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Category: Russian Federation

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic at a meeting of the consortium for the development of school engineering and technology education

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An extended meeting of the heads of the participants of the Association of Educational Organizations “Consortium for the Development of School Engineering and Technology Education” was held in the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation on the topic “Development of Talents. Effective Management Practices for Creating Conditions for Self-Realization of Children and Young People in the Engineering and Technology Sphere.”

    The Consortium for the Development of School Engineering and Technology Education is an association of leading educational organizations of various levels: schools, universities, enterprises of high-tech industries, centers for additional education of children, colleges of Russia and Belarus. Polytechnic University has been a member of the consortium since 2023.

    The moderators of the meeting were the Chairperson of the Commission of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation on Education and Upbringing Natalia Kravchenko and the Director of the Engineering and Technology School No. 777 of St. Petersburg of the Russian Federation Vera Knyazeva. Natalia Vasilyevna noted the importance of engineering education in technical universities and engineering schools for the development of the country’s economy and industry, as well as for the implementation of the tasks set by the President of the country.

    The main topic of the meeting was important proposals aimed at training personnel in technical and engineering professions, systematizing career guidance and strengthening cooperation between schools, universities and companies. The speakers emphasized the importance of developing engineering classes, early career guidance programs and introducing new educational approaches to training future specialists.

    First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy Denis Kravchenko noted in his speech: The unified plan for achieving national development goals for Russia until 2030 and for the long term until 2036 states the need to develop engineering education in Russia, create conditions for strengthening technological sovereignty and developing technological leadership. In this regard, it is extremely necessary to create a personnel reserve of engineering and technical specialties for the development of industry and the country’s economy.

    At the meeting, the Polytechnic University was represented by the Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education of SPbPU, Dmitry Tikhonov.

    Dmitry Vladimirovich gave a presentation on the diversity of engineering Olympiads and the specifics of the Polytechnic Olympiad held by the university. In his report, he emphasized the importance of engineering sciences, which served as an incentive to change the format of the Olympiad.

    The main concept of the new Polytechnic Olympiad is to test not so much the theoretical knowledge of the participants, but their ability to find and apply the necessary information. This meets modern requirements for engineers, who need to be able to quickly navigate a large volume of data and use it effectively. The tasks were designed in such a way as to exclude the possibility of simple cheating, focusing on a creative approach and practical skills.

    Participants went through various tests that simulated real-life situations that engineers encounter in their work. For example, they had to study the properties of modern alloys and composite materials, analyze complex electrical circuits and propose optimal solutions, and develop robotics projects by calculating the trajectory of the mechanisms.

    Dmitry Vladimirovich separately noted the importance of referring to additional literature, emphasizing that a successful engineer is not someone who remembers all the standards and norms, but someone who knows how to search, process and correctly interpret information.

    The Vice-Rector emphasized that the new concept of the Polytechnic Olympiad promotes the development of engineering thinking and the quality of technical education among schoolchildren. Thanks to its innovative format, it helps students master practical skills in searching and analyzing information, which are necessary for a successful career in the field of engineering sciences.

    Discussion of issues of development of engineering education at the highest level is of key importance for the formation of a competitive economy and provision of a sustainable personnel reserve. Educational organizations of different levels participate in the consortium, this allows us to create effective mechanisms for training highly qualified personnel capable of making a significant contribution to achieving technological leadership of Russia. Engineering classes are one of the best practices of such interaction. Applicants who have completed this system become more successful as students and are more quickly involved in technological projects, – noted Dmitry Vladimirovich.

    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: Rosneft’s Samara enterprises are recognized as leaders in the field of social efficiency

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The enterprises of the Samaraneftekhimproekt and Samaraneftegaz companies became the winners of the XXV All-Russian competition “Russian Organization of High Social Efficiency”.

    The Samaraneftekhimproekt Scientific Institute was awarded the Grand Prix of the competition and took first place in the nominations “For the development of human resources in non-production organizations” and “For support of employees – parents with many children and their children in non-production organizations”. The production asset Samaraneftegaz took third place in the nomination “For the best conditions for employees with family responsibilities in production organizations”.

    The awards to the winners and runners-up of the competition were presented by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation for Social Policy Tatyana Golikova. The competition is aimed at attracting public attention to the importance of solving social issues at the level of organizations, identifying the best social projects.

    Rosneft adheres to the principles of high social responsibility and pays special attention to creating a favorable social environment at its enterprises and in the regions where it operates.

    The Company’s extensive list of social programs includes ensuring safe and comfortable working conditions, voluntary health insurance, health resort treatment, support for motherhood and childhood, organization of sports activities, preferential mortgage lending and assistance in solving housing issues, improving the quality of life of employees and their families, as well as a corporate pension program.

    Reference:

    The All-Russian competition “Russian Organization of High Social Efficiency” has been held by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation for 25 years. It is implemented in two stages – at the regional and federal levels, with the participation of tripartite commissions for the regulation of social and labor relations.

    In 2024, the competition was held in 17 nominations. More than two thousand applications were received for the regional stage, and over 500 for the federal stage. 61 organizations from 65 regions became winners of the competition.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft April 2, 2025

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft enterprises released almost 22 million young fish into Russian waters in 2024

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft has been systematically working to replenish the country’s aquatic bioresources for over 10 years. In 2024, 28 subsidiaries of the Company released more than 21.7 million young fish into Russian waters.

    Responsible attitude to the environment is an integral part of the corporate culture and one of the key principles of Rosneft. The company is committed to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and is implementing a comprehensive water conservation program, including the introduction of advanced technological solutions.

    In 2024, the Syzran Oil Refinery released about a million individuals of valuable and commercial species into the Volga, including 40 thousand sterlet fry and 72.5 thousand carp in 2024. Over the past five years, Orenburgneft has sent over 425 thousand fry to the Ural and Volga basins. RN-Vankor has released over 2 million endangered fish species into the Yenisei River in three years. Employees of the Saratov Oil Refinery are participating in the environmental campaign “Algae are finished!” The plastic caps collected during the event are exchanged for fry of herbivorous fish, which clean the Volga from excess vegetation.

    In addition, thanks to environmental campaigns of Samotlorneftegaz in Yugra over the past year, more than 2 million juveniles of valuable fish species have been released into rivers. As part of initiatives to preserve ecosystems and maintain biodiversity in the regions of presence, Bashneft employees released more than 160 thousand juveniles of sterlet, muksun and salmon into the water bodies of Bashkortostan, the Khanty-Mansiysk and Nenets Autonomous Okrugs.

    In addition, in support of scientific research of practical importance for the Taimyr Dolgano-Nenets District of Krasnoyarsk Krai and its indigenous population, oil workers supported projects to assess the state of the populations of the main commercial fish of the Taimyr reservoirs, as well as to study the fish of the Yenisei Bay of the Kara Sea.

    Employees of the Company’s subsidiaries actively participate in environmental campaigns, promote the development of a culture of rational and responsible consumption of natural resources. Volunteers of the enterprises regularly clean and improve the coastal areas of large water bodies, install garbage containers, place information stands for tourists about the value of lake ecosystems and springs.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft April 3, 2025

    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: Polytechnic University held the final stage of the Olympiad “I am a professional” in the direction of “Mechanical engineering”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University held the final round of the All-Russian Student Olympiad “I am a Professional” in the Mechanical Engineering category. The competition in the bachelor’s degree category was held at the site of the Russian power engineering company JSC Power Machines. Participants in the final round solved interesting practical cases developed by experts from enterprises. The names of the winners of the VIII season of the All-Russian Student Olympiad “I am a Professional” will be announced in June. The Olympiad is being implemented within the framework of the federal project “Russia – Country of Opportunities” of the national project “Youth and Children” with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia.

    The final round was attended by 19 people from 10 universities of the country: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, TPU, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, NSTU, MAI, MEPhI, Ulyanov Chuvash State University, RUDN, MISiS and Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg Mining University. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has been supervising the Mechanical Engineering program for several seasons in a row. In total, the Olympiad covers 71 subject areas. To reach the final, students passed the qualifying round and then participated in the semi-finals.

    Before the competition, the companies’ employees gave the participants a tour, during which they introduced them to the main areas of their activities. Then the students received assignments for the final stage. The Olympiad participants solved practical cases compiled by the company’s engineers. Severstal representatives from the Repair Directorate and the Talent Development Department also acted as experts. PAO Severstal is a partner of the I Am a Professional student Olympiad.

    Participation in the Olympiad is a great opportunity to test your knowledge and skills, make new acquaintances, and decide on a career development direction. In the eighth season, we not only involved our partners in compiling practice-oriented tasks, but also “asked to visit” so that the participants of the competition could test themselves on a real production site, that is, feel like engineering special forces in action. St. Petersburg Polytechnic University traditionally organizes several areas in the Olympiad “I am a professional”. Let me remind you that the winners of the Olympiad receive additional points when entering a master’s and postgraduate program, – noted Vitaly Drobchik, Advisor to the Rector’s Office of SPbPU and organizer of the Olympiad at the Polytechnic University.

    The All-Russian Student Olympiad “I am a Professional” is a large-scale platform for testing the knowledge and applied skills of students from Russian universities, as well as a unique system of career support. The Olympiad has been held since 2017 and covers 71 subject areas: from aircraft engineering to artificial intelligence. This year, SPbPU is organizing competitions in the Mechanical Engineering and Hotel Business tracks. An innovation of this season was the provision of access to the Olympiad career portal to participants in the selection round. Every student interested in professional development will be able to try their hand at internships at more than 700 companies – industry leaders.

    Organizing such competitions for students is an important part of our comprehensive work on training highly qualified engineers. The special value of the cases of this Olympiad is that they are based on real production tasks, and thus students can get to know the profession they have chosen better, and we can help them better prepare for their future work and try to interest them, – said Konstantin Savichev, Director of the Engineering Center of Power Machines.

    The Olympiad provides a wide range of career support opportunities: project diploma holders can take advantage of benefits when entering the next level of education, get the opportunity to do an internship and start their professional career with leading Russian employers. Cash prizes of up to 300 thousand rubles are provided for medalists.

    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 United Kingdom: Farm income falls in 2023-24 from record high

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

    The Chief Statistician has released figures on 2023-24 farm incomes. These show that farm incomes experienced a sharp decline in 2023-24, after record highs in 2022-23. The downturn in incomes is attributed to three main factors. First, some agricultural output prices saw a large drop following exceptionally high levels of the last year. This was compounded by decreases in output levels, with adverse weather conditions playing a role in diminishing production. Finally, while some input costs show a modest decrease, costs did not fall at the same pace as output prices, putting additional pressure on profit margins.

    Average farm income, a measure of farm profit after costs, fell 51% from the high of the previous year. At £35,500 for the average farm, income is at its lowest level since 2019-20.

    Falls in cereal and milk prices resulted in large drops in income for arable and dairy farms. Average incomes of arable, dairy and mixed farms remain the highest across all farm types. But a larger proportion of farms within these farm types are unprofitable compared to the previous year. In 2023-24, 31% of cereal and dairy farms are loss-making.

