cities including Kyiv, killing and wounding over a hundred civilians – one of the most devastating airstrikes on Kyiv since this war began.

    Madam Chair, in February 2022, President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine under the guise of a so-called ‘Special Military Operation.’ He expected a swift and decisive victory. Over three years later, that illusion has been shattered. Russia has suffered over one million military casualties – a grim milestone – and more than twenty times the Soviet losses in Afghanistan. The DPRK has suffered over 6,000 casualties – more than half of the 11,000 troops it initially deployed to support Russia’s illegal war. These losses, largely the result of high-risk, poorly-executed attritional assaults, underscore the tragic human cost of this illegal conflict. Let me be clear, we do not celebrate this statistic. Every life lost is a tragedy. Too many families, on both sides, have had their lives irrevocably change by a war of aggression that should never have been launched.

    Ukraine remains steadfast in the face of Russia’s unrelenting and illegal aggression. Through the extraordinary courage of its Armed Forces, the resilience of its people, and the unwavering support of its international partners, Ukraine has reclaimed, and continues to reclaim, its territory, and is liberating thousands of its citizens. This is not just a military achievement – it is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of a nation fighting for its survival, its sovereignty, and its future.

    At the G7 Summit in Canada yesterday, the United Kingdom and its allies reaffirmed their commitment to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Only increasing pressure on Russia will force Putin to take peace seriously. That is why our Prime Minister announced a new sanctions package to target sectors of the Russian economy critical to its war effort.

    Russia referred to Western Defence spending at last week’s FSC. To clarify – and for transparency – our new Strategic Defence Review does mark a pivotal shift in UK defence policy. It does commit to sustaining £3 billion annually in military support to Ukraine for as long as necessary. It does emphasise the importance of learning from Ukraine’s experience in modern warfare – particularly in drone technology and hybrid conflict – to strengthen NATO’s collective defence. It does signify a landmark change to our deterrence and defence posture: moving to warfighting readiness to deter our adversaries and strengthen security at home and across the Euro-Atlantic area.

    At the 4 June Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, the UK announced a tenfold increase in drone deliveries to Ukraine – 100,000 units this financial year alone – demonstrating our resolve to provide Ukraine with the tools it needs to defend itself. The UK has also committed an additional £247 million in 2025 to train Ukrainian forces under Operation INTERFLEX and pledged £40 million to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission trust fund. These investments are not acts of charity – they are strategic imperatives. Supporting Ukraine is an investment in our collective security, in the rules-based international order, and in the principle that borders cannot be changed by force.

    We recognise that doing more will not be without cost. But the cost of inaction is far greater. If we allow Russia to succeed in Ukraine, we send a dangerous message to authoritarian regimes around the world: that aggression pays, and that international law can be ignored with impunity. We must stand with Ukraine for however long it takes to ensure that its sovereignty is restored, its people are safe, and its future is secure. The international community must send a clear and united message: we will not tolerate the use of force to redraw borders or subjugate free nations.

    Finally, we must pay tribute to the thousands of women serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and to the countless others contributing to humanitarian, political, and security efforts. Their courage and leadership are vital to Ukraine’s defence and to its future. Ukraine continues to stand firmly on the side of peace having committed to an unconditional ceasefire and to making positive progress through diplomatic negotiation. Ukraine has demonstrated resilience and a constructive commitment to international law and human dignity in the face of Russia’s ongoing devastation. We will continue to stand with Ukraine – today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow has signed an agreement with one of the Russian banks on cooperation in the implementation of KRT projects

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    At the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Moscow Government signed an agreement on interaction and development of cooperation in the sphere of implementation of integrated territorial development projects (ITD) with PAO Bank PSB. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    “The agreement that the city signed with one of the largest banks, PSB Bank, will be valid for 10 years. We expect that the result of our joint work will be an increase in the availability of loans and the attraction of bank guarantees in accordance with the requirements of the agreement on KRT. Banks – partners of the program for the integrated development of territories will provide investors with financing at all stages of project implementation. It will be available to both capital companies and regional developers,” noted Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    The main goal of the city’s cooperation with banks in the urban development sphere is to create favorable conditions for investors participating in the implementation of KRT projects. Thus, investors receive support not only from the city, but also from large financial organizations.

    According to the program of integrated development of territories, multifunctional city blocks are being created, where roads, comfortable housing and all necessary infrastructure are being designed on the site of former industrial zones and inefficiently used areas. Currently, 302 KRT projects with a total area of about 4.2 thousand hectares are at various stages of development and implementation in Moscow. This work is being carried out on behalf of Sergei Sobyanin.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155498073/

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