    Livestock farms, which make up 60% of commercial farms, continue to make a loss on their agricultural activity on average. Lowland cattle and sheep farm income fell by 87%, the largest drop in income across livestock farm types, largely driven by falls in livestock output. The proportion of unprofitable lowland cattle and sheep farms increased to 68%. The average income of Less Favoured Area (LFA) livestock farms decreased by a third.

    Increases in costs for fertiliser were often offset by decreases in feed and fodder, land and property costs. Across most farm types, regular labour costs fell. In some types, this was offset by increases in casual labour costs.

    Background

    The full statistical publication with supporting data tables is available at:

    Scottish farm business income: annual estimates 2023-2024 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    These results are calculated from the 2023-24 Farm Business Survey, which covers the 2023 cropping year and the 2023-24 financial year. The Farm Business Survey is an annual survey of approximately 400 commercial farms with economic activity of at least approximately £20,000. Farms which do not receive support payments, such as pigs, poultry and horticulture, are not included in the survey.

    Trade disruption and tightening supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, led to volatility and high cereal prices in 2022. Prices of commodities such as wheat stabilised somewhat during 2023.   

    Official statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi Defends Congress’s Article I Powers, Condemns Unlawful and Dangerous Shuttering of USAID

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington, D.C. — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee and co-chair of the Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks, and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee for National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, Rep. Lois Frankel, in conjunction with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Assistant Leader Joe Neguse, and the Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force on an amicus brief with 202 House Democrats standing up to the blatant executive overreach and illegal dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in the matter of American Foreign Service Association, et al. v. Trump, et al.

    As the House Leaders argued in their brief, the President’s directive blatantly violated Congress’s lawmaking and spending powers as explicitly outlined in Article I of the United States Constitution, by dismantling a federal agency authorized and repeatedly funded by acts of Congress. The unlawful shuttering of USAID undermines national security and causes irreparable harm to America’s global competitiveness.

    The amici curiae include lawmakers deeply engaged in the drafting of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998—which established USAID as an independent agency—and the subsequent Appropriations Acts. Their brief reaffirms that USAID must be funded as required by law, and that unilateral efforts to “feed USAID to the wood chipper” or “close it down” violate Article I of the Constitution, a position reinforced by the Continuing Resolution enacted by Congressional Republicans on March 15, 2025.

    The full amicus brief is available HERE.

    The shuttering of USAID, including placing thousands of workers on leave and halting nearly all congressionally approved foreign aid, undermines a critical component of the federal government responsible for global stability and American security. For nearly 40 years, USAID has played a central role in preventing crises, fostering economic opportunities abroad, and mitigating the conditions that contribute to violent extremism and instability. Scaling back its work not only weakens these efforts but also creates a vacuum for global competitors like China, Russia, and Iran to expand their influence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NATO must be ‘stronger, fairer, and more lethal’ Foreign Secretary to say

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    NATO must be ‘stronger, fairer, and more lethal’ Foreign Secretary to say

    UK to highlight ironclad support for Alliance and push Allies to increase defence spending.

    • UK says NATO must stay strong and united to boost our collective defence in face of generational threat from Russia

    • Foreign Ministers’ summit follows biggest sustained increase in UK defence spending since the Cold War, delivering security for hardworking British people

    • Allies set out their ironclad support for Ukraine in NATO-Ukraine Council

    The UK will encourage NATO Allies to step up defence spending to support Euro-Atlantic security as the Foreign Secretary arrives in Brussels for the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting today (Thursday 3 April).

    He will say that making NATO stronger, fairer, and more lethal is key to protecting the conditions for growth at home.

    As the Alliance steps up to face long-term and interconnected threats from Russia and its enablers , the UK will tell Allies that it’s our collective duty to boost defence spending and deter our adversaries. Increases in defence spending mean more and better capabilities, keeping us safe.

    While Russia and other actors work to destabilise Euro-Atlantic societies, the UK is playing its part, with the largest sustained increase to defence spending since the Cold War, hitting 2.5% from April 2027 and rising to 3% in the next parliament.

    Increasing defence spending by £11.8bn between now and 2027/28 will protect the conditions for growth and security at home, putting money back into the pockets of hard-working British people. Between 2023-24 the defence sector supported more than 430,000 jobs across the UK.

    In the NATO-Ukraine Council, the Foreign Secretary will discuss the practical planning undertaken by the UK, France, and other Allies to prepare and deploy as a Coalition of the Willing in the event of a peace deal.

    While Putin continues to delay and obstruct on a move to a ceasefire, the UK and Allies have doubled down to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s barbaric invasion. Ukraine has shown its strong commitment to peace, yet Russia’s on-going bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure has not ceased. 

    The Foreign Secretary will tell Allies that now is the time to maximise pressure on Putin, through every economic lever possible, to force him to the negotiating table. 

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    Keeping our country safe is the Government’s first duty, and NATO is the cornerstone of our security, both at home and abroad.

    That’s why we have announced the biggest investment to defence spending since the Cold War.

    Allies must spend more, produce more and deliver more on defence so NATO can become stronger, fairer and more lethal – boosting our collective defence ensures that NATO is ready for the threats and challenges we face.

    At the meeting David Lammy will discuss shared security threats and challenges with counterparts from NATO, as well as the EU and NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners – Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. This includes the challenges China poses to both Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security, especially its enablement of Russia’s illegal war.

    The NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting follows a week of meetings on regional security with Allies and partners across Europe.

    On Sunday the Foreign Secretary visited STRIKFORNATO, the naval command centre for the Allied Command Operations outside of Lisbon, before heading to the Weimar Plus Foreign Ministers Meeting in Madrid on Monday, where he urged partners to take a united approach to the global challenges posed by Russia’s war machine. He also visited British and other NATO troops stationed in Kosovo to maintain stability in the Western Balkans.

    On Tuesday, the UK added Russia to the UK’s Foreign Influence Registration Scheme to expose interference attempts on British soil.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic Endowment Fund is 13 years old

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Today, the University Endowment Fund is 13 years old. Although the first target capital was established at the Polytechnic by Sergei Witte at the beginning of the 20th century. The modern fund was created based on the historical experience of the largest universities in the world. It is never spent, invested in liquid financial instruments. Income from management goes to support student initiatives, preservation of historical heritage and infrastructure projects of the university.

    Today, the fund consists of six endowments and has already exceeded 110 million rubles. Over 13 years, hundreds of benefactors have contributed to the development of our university, the expansion of its capabilities, the implementation of ideas and initiatives. These are Russian companies, banks, public organizations, as well as graduates, employees and students of the university.

    We thank everyone who creates the future of the Polytechnic University. These names are forever inscribed in history, because the endowment is a living memory of different generations of friends of our university. The fund invites everyone to support the wonderful tradition of the best universities in the world by taking part in the development of endowments and the implementation of new projects.

    Contribute to the future of Polytechnic University you can here.

    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 Security: NATO Foreign Ministers to discuss building a ‘stronger, fairer, more lethal NATO’

    Source: NATO

    NATO Foreign Ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday and Friday (3 and 4 April) to continue planning for the forthcoming Summit in The Hague and discuss urgent security issues.

    Addressing media ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted increased defence investment as a key agenda item and critical to the Alliance’s future success. “We will focus on strengthening our collective defence” he said, emphasising that “it is the foundation on which NATO was built, and it remains our number one priority.”

    On the third anniversary of Russia’s brutal actions in Bucha and ahead of the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting on Thursday evening, Mr Rutte paid tribute to the victims and survivors. He commended Allied efforts to bring a just and lasting end to the war and underscored NATO’s enduring commitment to Ukraine with the announcement of more than 20 billion euros in security assistance – pledged by Allies – so far this year. 

    The Secretary General also acknowledged that global threats are creating a more dangerous world. “In the face of these and other challenges, we must build a stronger, a fairer and more lethal NATO,” he affirmed, going on to praise NATO’s partners for making essential contributions to our shared security. Mr Rutte noted that NATO Ministers would meet with NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners on Thursday afternoon, with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas in the NATO-Ukraine Council Thursday evening, and in a dedicated session with the EU High Representative on Friday. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Frankel Joins Congressional Colleagues to Defend Congress’s Article I Powers, Slam Unlawful and Dangerous Shuttering of USAID

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Lois Frankel, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP); Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee and Co-Chair of the Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force; and Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, in conjunction with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Assistant Leader Joe Neguse, and the Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force, led an amicus brief joined by 202 House Democrats standing up to the blatant executive overreach and illegal dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by the Trump Administration in the matter of American Foreign Service Association, et al. v. Trump, et al.

    As the House Leaders argued in their brief, the President’s directive blatantly violated Congress’s lawmaking and spending powers as explicitly outlined in Article I of the United States Constitution, by dismantling a federal agency authorized and repeatedly funded by acts of Congress. The unlawful shuttering of USAID undermines national security and causes irreparable harm to America’s global competitiveness.

    “At less than one percent of our federal budget, U.S. foreign assistance strengthens national security, prevents pandemics, expands markets for American businesses and farmers, and promotes democracy worldwide,” said Ranking Member Frankel. “The Trump Administration’s reckless, secretive dismantling of USAID—without Congressional review or a public hearing, is dangerous and a violation of federal law that requires the involvement of Congress before any such moves.”

    “Elon Musk didn’t establish USAID and he doesn’t have the power to destroy it,” said Ranking Member Raskin. “Trump and Musk’s lawless attempt to dismantle USAID is seriously dangerous. It would give free rein to authoritarian powers, like China and Russia, to spread their influence over the globe. For more than 40 years, USAID has stopped crises and epidemics from spreading to our shores by promoting stability and strong democracy around the world with humanitarian assistance, health programs and vaccines, water projects and economic development. House Democrats are joining the fight now to ensure Trump and Elon don’t plunge the world into more chaos and misery while trampling our Constitution.”

    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s destruction and dismantling of USAID is not only disastrous foreign policy and counter to our national security interests; it is plainly illegal. Congress wrote a law establishing USAID as an independent agency with its own appropriation, and only Congress can eliminate it. I have met with USAID workers around the globe and they are patriotic, hardworking Americans promoting our interests abroad while aiding some of the most vulnerable people on this planet. I am honored to lead this brief and to stand with USAID workers,” said Ranking Member Meeks.

    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are unlawfully dismantling the United States Agency for International Development. Decimating this critical agency is morally corrupt, weakens our national security and is wildly inconsistent with the United States Constitution. USAID was authorized by Congress, and only Congress has the power to close it. I am grateful to Rep. Greg Meeks, Rep. Lois Frankel and the Litigation Working Group for their leadership intervening in this urgent matter. House Democrats will continue to forcefully and successfully push back against the illegal actions of the Trump administration,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

    “House Democrats and the Litigation Task Force are working to vindicate the Constitution, and will not turn our heads to the Trump Administration’s illegal directives to gut agencies and programs proven to keep Americans safe. We will continue to ensure this president and this administration are held accountable to the rule of law,” said Assistant Leader Neguse.

    The amici curiae are lawmakers well-versed in the drafting of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998—which established USAID as an independent agency—and the recent Appropriations Acts. Their brief asserts that USAID is required to be funded as provided by statute and states that any unilateral attempts to dismantle the agency, such as efforts to “feed[]USAID to the wood chipper” and “[c]lose it down,” are prohibited by Article I of the Constitution, as recently reaffirmed by the Continuing Resolution enacted by Congressional Republicans on March 15, 2025.

    The shuttering of USAID, including placing thousands of workers on leave and halting nearly all congressionally approved foreign aid, undermines a critical component of the federal government responsible for global stability and American security. For nearly 40 years, USAID has played a central role in preventing crises, fostering economic opportunities abroad, and mitigating the conditions that contribute to violent extremism and instability. Scaling back its work not only weakens these efforts but also creates a vacuum for global competitors like China, Russia, and Iran to expand their influence.

    For full text of the amicus brief, click here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Frankel Joins Sen. Schatz, Congressional Colleagues Urging Trump Administration to Reverse Illegal Gutting of U.S. Agency for Global Media

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Lawmakers: “These Actions Are Not Just Illegal and Wasteful, They Run Counter To Our Interests of Promoting Free Expression, Combating Censorship”

    Washington, DC – Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security and Department of State (NSRP) and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, led a bicameral letter urging United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Acting CEO Victor Morales and Special Advisor Kari Lake to rescind the Trump administration’s illegal actions to dismantle the agency, terminate grants for several government-funded outlets worldwide, and place Voice of America and other federal staff on administrative leave.

    “Congress reaffirmed its commitment to your agency, its mission, and its personnel by funding the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) at $866.9 million in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025, and expects that each of the entities will continue their unique mission of broadcasting content to audiences around the world,” the lawmakers wrote. “Your decisions to terminate the grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia (RFA) (in addition to withholding funds for the BenarNews service), Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Open Technology Fund; place on administrative leave Voice of America (VOA), Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Technology, Services, and Innovation, and other federal staff; cancel hundreds of contracts; and pull transmissions from the air violate several provisions in the appropriations bill.”

    The lawmakers continued, “These actions are not just illegal and wasteful, they run counter to our interests. America’s authoritarian adversaries are investing billions in state-backed media, targeting the same countries USAGM entities reach. With an audience of 427 million people speaking more than 60 languages, USAGM networks are a trusted and reliable source of information in the face of state censorship, including in the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Afghanistan, and across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The technology developed by the Open Technology Fund and used across grantees will leave users who are dependent on their tools to circumvent censorship stranded. Once America loses the trust of these audiences, it will be difficult to get it back.”

    “We respectfully request that you rescind the actions you have taken to date and refrain from any further downsizing or terminations, and that you ensure you are in compliance with your legal requirements, including to consult and notify Congress of any proposed changes and to meet congressional spending directives,” the lawmakers concluded.

    In addition to Frankel and Schatz, the letter was signed by Democratic members of the their respective committees including U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), as well as U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Norma Torres (D-Calif.), and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.).The full text of the letter is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Schoolchildren of St. Petersburg accepted the “Polytechnic Challenge”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Polytechnic University hosted the spring stage of the competition for high school students, “The Polytechnic Challenge.” The students participate in the festival as teams from educational institutions and solve research and scientific problems of various types, apply their knowledge in practice, and learn to find non-standard solutions.

    The Polytechnic Challenge was held in six directions. During the week, the participants had to find the best solution to the tasks from the organizers. The developers of the tasks were students and teachers of the university’s Department of Continuing Education.

    The classic game “What? Where? When?” attracted a record number of teams eager to demonstrate the depth of their knowledge, sharpness of mind and resourcefulness. And the “Physical Battles” direction required schoolchildren not only to be able to solve physical problems, but also to be able to convincingly argue their decision, defending their position in a dispute with their opponents.

    As part of the construction case, teams of schoolchildren created models of buildings and structures capable of withstanding seismic loads. It is important to note that the participants worked strictly within the parameters set by the organizers for height, width, and depth. Particular attention was drawn to projects that used original design solutions and unusual shapes. Defending their work, the schoolchildren talked about the development process and methods of connecting parts. The stability of the models was tested on a vibration table.

    At the case championship, schoolchildren had to develop a product or system that would reduce the negative effects of urbanization and overpopulation of cities. The key issues were transport problems, housing shortages, ecology and social inequality. Participants proposed a wide range of ideas, from improved transport systems to smart home projects. The jury especially noted the projects that had real prospects for implementation and were highly developed.

    One of the areas was a 3D case. Schoolchildren designed a manipulator capable of holding a load of a certain weight. The task included preparing 3D models, creating models for printing on 3D printers, and printing finished products. Contestants were tested on their knowledge of engineering basics and ability to use modern digital tools. The best projects demonstrated not only technical complexity, but also a creative approach to solving the task.

    The main task of the hackathon was to create translators of slang expressions that often cause misunderstandings between generations. Schoolchildren presented mobile applications, websites designed to simplify communication. The jury paid special attention to the convenience of interfaces and the effectiveness of solutions.

    The winners were teams from School No. 45, Gymnasium No. 406, Engineering and Technology School No. 777, Anichkov Lyceum, Academy of Digital Technologies, Kirov Gymnasium, Schools No. 345 and No. 246. The best teams received an important advantage for admission to the Polytechnic University – 5 additional points to their Unified State Exam results.

    The Polytechnic Challenge festival clearly demonstrated the high level of training of our schoolchildren and their desire to find solutions to current social and technical problems. The competitions provided the children with a unique opportunity to reveal themselves in various fields of knowledge. Such events play a key role in the development of engineering thinking and the formation of future professionals in the field of advanced technologies, – noted the leading specialist of the Center for work with applicants Egor Kruchinin.

    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: NSU hosted a medical tournament for schoolchildren

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    From March 21 to 24, the final stage of the competition was held at NSU and “Boiling Point – Novosibirsk”. 45 teams from 10 regions of Russia participated in the competitive selection. The 15 best from Novosibirsk, Tyumen and Yaroslavl reached the final.

    The very name of the Schoolchildren’s Medical Tournament encodes the essence and format of the event: it is a tournament in the “speaker-opponent-reviewer” format for schoolchildren who want to realize themselves in the field of medicine. The roles of the participants allow them to fully demonstrate their abilities in solving clinical or fundamental problems: the skill of finding the necessary information in scientific sources, oratorical skills, the presence of basic fundamental knowledge, the ability to conduct a discussion.

    The ITS includes a Selection and Final Stage: in the first, participants must solve two or more problems in the form of a presentation, where the children mainly use diagrams and illustrations to answer questions, and in the second, there is a face-to-face competition, where they must solve at least 8 problems out of 10.

    The top three teams in the final included teams from the city of Tyumen, the national team SUNC NSU took fourth place.

    — I would like to note one feature of the teams in this year’s tournament. Despite the fact that most of the participants were beginners (i.e. they were participating for the first time or represented grades 9-10), their level of knowledge was almost equal to that of medical students. They were very well versed in the material and reasoned like real specialists, — commented Maria Shperling, a fourth-year student. Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, NSU and the chairman of the organizing committee.

    The medical tournament of schoolchildren appeared and still exists due to the active work of the organizing committee, consisting of proactive medical students, with the support of the administration of the Faculty of Medicine and Psychology of NSU. The first season of the project took place back in 2019, and three tournaments, including this year’s MTS, have already been implemented with the support of Rosmolodezh.Granty.

    — What do schoolchildren get by participating in the tournament? As the Chairman of the Methodological and Expert Commission, I would like to say first of all about acquiring the skill of working with information, new useful acquaintances and knowledge received from the expert commission. It is also important that the guys get a chance to get in touch with the unusual student life of our faculty, their career guidance in a rather unusual and therefore as close to medicine format as possible also plays a role. At the MTS, we always say that medicine is only for love, so we really want to show this world of endless knowledge, experience and discoveries in its real form: complex, controversial, but full of love and teamwork, — shared Evgeniya Kholdina, a 4th-year student of the specialty “General Medicine” and the Chairman of the Expert and Methodological Commission of the MTS.

    In addition to practical skills, participants can count on additional advantages when entering NSU in the form of points for individual achievements:

    3 points – for all participants of the Final Stage,

    7 – for prize winners,

    10 – for the winners.

    Points are valid for two years for prize winners and winners of both individual and team competitions.

    Students of all years participate in the organization of the Medical Tournament of Schoolchildren direction “General Medicine” Faculty of Medicine and Psychology of NSU and residency.

    As Evgeniya Kholdina says, there are participants, prize winners and winners of the tournament in more than one course of our faculty, and the organizing committee is almost half made up of MTShat. With the right competencies, anyone can become an organizer, an expert, a task writer and a volunteer.

    — We try to create comfortable conditions for the guests of our university every year, but we never forget that we are an Olympiad, after all, so a revolution of consciousness, a couple of new convolutions and a wagon of knowledge await each participant. For NSU students, this is a unique chance to prove themselves, we all have warm feelings for this event and are preparing to meet future NSU students, as well as bright minds of the scientific and medical community, — added Evgeniya Kholdina.

    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: How to break into cinema: director Alexander Zhigalkin gave advice to the younger generation

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On April 2, a meeting of students with the famous Russian director Alexander Zhigalkin was held at the State University of Management as part of the VI All-Russian Festival of Student Short Films “Kinosfera”.

    Aleksandr Zhigalkin is a theater, film and dubbing actor, TV presenter, screenwriter, producer, director of such humorous projects as “6 frames” and “Thank God, you came!”, as well as the well-known television sitcoms “Daddy’s Daughters”, “Daddy’s Daughters. New” and “Voronins”. Winner of the Russian national television award “TEFI-2011” in the nomination “Director of a television program” for the sketch show “6 frames”.

    At the beginning of the conversation, Alexander noted that calling him “outstanding” is not entirely correct.

    “An outstanding director is Eldar Ryazanov, Andrei Tarkovsky, Federico Fellini, Michelangelo Antonioni and a huge number of great masters. I only have an outstanding nose. So I ask you to talk to me like a normal person. I just do my job well, so everything works out great,” the guest noted.

    The meeting was held in a question-and-answer format and provoked a lively discussion and response from students.

    The first thing we did was ask the director what inspires him to create and how he started his career.

    Alexander noted with regret that the films that inspired him as a child are not known to the modern generation, and this is sad, because being well-watched is an important quality for a director.

    “In the 2nd grade, I watched the film “Truffaldino from Bergamo” – a funny, wild comedy based on the play by Carlo Goldoni “The Servant of Two Masters”. I was shocked by how incredibly Konstantin Raikin played there: he danced, made faces, but did not sing himself, the songs were performed by Mikhail Boyarsky. I especially remember how the main character jumped and fell with plates, and I began to repeat this at home. After I broke several plates, my parents gave me plastic ones and approved of my hobby. In the 5th-6th grade, I began to attend classes at the ZIL People’s Theater and there I developed an incredible love for theater. After school, I went to a theater institute, I did not think about another profession. I failed the first time, but after serving in the army I tried again and entered,” the speaker shared.

    He also spoke about his first attempts at acting, the difficulties of life in the 90s, his first troupe and his first staged performance. Alexander Alexandrovich also noted why he ultimately chose cinema over theater, and why the profession of a director is better for him than acting.

    “I didn’t want to go to the theater as an actor, because at that time it seemed like theater was a bondage. I sincerely adore the theater, but only as a spectator. In the theater, a lot of things weigh on an actor: the director, the producer, the artistic director, etc. And for me, the lack of opportunity to freely engage in creativity is death. The director is freer, his creative life is longer. In addition, as an actor, I always have the opportunity to play a small role in a film, because the director approves me without auditions.”

    Alexander also told a funny story about how in the 90s a friend from Moscow State University helped him go to Germany as a student of the landscape science faculty for a paid internship.

    “I didn’t understand anything about this area, but I had a diploma as an actor from the B. Shchukin Theatre School, so I coped brilliantly with the role of a student. I came to the office at 8 a.m., colored cards, sometimes went out for practice. But after a month I ran away from there to earn money by tap dancing with a musical group from Hongover.”

    The guest emphasized that an important role in the formation of his life priorities was played by a meeting with the German Ferdinand, who was involved in cars.

    “It turned out that in his youth he taught physical education to Konstantin Raikin in Leningrad. And, apparently, something clicked in him when he met me, because I am also an actor, and he showed me the first Mercedes in my life, which I saw up close. When we got in, he showed me what incredible functions it had, that the car was like alive. And he said an important phrase: “A car should be either this or nothing. So wait for the opportunity to get exactly what you want.” Then I realized that since there are no roles like what I want, and I don’t want to play others, I need to do something else.”

    When asked how to understand that a script is worth taking on, Alexander answered simply: “You have to take what grabs you.” The director also emphasized that his goal is “to make films and TV series that give people the opportunity to lift their spirits, become kinder and brighter, and disconnect from the problems that are plentiful in real life. At the same time, the quality of humor is important; jokes should be subtle and ironic, and not stoop below the belt.”

    Since the meeting was attended mainly by students from the Department of Management in the Sphere of Culture, Cinema, Television and Entertainment Industry of the Institute of Management and Budgetary Culture, they took advantage of the opportunity to clarify how they could get onto the set and join the director’s team.

    “It is quite possible to watch the filming process, I think we can organize it. As for the team, everything is more complicated here. Today there is a shortage of specialists in all areas of the filming process. I am a tough guy on the set, a tyrant and a despot. My filming pace is fast, so I try to assemble a group so that everything works like clockwork. I always say before filming: guys, we came so that the actors in the frame feel as comfortable as possible. We will be letters in the credits, and they will carry everything we wanted to say to the viewers.”

    Of course, the guys asked how the director felt about the reboot of the project “Daddy’s Daughters”, which he directed from 2007 to 2011.

    “I would like to remind you that “Daddy’s Daughters” is our first sitcom that was created on Russian script soil, and not adapted from a foreign version. I was a guest director and took part in the development. It’s like sculpting, where you are not alone, but your hands are present on the clay. As for the new seasons, I only filmed the first of them. It is an excellent successful project, wonderful actresses whom I selected and with whom we communicate. But for me, after those 5 years when we were just starting out, that feeling of the team, the atmosphere, the children and the intonations that were there, something didn’t work out in the new seasons. It’s too decent, too bright, the apartment is too rich. In my opinion, it should be a family from the next door, with ordinary problems familiar to everyone. The new seasons are talented, interesting, but not for me.”

    Alexander also talked about how “Voronins” was filmed and what he considers to be the secret to the long life and popular love of this project.

    “It was the happiest time of incredible happiness, we were one family, spent a lot of time together. The viability of this sitcom is due to the fact that we all did not quarrel, did not break up, but lived in happiness and friendship for all these ten years. There is a channel “Voronins”. Sometimes I turn it on and think “My God, how good this is!”, although it is no longer a trend today, but there is so much sincerity and truth in relation to the viewer. On the set, we were disciplined and united by Boris Klyuev, who is no longer alive. I remember how courageously he acted until the last, when he was already battling cancer, but never asked for indulgences or anything like that. You can see all this on the screen and it became the life of families. If we talk about the reboot of the series called “Kostya-Vera”, then I watched two episodes and did not do more. Without Boris, it makes no sense to do this, he was the nail that held everything together.”

    When asked what advice the renowned master could give to young directors, Alexander gave advice that applies to many creative professions.

    “You definitely shouldn’t get depressed, be afraid, or be embarrassed by your expressions. You should definitely read literature, it provides a huge amount of plot material for work, for new stories, for building character relationships. You need to understand and accept that everything has already been filmed and written. Times change, but people, their problems, and relationships are essentially the same. Chekhov, Tolstoy, Gogol have already written all this. You need to read thoughtfully, it’s so funny, deep, and sometimes scary. If you think you’ve come up with something yourself, then put that idea aside, study historical experience, and you’ll understand that it definitely happened. It’s all about talented interpretation, so you need to learn from the greats.”

    There was also a question about how young talents can break into cinema. The guest’s answer is simple in essence, but difficult to execute, and can be framed for absolutely everyone and not to forget about it.

    “The first thing you need to understand is that in order to break through, you need to break through. 90% of success is work. My teacher Yuri Avsharov used to say: “If it doesn’t work out, don’t sit in the kitchen and complain. Open a book and read, go to people, they will see you and hear you.” If a person is creative, then they will find their place. It is important to always keep yourself in working tone, then everything will work out.”

    At the end of the meeting, there were photo and autograph sessions, and representatives of the student editorial board of the State University of Management SUM Times took a short interview from Alexander, which will soon be published in the Vkontakte group and on the Rutube channel.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/03/2025

    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: Quigley, Schatz, Frankel, Lawmakers Urge Trump Administration To Reverse Illegal Gutting Of U.S. Agency For Global Media

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Democratic Leaders, Members of Senate, House Appropriations Subcommittees Overseeing Foreign Assistance and International Broadcasting Programs Demand Legal Compliance

    U.S. Repreesentative Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) signed a letter led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, and U.S. Representative Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security and Department of State, United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Acting CEO Victor Morales and Special Advisor Kari Lake to rescind the Trump administration’s illegal actions to dismantle the agency, terminate grants for several government-funded outlets worldwide, and place Voice of America and other federal staff on administrative leave. the letter was signed by Democratic members of the their respective committees including U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), as well as U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) and Norma Torres (D-Calif.).

    “Congress reaffirmed its commitment to your agency, its mission, and its personnel by funding the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) at $866.9 million in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025, and expects that each of the entities will continue their unique mission of broadcasting content to audiences around the world,” the lawmakers wrote. “Your decisions to terminate the grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia (RFA) (in addition to withholding funds for the BenarNews service), Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Open Technology Fund; place on administrative leave Voice of America (VOA), Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Technology, Services, and Innovation, and other federal staff; cancel hundreds of contracts; and pull transmissions from the air violate several provisions in the appropriations bill.”

    The lawmakers continued, “These actions are not just illegal and wasteful, they run counter to our interests. America’s authoritarian adversaries are investing billions in state-backed media, targeting the same countries USAGM entities reach. With an audience of 427 million people speaking more than 60 languages, USAGM networks are a trusted and reliable source of information in the face of state censorship, including in the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Afghanistan, and across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The technology developed by the Open Technology Fund and used across grantees will leave users who are dependent on their tools to circumvent censorship stranded. Once America loses the trust of these audiences, it will be difficult to get it back.”

    “We respectfully request that you rescind the actions you have taken to date and refrain from any further downsizing or terminations, and that you ensure you are in compliance with your legal requirements, including to consult and notify Congress of any proposed changes and to meet congressional spending directives,” the lawmakers concluded.

    The full text of the letter is below and available here.

    Dear Acting CEO Morales and Ms. Lake:

    You are at the helm of an agency with a critical mission to increase freedom of expression, circumvent censorship, and deliver objective, accurate, and relevant information to hundreds of millions of people worldwide. This mission directly supports U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. 

    Given its importance, we write to express our concerns with the decisions you have made in response to the March 14, 2025 Executive Order titled “Executive Order on Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.” 

    Congress reaffirmed its commitment to your agency, its mission, and its personnel by funding the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) at $866.9 million in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025, and expects that each of the entities will continue their unique mission of broadcasting content to audiences around the world. Your decisions to terminate the grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia (RFA) (in addition to withholding funds for the BenarNews service), Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Open Technology Fund; place on administrative leave Voice of America (VOA), Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Technology, Services, and Innovation, and other federal staff; cancel hundreds of contracts; and pull transmissions from the air violate several provisions in the appropriations bill. This includes sections 7015 and 7063, and the provisions under the United States Agency for Global Media heading, of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, as carried forward by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025.

    Additionally, the actions you have taken to significantly downsize the agency, including termination of the new building lease and closeout costs, will cost the U.S. taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars. 

    These actions are not just illegal and wasteful, they run counter to our interests. America’s authoritarian adversaries are investing billions in state-backed media, targeting the same countries USAGM entities reach. With an audience of 427 million people speaking more than 60 languages, USAGM networks are a trusted and reliable source of information in the face of state censorship, including in the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Afghanistan, and across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The technology developed by the Open Technology Fund and used across grantees will leave users who are dependent on their tools to circumvent censorship stranded. Once America loses the trust of these audiences, it will be difficult to get it back. 

    In 2020, when then-USAGM CEO Michael Pack instituted mass firings, then-Senator Rubio led a bipartisan effort to have such actions reversed. In the letter, Senator Rubio and colleagues stated: 

    “We are at a critical moment in history where malign actors including Russia, China, and Iran, are using advanced tools and technology to undermine global democratic norms, spreading disinformation, and severely restricting their own free press to hamper access to independent news for their citizens. As these and other authoritarian regimes further crack down domestically, their citizens turn to outside media as their only trustworthy source of unbiased, accurate news.”

    This is no less true today. 

    We are equally troubled that these actions put staff across all of those entities, who have faithfully served the interests of the U.S. government, at risk if they are forced to return to authoritarian countries where they may be subject to harassment, persecution, or arbitrary arrest. The agency appears to have no plan in place to address these risks. Already, 1,300 VOA staff and 75 percent of RFA U.S.-based staff have been put on leave.

    We respectfully request that you rescind the actions you have taken to date and refrain from any further downsizing or terminations, and that you ensure you are in compliance with your legal requirements, including to consult and notify Congress of any proposed changes and to meet congressional spending directives. We request that you respond to this letter no later than April 4, 2025 confirming your intent to do so. 

    Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley and Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Push For Hard-Hitting Russia Sanctions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs – Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), and Joe Wilson (SC-02) introduced sweeping sanctions targeting Russia and any nation or actor complicit in sustaining its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Lindsay Graham (R-SC) and 48 other Senators from both sides of the aisle.

    Due to Putin’s continued, unbridled aggression against Ukraine, this legislation implements expansive sanctions on the Russian Federation’s government officials, as well as individuals, financial institutions, and other entities affiliated with or owned by the Putin regime. These sanctions will go into effect if the Russian Federation continues to refuse to engage in good-faith negotiations for a just and lasting peace, or if it launches any further military operations that compromise Ukrainian sovereignty. Additionally, it enacts a bold 500 percent tariff on all imports to the United States from the Russian Federation, as well as from any countries that continue to fund Putin’s war machine by purchasing Russian-origin oil, uranium, or petroleum products.

    The sanctions package is designed to apply maximum pressure on the Kremlin and any enablers of its imperialist ambitions—underscoring that peace cannot be achieved while the Russian Federation continues to bomb Ukraine’s civilian population or while consenting countries continue to bankroll Putin’s regime.

    In a joint statement, the Co-Chairs said:

    “Democracy is strongest when we stand together to defend it. This legislation reflects a unified commitment—Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate—aligned in purpose to defend democracy, uphold national sovereignty, and confront the forces of tyranny that seek to destroy both.

    “Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine is not just a threat to one country’s borders—it is a direct challenge to the values we hold dear: freedom, self-determination, and the rule of law over the rule of force. Should Russia reject diplomacy and pursue further violence, the consequences will be swift and severe. And to those nations still financing Putin’s war by importing Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other commodities—this legislation makes clear: complicity comes at a cost.

    “These sanctions are not symbolic—they are a demonstration of principles in action. They send a clear message that when democracies are under siege, the United States will respond—not with hesitation, but with purpose.

    “We support not a pause, but an end to Russia’s attack on Ukraine and a path toward a lasting, just peace. A peace rooted in Ukraine’s sovereignty, that honors the sacrifices of its people and affirms their right to shape their own future.

    “We have been here before. In 1994, Ukraine gave up the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the world in exchange for security guarantees that were ultimately broken. In 2014 and 2015, peace accords were signed—and shattered. Each time, the price was paid by the innocent.

    “We cannot allow history to repeat itself. The world is watching how we respond—and this time, our response must be unmistakable. 

    “Peace through strength is not just a guiding principle—it is a responsibility. And we stand ready to uphold it.”

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A meeting of civil defense commissioners was held at the Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    A coordination meeting of representatives of institutes and structural divisions of the university, authorized to solve problems in the field of civil defense, was held at the Polytechnic University.

    At the event, employees of the Civil Security Department made reports and presentations. The results of work in the field of civil defense and comprehensive security at SPbPU facilities and territories in 2024 were summed up, achievements in ensuring the safety of employees and students were noted. Current problems and ways to solve them were also discussed at the meeting.

    At the end of the meeting, the Vice-Rector for Security and Chairman of the SPbPU Evacuation Commission, Alexander Airapetyan, set tasks for ensuring comprehensive security for 2025.

    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 United Kingdom: UK and Allies to build on momentum in efforts to enhance Ukraine’s security, uphold international law and protect human rights: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    UK and Allies to build on momentum in efforts to enhance Ukraine’s security, uphold international law and protect human rights: UK Statement to the OSCE

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says a lasting peace in Ukraine can only be provided if we step up and offer real and credible security assurances to deter Russia from further threatening European Security.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. The UK strongly condemns Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine. We are committed to providing extensive economic, humanitarian, and defensive military assistance to Ukraine. The UK remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, ensuring that Russia faces consequences for its actions. Ukraine has shown it is ready and willing to work towards peace. The ball is now in Russia’s court, and President Putin must prove he is serious about peace and sign up to a ceasefire with immediate effect. The Kremlin’s procrastination and game-playing with the agreed naval ceasefire in the Black Sea, despite good faith participation from all sides, show Russian promises to be hollow.

    We welcome President Trump’s readiness to increase the pressure on Russia if President Putin does not agree to a ceasefire soon. The Institute for the Study of War and others assess that Russia is using the temporary ceasefire in the Black Sea as leverage to stall efforts toward a general ceasefire and extract additional concessions from the West. This is unacceptable.

    We must remain committed to the US and Ukraine’s proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. British, French, and Ukrainian military leaders are set to meet in the coming days to build on recent momentum in efforts to enhance Ukraine’s security. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the meeting aims to drive forward the next stage of detailed planning, following a call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Last week in the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters, Britain and France led over 200 planners from ‘a group of nations politically aligned to the defence, security and sovereignty of Ukraine’. These military planning meetings have focused on how we keep the skies, the seas and the border of Ukraine safe. To be clear, a lasting peace in Ukraine can only be provided if we step up and offer real and credible security assurances to deter Russia from further threatening European Security.

    And what is Russia’s contribution to peace and negotiations? We have seen no sign of Putin abandoning his war of aggression and his disregard of international law is being realised on the ground in Ukraine. Russian forces shelled a frontline settlement in Ukraine’s south-east Zaporizhzhia region, resulting in the death of a 66-year-old woman and injuries to five others. In the early hours of today, Russian attacks left 45,000 in Kherson without power, and this is despite Russia’s alleged agreement to a partial ceasefire on strikes against energy facilities following technical discussions in Riyadh in March.

    The Report of the independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine published on 11 March, highlighted a sharp increase in criminal cases concerning Russian troops executing wounded, captured or surrendering Ukrainian soldiers. In most situations, soldiers targeted ‘were in a vulnerable situation: unarmed, lying on the ground, kneeling, and some were partly naked’.

    On 26 March, Russia convicted 23 captured Ukrainians on terrorism charges in a trial widely denounced by the international community as a sham and a gross violation of international law. The defendants received sentences ranging from 13 to 23 years in maximum security forced labour camps. The trial’s proceedings were marred by numerous irregularities and violations of fair representation. Defendants were reportedly denied access to independent legal counsel and subjected to coerced confessions obtained under duress.

    Our position has not changed. We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. President Putin must stop playing games and agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions. Only through a concerted and sustained effort can we hope to bring an end to this egregious campaign of violence and pave the way for a just and lasting peace. Efforts to support Ukraine and its pursuit of justice must be intensified to ensure our commitment to upholding international law and protecting human rights.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump’s trade war will hurt everyone – from Cambodian factories to US online shoppers

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Toohey, Professor of Law, UNSW Sydney

    It had the hallmarks of a reality TV cliffhanger. Until recently, many people had never even heard of tariffs. Now, there’s been rolling live international coverage of so-called “Liberation Day”, as US President Donald Trump laid out tariffs to be imposed on countries around the world.

    Just hours ago, Trump announced imports to the United States from all countries will be subject to a new “baseline” 10% tariff. This is an additional tax charged by US Customs and Border Protection when products cross the border.

    The baseline tariff is expected to take effect from April 5, and the higher reciprocal tariffs on individual countries from April 9. That leaves no time for businesses to adjust their supply chains.

    What might the next “episode” hold for the rest of the world? We can expect many countries to retaliate, bringing in tariffs and trade penalties of their own. That comes with risks.

    Tariffs on the whole world

    No country has been spared from today’s baseline tariffs, including many of the US’s traditional allies.

    Vietnam will be among the hardest hit, with a 46% tariff. China, South Korea and Japan will also feel the brunt of the newest announcement – all subject to tariffs of between 24% and 34%. The European Union is subject to 20%.

    Many countries had already vowed to retaliate.

    In a recent speech, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said “all instruments are on the table”. She also stressed that the single market is the “safe harbour” for EU members.

    Canada was apparently spared from the baseline 10% tariff. But it still has to contend with previously announced 25% tariffs on the automotive and other sectors.

    Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, has said “nothing is off the table” in terms of retaliation.

    Major tariffs on Asia

    China’s 34% tariff is a further aggravation to already fractious relations between the world’s two largest economies.

    Vietnam is especially reliant on the US market, and has been trying to negotiate its way through tariff threats. This has included unprecedented agreements to accept deported Vietnamese citizens from the US.

    Until this point, Vietnam had benefited from tensions between the US and China. These new enormous tariffs will have large ripple effects through not only Vietnam, but also less economically developed Cambodia (49% tariff) and Myanmar (44% tariff).

    Is it worth fighting back?

    Vulnerable countries may not have the leverage to fight back. It is hard to imagine what leverage Cambodia or Myanmar could have against the US, given the disparity in resources.

    Other countries consider it is not worth the fight. For example, Australia is rightly questioning whether a tit-for-tat strategy is effective, or will just ramp up the problem further.

    One country that has flown under the radar is Russia. Two-way trade with Russia is small, and subject to sanctions. But US media have reported Trump would like to expand the trading relationship in the future.

    A nightmare for the US Postal Service

    One of the interesting side effects of Trump’s announcements relates to what trade experts call the “de minimis” rule: usually, if you make a small purchase online, you don’t pay import taxes when the item arrives in your country.

    Trump closed this loophole in February. Now, US tariffs apply to everything, even if below the “de minimis” amount of US$800.

    This won’t just be a nightmare for online shoppers. Some 100,000 small parcels arrive in the US every hour. Tariffs will now have to be calculated on each package and in coordination with US Customs and Border Protection.

    Boycotts and retaliation

    We can also expect consumer backlash to increase worldwide, too. Canada’s “elbows up” movement is one template.

    Consumers around the world are already choosing to redirect their spending away from US products, expressing their anger at the Trump administration’s stance on trade, diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, environmental protection, gender rights and more.

    Consumers should be careful about jumping on the bandwagon without doing their homework, though. Boycotting a US fast food outlet might make you feel better (and frankly may be better for your health), but that’s also going to impact the local franchise owner.

    Hating Americans en masse is also not productive – many US citizens are themselves deeply upset at what is happening.

    Claiming victory while consumers pay more

    Watch out for the impending claim of victory – one of Trump’s mantras popularised in the recent movie, The Apprentice.

    The US trade deficit rocketed after Trump’s previous tariff announcements this year, as importers scrambled to stockpile supplies before price increases.

    This cannot happen this time, because the tariffs come into effect in just three days.

    In the short term, the monthly trade deficit will decline if imports return to normal, which will give Trump a chance to claim the policies are working – even if it’s just a rebound effect.

    But these tariffs will harm rather than help ordinary Americans. Everyday purchases like clothes (made in places like Vietnam, Cambodia and China) could soon cost a lot more than they used to – with a $20 t-shirt going up to nearly $30, not including US sales taxes.

    As this reality TV-style trade drama continues to unfold, the world should prepare for more episodes, more cliffhangers, and more uncertainty.

    Lisa Toohey receives public research funding from the Australian Government and is a past recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship.

    – ref. Trump’s trade war will hurt everyone – from Cambodian factories to US online shoppers – https://theconversation.com/trumps-trade-war-will-hurt-everyone-from-cambodian-factories-to-us-online-shoppers-253726

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Leonid Baltovsky: “Values are a person’s response to the challenges of history”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Leonid Baltovsky, professor of the Department of History and Philosophy at SPbGASU, took part in the scientific discussion “Values as a Philosophical Problem”. The discussion took place on March 29 at the Saint Petersburg Humanitarian Trade Union University. Scientists from the Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences presented reports at this event.

    We asked Leonid Vasilyevich what values are and who forms them.

    – Values are a person’s response to the moral and aesthetic challenges of history. Aesthetic values are associated with the identification, experience, and creation of harmony. They are associated with a person’s ability to have deep, strong, vivid emotional experiences, the ability to perceive many shades of moods and feelings.

    Even the ancient Greeks understood harmony as the main quality of the cosmos, which manifests itself as the unity of diversity, coherence, consonance, integrity. Harmonization of a person’s relationship with the world, with other people, with oneself causes a feeling of psychological comfort, enjoyment, pleasure. Harmony is experienced with inspiration, giving birth to beauty. These are the things, ideas, meanings for which a person, group, society are ready to create, create or sacrifice. Values do not arise by themselves, they are the result of the spiritual development of humanity. The creators of values are scientists, writers, actors, artists, that is, people of intellectual labor who affirm life through labor. Labor in itself is an important moral value.

    – Why are values important?

    – Values acquire significance in the orientation of a person’s life, help to form a dream and set a goal. They allow one to make the right decisions and find the best options for choosing the means to implement the plan, ensuring mutual understanding in interactions with other people in society, etc.

    – What should a person do whose values do not coincide with the values of other people?

    – To begin with, such a person can be recommended a method that in scientific literature has received the name “the theory of the “mirror “I””, in which society serves as a kind of mirror. In such a mirror, we can see the reactions of other people to our own behavior. Our concept of ourselves originates precisely in this idea. Observing the reaction of others, a person corrects his idea of what is due, forming in himself the universal human values that we discussed above.

    In relation to value orientations, the most important thing is that in the pursuit of the means of life, a person should not lose its purpose and meaning.

    – Why is the discussion about values relevant in our time?

    – The relevance is caused by the need to preserve and strengthen traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, as well as the need to counter socio-cultural threats to Russia’s national security in matters affecting the traditional values of Russian society.

    – How do traditional Russian spiritual and moral values differ from universal human ones?

    – Those that reflect the identity of the Russian people and their spiritual guidelines. According to the decree (Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 809 of November 9, 2022 “On Approval of the Fundamentals of State Policy for the Preservation and Strengthening of Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values”), traditional values are moral guidelines that are passed down from generation to generation and form the basis of the all-Russian civic identity. These include: life, dignity, rights and freedoms of man; patriotism, citizenship, service to the Fatherland and responsibility for its fate; high moral ideals (however, they are not disclosed in the decree), a strong family, creative work; the priority of the spiritual over the material, humanism, mercy, justice; collectivism, mutual assistance and mutual respect; historical memory and continuity of generations, as well as the unity of the peoples of Russia. While universal human values unite people of all nations, regardless of where they live, and include such concepts as justice, love, and virtue.

    – What was said during the discussion that would be worth conveying to students and colleagues?

    – Students should respect the cultural and historical heritage of the country. Diligently, carefully listen, study history through familiarity with the biographies and activities of outstanding people of the Fatherland. Knowledge of the achievements of great people will contribute to the formation and development of a sense of patriotism, pride and respect for the talents of Russia.

    The teacher as a bearer of knowledge plays a key role in the process of forming value orientations of student youth. He is not only the creator of the educational process, but also the bearer of ethical standards, a clear example for students in matters of preserving and strengthening spiritual and moral values.

    In adhering to high standards of ethics and morality, a teacher must understand that he is able to embody spiritual values in life through his actions and relationships with others, thereby creating a basis for the formation of similar values in students.

    – What conclusions did the participants in the discussion come to?

    – Participants in the scientific discussion agreed that more attention should be paid to preserving cultural identity, including traditional values, since the socio-cultural changes occurring in the modern world can negatively affect the unity of multinational and multi-confessional Russia.

    The speakers said that traditional values are established, generally accepted beliefs that, in turn, determine the behavior and relationships of people, being the basis for the formation of cultural heritage and the transfer of values from generation to generation. It was said that it is necessary to pay due attention to the upbringing and education of younger generations in the spirit of respect for traditional spiritual and moral values, taking into account the activities of extremist and terrorist organizations, individual media outlets of states unfriendly to Russia.

    The speakers noted the spread of destructive ideologies, including the propaganda of egoism, immorality, permissiveness, denial of the ideals of service to the Fatherland and other values that are no less important for strengthening society.

    The participants in the discussion emphasized that in order to solve emerging problems in preserving and strengthening traditional values, systematic work must be carried out in the fields of education and upbringing, culture and science, mass media and communications.

    Leonid Baltovsky’s participation in the scientific discussion was highly appreciated by the head of the Department of History and Philosophy of SPbGASU Irina Lapina: “I believe that Professor Baltovsky worthily represented the department at such an important event. Our teachers are constantly expanding their scientific horizons and making every effort to cultivate civic consciousness in students and instill correct values in young people.”

    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: Moolenaar Calls for Gotion to End Project as Company Pauses Plans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

    Headline: Moolenaar Calls for Gotion to End Project as Company Pauses Plans

    Media reports indicate Gotion, a Chinese Communist Party-affiliated company planning to build a battery component factory in Mecosta County, is pausing its permitting applications and environmental studies. Congressman John Moolenaar is strongly opposed to the Gotion project due to the company’s ties to the CCP.

    “The residents of Mecosta County have made it clear multiple times they do not support Gotion operating in their community. The company has continuously misled the public about its close ties to the CCP and refused to heed election results, instead deciding to sue a small town that does not want it. Gotion’s announcement it is pausing its application process is good news, however, it should listen to the people of Mecosta County and end its plans in Michigan once and for all,” said Moolenaar.

    Moolenaar has introduced bipartisan legislation, the NO GOTION Act, which would disqualify companies based in China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, as well as the subsidiaries of those companies, from qualifying for green energy production tax credits created by the Biden administration.

    In federal filings, Gotion admitted it is “wholly owned and controled” by its parent company, Gotion High-Tech. In an amended filing last year, the company clarified it recieves subsidies from the Chinese government. Gotion High-Tech employs hundreds of CCP-members and hosts field trips for employees to pledge their life to the CCP. 

    Since the company announced its project in 2022, it has been discovered an executive at the company attends meetings of the parent company’s internal CCP committee. Last year, an investigation conducted by the Select Committee on the CCP, which Moolenaar chairs, found that Gotion’s supply chain is reliant on forced labor that is part of the CCP’s ongoing genocide of Uyghur Muslims, a religious minority in China.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s trade war will hurt everyone – from Cambodian factories to US online shoppers

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Lisa Toohey, Professor of Law, UNSW Sydney

    It had the hallmarks of a reality TV cliffhanger. Until recently, many people had never even heard of tariffs. Now, there’s been rolling live international coverage of so-called “Liberation Day”, as US President Donald Trump laid out tariffs to be imposed on countries around the world.

    Just hours ago, Trump announced imports to the United States from all countries will be subject to a new “baseline” 10% tariff. This is an additional tax charged by US Customs and Border Protection when products cross the border.

    The baseline tariff is expected to take effect from April 5, and the higher reciprocal tariffs on individual countries from April 9. That leaves no time for businesses to adjust their supply chains.

    What might the next “episode” hold for the rest of the world? We can expect many countries to retaliate, bringing in tariffs and trade penalties of their own. That comes with risks.

    Tariffs on the whole world

    No country has been spared from today’s baseline tariffs, including many of the US’s traditional allies.

    Vietnam will be among the hardest hit, with a 46% tariff. China, South Korea and Japan will also feel the brunt of the newest announcement – all subject to tariffs of between 24% and 34%. The European Union is subject to 20%.

    Many countries had already vowed to retaliate.

    In a recent speech, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said “all instruments are on the table”. She also stressed that the single market is the “safe harbour” for EU members.

    Canada was apparently spared from the baseline 10% tariff. But it still has to contend with previously announced 25% tariffs on the automotive and other sectors.

    Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, has said “nothing is off the table” in terms of retaliation.

    Major tariffs on Asia

    China’s 34% tariff is a further aggravation to already fractious relations between the world’s two largest economies.

    Vietnam is especially reliant on the US market, and has been trying to negotiate its way through tariff threats. This has included unprecedented agreements to accept deported Vietnamese citizens from the US.

    Until this point, Vietnam had benefited from tensions between the US and China. These new enormous tariffs will have large ripple effects through not only Vietnam, but also less economically developed Cambodia (49% tariff) and Myanmar (44% tariff).

    Is it worth fighting back?

    Vulnerable countries may not have the leverage to fight back. It is hard to imagine what leverage Cambodia or Myanmar could have against the US, given the disparity in resources.

    Other countries consider it is not worth the fight. For example, Australia is rightly questioning whether a tit-for-tat strategy is effective, or will just ramp up the problem further.

    One country that has flown under the radar is Russia. Two-way trade with Russia is small, and subject to sanctions. But US media have reported Trump would like to expand the trading relationship in the future.

    A nightmare for the US Postal Service

    One of the interesting side effects of Trump’s announcements relates to what trade experts call the “de minimis” rule: usually, if you make a small purchase online, you don’t pay import taxes when the item arrives in your country.

    Trump closed this loophole in February. Now, US tariffs apply to everything, even if below the “de minimis” amount of US$800.

    This won’t just be a nightmare for online shoppers. Some 100,000 small parcels arrive in the US every hour. Tariffs will now have to be calculated on each package and in coordination with US Customs and Border Protection.

    Boycotts and retaliation

    We can also expect consumer backlash to increase worldwide, too. Canada’s “elbows up” movement is one template.

    Consumers around the world are already choosing to redirect their spending away from US products, expressing their anger at the Trump administration’s stance on trade, diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, environmental protection, gender rights and more.

    Consumers should be careful about jumping on the bandwagon without doing their homework, though. Boycotting a US fast food outlet might make you feel better (and frankly may be better for your health), but that’s also going to impact the local franchise owner.

    Hating Americans en masse is also not productive – many US citizens are themselves deeply upset at what is happening.

    Claiming victory while consumers pay more

    Watch out for the impending claim of victory – one of Trump’s mantras popularised in the recent movie, The Apprentice.

    The US trade deficit rocketed after Trump’s previous tariff announcements this year, as importers scrambled to stockpile supplies before price increases.

    This cannot happen this time, because the tariffs come into effect in just three days.

    In the short term, the monthly trade deficit will decline if imports return to normal, which will give Trump a chance to claim the policies are working – even if it’s just a rebound effect.

    But these tariffs will harm rather than help ordinary Americans. Everyday purchases like clothes (made in places like Vietnam, Cambodia and China) could soon cost a lot more than they used to – with a $20 t-shirt going up to nearly $30, not including US sales taxes.

    As this reality TV-style trade drama continues to unfold, the world should prepare for more episodes, more cliffhangers, and more uncertainty.

    Lisa Toohey receives public research funding from the Australian Government and is a past recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship.

    – ref. Trump’s trade war will hurt everyone – from Cambodian factories to US online shoppers – https://theconversation.com/trumps-trade-war-will-hurt-everyone-from-cambodian-factories-to-us-online-shoppers-253726

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Slammed by tariffs and defence demands, Japan and South Korea toe a cautious line with Trump

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Maslow, Associate Professor, International Relations, University of Tokyo

    Two months into US President Donald Trump’s second term, the liberal international order is on life support.

    Alliances and multilateral institutions are now seen by the United States as burdens. Europe and NATO are framed as bad business, “ripping off” the US. On his so-called “Liberation Day”, Trump also imposed 20% tariffs on all European Union imports.

    The Trump administration has been far less critical of the US’ alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. On a visit to Tokyo this week, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described Japan as America’s “indispensable partner” in deterring Chinese aggression.

    Yet, Japan and South Korea fared even worse than the EU with Trump’s new tariffs. Trump slapped Japan with 24% tariffs and South Korea 25%. (Both countries enjoy a trade surplus with the US.)

    So, how are the US’ two main allies in the Indo-Pacific dealing with the mercurial US leader? Will they follow Europe’s lead in reassessing their own security relationships with the US?

    Japan: a positive summit but concerns remain

    America’s post-war security strategy in Asia differs from Europe. While NATO was built on the premise of collective defence among its members, the US adopted a “hub-and-spokes” model in Asia, relying on bilateral alliances to contain the spread of communism.

    Japan and South Korea have long sheltered under the US nuclear umbrella and hosted major US military bases. Both are also highly sensitive to changes in the US’ Indo-Pacific policies.

    Japan, in particular, has a long history of careful alliance management with the US, epitomised by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s courting of Trump.

    During Trump’s first term in office, Abe’s policy goals aligned closely with the US: transforming Japan’s security posture to make it a serious military and diplomatic power. Japan increased military spending, lifted arms export restrictions and deepened ties with India and Australia.

    Prime Minister Fumio Kishida continued to raise Japan’s security profile from 2021-24, again increasing military spending and taking a tough line on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He emphasised “Europe today could be Asia tomorrow”.

    His successor, Shigeru Ishiba, had a successful summit with Trump in February, immediately after his inauguration. The joint statement reaffirmed US security guarantees to Japan, including over the Senkaku Islands, which are claimed by China.

    Japan also agreed to import American liquefied natural gas, and later committed to working with South Korea to develop a US$44 billion (A$70 billion) plan to export LNG from Alaska.

    However, these positive developments do not mean the relationship is on firm ground.

    In early March, Trump complained the US-Japan security agreement signed in 1960 was “one-sided” and a top administration official again called for Japan to increase its defence spending to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) – a huge increase for a country facing serious demographic and fiscal pressures.

    Reports also emerged the US was considering cancelling a new joint headquarters in Japan aimed at deeper integration between US and Japanese forces.

    South Korea: extremely vulnerable on trade

    South Korea faces similar pressures. Ties between the two countries were strained during Trump’s first term over his demand South Korea increase the amount it pays to host US forces by
    nearly 400%. A 2021 agreement restored some stability, but left Seoul deeply worried about the future of the alliance.

    South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has expressed a desire to strengthen ties with the US, though Trump has reportedly been cool to his advances.

    With a US$66 billion (A$105 billion) trade surplus with the US, South Korea is considered the country most vulnerable to trade risk with the Trump administration, according to a Swiss research group.

    Trump’s past suggestions that both South Korea and Japan develop nuclear weapons or pay for US nuclear protection has also rattled some nerves. As confidence in the US alliance erodes, both countries are engaging in an urgent public debate about the possibility of acquiring nuclear weapons.

    Tensions moving forward

    Potential for conflict is on the horizon. For example, Tokyo and Washington are set to renegotiate the deal that dictates how much Japan pays to host US troops next year.

    Both allies pay huge sums to host US bases. South Korea will pay US$1.14 billion (A$1.8 billion) in 2026, and Japan pays US$1.72 billion (A$2.7 billion) annually.

    A trade war could also prompt a reassessment of the costs of US efforts to decouple from China, potentially leading to closer economic ties between Japan, South Korea and China. The three countries have agreed to accelerate talks on a trilateral free trade agreement, which had been on hold since 2019.

    Another challenge is semiconductors. Japan’s new semiconductor revitalisation strategy is prioritising domestic investment, raising questions about whether Trump will tolerate “friendshoring” if Japan diverts investments from the US.

    In 2024, Japan outspent the US in semiconductor subsidies (as a share of GDP), while Taiwan’s TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, expanded its production capacity in Japan.

    Seoul remains an important partner to Washington on semiconductors. Samsung and SK Hynix are both boosting their investments on new semiconductor plants in the US. However, there is now uncertainty over the subsidies promised to both companies to invest in America under the CHIPS Act.

    Ultimately, the strength of these alliances depends on whether the Trump administration views them as long-term bulwarks against China’s rise in the region, or merely vassals that can be extorted for financial gain.

    If the US is serious about countering China, its regional alliances are key. This would give Japan and South Korea some degree of leverage – or, in Trump terms, they’ll hold valuable cards. Whether they get to play them, however, depends on what Trump’s China policy turns out to be.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Slammed by tariffs and defence demands, Japan and South Korea toe a cautious line with Trump – https://theconversation.com/slammed-by-tariffs-and-defence-demands-japan-and-south-korea-toe-a-cautious-line-with-trump-244172

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Announces Staff Changes, Promotions, Trump Admin Appointments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) today announced 22 additions and changes to his staff over the last year, as well as 14 of his staff appointed to serve in the Trump Administration. 

    “I’m pleased to welcome several additions to my staff and announce well-deserved promotions for others,” said Senator Hagerty. “I’m confident that my exceptional team will soar to even greater heights with new expertise and experience. At the same time, I’m deeply proud of my close advisors and alumni who have been appointed to serve in the Trump Administration. I look forward to all we will accomplish in the coming years together.”

    Lucas Da Pieve is now serving as Legislative Director. Da Pieve has served as the Deputy Legislative Director and Projects Manager, handling all budgetary and appropriations matters for Senator Hagerty, since 2021. Previously, he was the Director of Digital Response in the Office of Presidential Correspondence during the first Trump Administration and as Deputy Legislative Director and Projects Manager for Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN). He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Da Pieve is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and his family has lived in Blount County since 2008.

    Nate Kinard will serve as General Counsel to Senator Hagerty, and advise the Senator regarding judicial nominations, constitutional matters, and artificial intelligence. Previously, Kinard was a shareholder at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, specializing in business litigation and appeals. Kinard received his law degree summa cum laude from William & Mary Law School. A native of Chattanooga, Kinard majored in Political Science and Piano Performance at Vanderbilt University.

    Sloan McDonagh is now serving as Policy Advisor and Senior Counsel in Senator Hagerty’s Washington, DC office. McDonagh previously served as Senior Counsel to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He is a graduate of Hillsdale College and Emory University School of Law.  

    Christy Charbonnet is now serving as Scheduler for Senator Hagerty’s Washington, DC office. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston in Systems Engineering and has been with the Senator since the fall of 2023.

    Emma Morris will serve as Deputy Director of Operations and Scheduling for Hagerty. Morris previously served as the Senator’s Deputy Scheduler. She graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in Political Science. She is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

    John DiGravio is now serving as Legislative Assistant to Senator Hagerty, advising him on the Banking Committee portfolio. He previously served as Legislative Aide to the Senator and as an aide to the Senate Banking Committee. DiGravio holds a B.A. from Williams College and was raised in Austin, Texas.

    Luke Harris has been named Legislative Assistant to Hagerty assisting in the Agriculture, Energy, and Transportation portfolio. Harris is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

    JT Isaacs has been named Legislative Assistant to manage all general budget and appropriations matters for Hagerty. He also manages the Healthcare, Education, Labor, Pensions, and Veterans’ Affairs portfolio. He previously served as Legislative Aide for Hagerty. Isaacs received a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree from the University of Kentucky.

    Matthew Venoit will serve as Policy Advisor to Senator Hagerty. Prior to the Senate, Venoit worked at Goldman Sachs in both New York and Hong Kong. He holds a B.S. from Penn State University and graduate degrees from KU Leuven and Georgetown University.

    Jillian Cantrell is now serving as Legislative Aide to Hagerty assisting in the Healthcare, Education, Labor, Pensions, and Veterans’ Affairs portfolio. Cantrell previously served as Legislative Correspondent and Staff Assistant. She is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, where she received Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Biology and Politics. She is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

    Cole Bornefeld is now serving as a Legislative Aide to Hagerty, assisting in the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Rules portfolio. Bornefeld previously served as a Legislative Correspondent in Hagerty’s Office. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and public relations. He is a native of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

    Melissa Stooksbury has been serving as Deputy State Director since February 2024 based in the Nashville, Tennessee office. Prior to this role, she served in the office of Congressman Tom Cole, most recently as Communications Director. Stooksbury was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

    Ethan Finley now serves as a Legislative Correspondent to Senator Hagerty within the Banking Committee Portfolio. Finley previously worked as a field organizer for Tim Sheehy’s 2024 Senate Campaign. Before that, he worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Evercore. Finley also has experience as an analyst in private equity and wealth management. He graduated from Columbia University with a bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics.

    Zach Brooks currently serves as the Southeast Tennessee Field Representative for Senator Hagerty, a role he has held since April 2024. Before his tenure with Senator Hagerty’s office, Brooks was the Investor Development Director at the Cleveland/Bradley County Chamber of Commerce, focusing on membership growth and community engagement. Born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, Brooks graduated from Cleveland High School in 2010. He pursued higher education at Lee University, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2014 and a Master of Business Administration in 2019.

    Gabby Gardner serves as the Nashville Field Representative for Senator Hagerty, where she works closely with community leaders, elected officials, and industry stakeholders across Middle Tennessee. Prior to this role, she served as a Clerk in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Gardner is a proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

    Ford Hawkins is now serving as the Jackson, Tennessee Field Representative. He previously served with the Young Republicans before joining Olin/Winchester Ammunition, where he worked as a ballistician before joining Hagerty’s office. Hawkins is a West Tennessee native, and he attended the University of Mississippi, holding a bachelor’s degree in History.

    Jonathan White is now serving as the West Tennessee Field Representative. After graduating high school, White served four years active in the U.S. Navy before graduating with his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Mississippi. He has also worked for the American Legion and interned for the Northern District of Mississippi U.S. Attorney’s Office.


    Jake Netterville     is now serving as Personal Aide to Senator Hagerty in the Washington, DC office. Netterville recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Louisiana State University and is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Prior to joining Senator Hagerty’s office, Netterville worked as a federal analyst at The Picard Group. 

    Cecilia Ann Hutton is now serving as a Staff Assistant in Senator Hagerty’s Washington, DC office. She recently graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History.

    Steven Behringer is now serving as a DoD fellow for Senator Hagerty. Behringer is an active-duty Marine who is fluent in both Mandarin and Korean, and has extensive experience evaluating military and cyber threats in the INDOPACOM region. He is a native of Baltimore, Maryland.

    Blake McMahon is now serving as a National Security Fellow for Senator Hagerty. McMahon has held a variety of Executive Branch roles related to aerospace, defense, and intelligence issues. He received a PhD from the University of California, San Diego and a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State.

    James Santos is serving as a National Security Fellow. Santos comes from the Office of Director of National Intelligence, where he worked on a range of national security issues, covering policy development and program management matters. He graduated from Michigan State University, and holds a Master’s degree in Accounting. He was born in Manila, Philippines and hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  

    Serving in the Trump Administration

    Adam Telle is nominated to lead the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Telle has served as Hagerty’s Chief of Staff over the last four years and will continue to serve Hagerty while his nomination is pending before the Senate. Telle served during the first Trump Administration as the White House’s Senate lead in its Office of Legislative Affairs.  Prior to that role, Telle served as the top staff member on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security and as the top policy advisor to the late Senator Thad Cochran. Telle holds degrees in computer science and journalism from Mississippi State University.

    Luke Pettit is nominated to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Institutions. Pettit has served as Senator Hagerty’s Senior Policy Advisor and will continue to serve Hagerty while his nomination is pending before the Senate. Previously, he worked at the Senate Banking Committee, Bridgewater Associates, and the Federal Reserve. Luke holds a B.A from the University of Pennsylvania, and graduate degrees from the London School of Economics and Johns Hopkins University.

    Daniel Zimmerman has been nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. Zimmerman currently serves in a Congressional Executive Fellowship in the office of Senator Hagerty and will continue to serve Hagerty while his nomination is pending before the Senate. He previously has held many roles in the agency realm, and holds both a bachelor’s degree from Asbury University and a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky.

    Julia Hahn is serving as the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Department for the Office of Public Affairs. Hahn joins the Department after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications for Senator Hagerty. Prior to the Senate, Hahn served in the first Trump White House over all four years, most recently as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy White House Communications Director. Before that, she served as Special Assistant to the President and Director of Rapid Response and Surrogate Operations. Hahn has also worked in media as the Executive Producer of The Laura Ingraham Show and a reporter at Breitbart News. She also worked on Capitol Hill as Press Secretary to former Congressman Dave Brat. Hahn graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA in Philosophy.

    Clark Milner is serving as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Policy, focusing primarily on domestic policy. Milner formerly served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Chief Counsel to Senator Bill Hagerty. Milner previously served as Deputy Counsel to Governor Bill Lee.

    Natalie McIntyre currently serves a Special Assistant to the President for the Office of Legislative Affairs where she handles the Healthcare, Education, Labor, Banking, and Agriculture portfolio. Previously, she was Senator Hagerty’s Legislative Director overseeing the legislative team and managing the Health, Education, Labor, Pension, and Veterans portfolio. Prior to her role in Hagerty’s office, she was part of the legislative office at OMB where she managed the Senate offices. She also served as a Senior Policy Advisor and White House liaison at ONDCP.

    Nels Nordquist     is serving as Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Policy and DD of NEC.Nordquist was Senior Fellow for Economic Policy in the office of Senator Hagerty. From October 2022 through January 2025, he served as Staff Director for the National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. From 2018-2021, Nordquist worked in the National Security Council and National Economic Council, first as Director for Trade & Investment and later as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for International Economic Policy. Nordquist graduated from Stanford and earned an MBA from the University of Virginia.

    Joel Rayburn is the Trump Administration’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. He is a historian, former diplomat, and retired military officer who previously served as special advisor for Middle East affairs in the office of Senator Hagerty. Rayburn is currently a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. In the first Trump Administration, he served as a senior director on the National Security Council staff and, from July 2018 to January 2021, as the U.S. special envoy for Syria. Before joining the State Department, Rayburn served 26 years as a US Army officer and co-authored the Army’s official history of the Iraq War. He holds an MA in history from Texas A&M University and an MS in strategic studies from the National War College.

    Kevin Kim is the State Department’s China Coordinator and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Taiwan. Prior to the State Department, Kim worked as a national security fellow for Senator Hagerty. Kim was also the Senior Advisor to the Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea as part of the U.S. delegation to the 2020 U.S.-Russia arms control negotiations.  From 2018 to 2020, he served as the Chief of Staff to the Special Representative for North Korea and the Deputy Secretary of state Stephen Biegun and participated in various rounds of U.S.-DPRK nuclear negotiations. Kim received a BA from the Johns Hopkins University, MA from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

    Walton Stivender Mears has taken on a new role as scheduler for Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner. Mears joined HUD last month after serving as Director of Scheduling for Senator Hagerty. She previously handled scheduling and assisted the chief of staff for Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and as a Staff Assistant for Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL). Mears is an Auburn University graduate from Birmingham, Alabama.

    J. Cal Mitchell is serving as the Special Assistant at the U.S. Department of Treasury. He joins the Treasury Department after serving as Personal Aide to Senator Hagerty. Mitchell is a native of Atlanta, Georgia and is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College.

    Nick Checker, a national security fellow for Senator Hagerty in 2023, currently serves as Deputy Executive Secretary on the National Security Council. In that role, Checker provides senior-level review of NSC products for substance, policy relevance, and appropriateness for the President and senior White House officials. Checker has spent the last decade at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a military analyst covering conflicts in the greater Middle East. Most recently, Checker worked in CIA’s office of Congressional Affairs, where he supported the confirmation process for Director John Ratcliffe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University.

    Nicholas Elliot is the Acting Director of the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Elliot serves as the chief advisor to the CFTC Chairman on matters before the U.S. Congress and as the Commission’s official liaison with Congressional members, federal agencies, and the Administration. Previously, Elliot spent nearly four years working for Senator Hagerty on the Senator’s financial services and banking portfolio, where he advanced the Senator’s work on the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Elliot is a graduate of Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business where he received a BS in Business Administration with a major in Finance and a minor in Mandarin.

    Taylor Asher serves as Chief Policy Advisor of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force and is a Senior Policy Advisor to SEC Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda. From April 2023 to January 2025, Asher served as Policy Advisor and Confidential Assistant to Commissioner Uyeda. Prior to his time at the SEC, Asher was Personal Aide to Senator Hagerty. His tenure in public service began with Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s Office, where he served as Staff Assistant and Intern Manager. Asher is currently pursuing a Master of Economics at George Mason University. He holds a Master of Finance with an Energy Specialization as well as a Bachelor of Science in Management from Tulane University. He is originally from Nashville, Tennessee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU astronomers first in Russia photographed Mercury’s comet-like sodium tail

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Astronomers from the Vega observatory of NSU managed to record a rather rare astronomical phenomenon — a comet-like sodium tail of Mercury. The photo was taken in March and is the first in our country. According to NSU astronomers, the length of the tail in the photo is about 150 thousand km. The comet-like sodium tail was discovered, by astronomical standards, relatively recently — in 2001. At the moment, astronomers from all over the world have taken several dozen similar photos.

    The difficulty of photographing Mercury’s tail is that a combination of several factors is required: Mercury reaching its maximum radial velocity relative to the Sun, Mercury’s significant angular distance from the Sun (elongation), and suitable meteorological conditions.

    Everyone knows that a tail can be seen in comets – these are small bodies of the Solar System, which consist mainly of ice and dust. When a comet approaches the Sun, the sublimation of matter (water, volatile gases and dust) from the surface of its nucleus occurs, forming a coma and a tail. Dust particles scatter sunlight, so the tail of comets can be seen from Earth.

    However, not only comets have tails, but also some larger objects in the Solar System. For example, Mercury.

    — The mechanism of formation of Mercury’s tail is similar to the principle of formation of comet tails. This planet is characterized by a thin and weak atmosphere, which consists of helium, sodium, hydrogen, potassium and oxygen. Mercury has weak gravity and a weak magnetic field, so the atoms of chemical elements that make up its atmosphere are constantly blown away by the solar wind due to its proximity to the Sun. Therefore, a comet-like sodium tail of Mercury is formed, it is called sodium, since it is most clearly visible in the sodium line – at a wavelength of 589 nanometers, — said Yegor Konyaev, engineer of the Vega observatory of NSU.

    Mercury’s comet-like sodium tail was discovered in 2001, when its first photograph was taken. There were already guesses that something like this should exist in the 1980s. However, because the tail is rather dim and a special filter must be used to capture it, it was impossible to photograph it for a long time. However, this became possible with the advent of highly sensitive digital cameras. In 2001, the length of Mercury’s tail was estimated at no more than 40 thousand kilometers based on the photograph. Later, in 2008, photographs were obtained from which it became clear that the length of the tail exceeds 2 million kilometers.

    — Taking a photo of Mercury’s sodium tail is not the easiest task, but with a special filter it becomes feasible for almost every amateur astronomer. I first learned about this phenomenon about a year ago, when I saw impressive photos by German astrophotographer Sebastian Voltmer. Later it became clear that only a few dozen such photos have been taken, and not a single one in our country. This prompted me to try to photograph Mercury’s tail, — Yegor said.

    The photograph was taken using a special filter, for a specific wavelength – 589 nanometers, with a transmission width of 10 nanometers. This is necessary to isolate the spectrum band in which the Mercury tail has the greatest brightness. It was also necessary to shoot with long exposures and high sensitivity, the total signal accumulation time was 8 minutes.

    The problem is further complicated by the fact that Mercury’s tail is brightest at ±16 days from perihelion. Mercury has a fairly elongated elliptical orbit, so at perihelion it comes quite close to the Sun.

    — It is clear that the Sun’s influence on Mercury will be greatest at the moment the planet passes perihelion. Therefore, it seems logical that this is the best moment to film the tail. However, for reasons related to the Doppler shift of sodium absorption lines, Mercury’s tail is brightest at moments of ±16 days from perihelion, since the planet reaches its maximum radial velocity relative to the Sun at this time, — Yegor explained.

    This year, the most favorable period for observing Mercury was the end of February and the second half of March. Mercury was photographed when it was very low above the horizon — the planet’s altitude was only 3 degrees. The shooting was done from the Vega observatory of NSU. According to NSU astronomers, the tail in the photograph is about 150 thousand km long.

    Other objects in the Solar System that have comet-like tails include the Moon and Jupiter’s satellite Io. The Moon has a very weak atmosphere, it is extremely rarefied. The Moon is also exposed to the Sun, and sodium atoms leave the satellite’s atmosphere, forming a tail. The Moon’s tail can only be observed during the new moon, when the satellite is between the Sun and the Earth. At this moment, the beam of tail particles is focused under the influence of Earth’s gravity. The lunar tail looks like a weak spot in the part of the sky diametrically opposite the Sun. A special filter is also needed to photograph it.

    The future plans of NSU astronomers include recording the tail of Jupiter’s closest satellite, Io.

    — The peculiarity of this space object is that it is quite close to Jupiter, which causes significant tidal forces that generate high geological activity. Io’s volcanic emissions also contain sodium, which can be recorded using a filter. The difficulty in photographing Io’s tail is the proximity of Jupiter. Its relatively high brightness does not allow photographing Io’s tail. To solve this complex problem, it will be necessary to upgrade the telescope and make it a coronagraph, which will allow cutting off light from the bright planet. After that, it will be possible to try to take a picture of Io’s tail. Even fewer such photographs have been taken in the world. This is a task for the future that we set for ourselves, — Yegor said about his plans.

    The next time favorable conditions for observing Mercury’s sodium tail in our latitudes will occur in the spring of 2027. With due patience and persistence and the availability of special equipment, any amateur astronomer can photograph it.

    Photo of Mercury’s tail, author – Egor Konyaev, Vega Observatory of NSU. Photo of Mercury’s transit across the Sun’s disk; also taken by astronomers of Vega Observatory of NSU.

    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: Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Push For Hard-Hitting Russia Sanctions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Washington, DC — Today, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus — Representatives Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Joe Wilson and (SC-02) introduced sweeping sanctions targeting Russia and any nation or actor complicit in sustaining its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lindsay Graham (R-SC), and a group of 48 bipartisan Senators.

    As a consequence of Putin’s continued, unbridled aggression against Ukraine, this legislation implements expansive sanctions on the Russian Federation’s government officials, as well as individuals, financial institutions, and other entities affiliated with or owned by the Putin regime. These sanctions shall be put in place if the Russian Federation continues to refuse to engage in good-faith negotiations for a just and lasting peace, or if it launches any further military operations that compromise Ukrainian sovereignty. Additionally, it enacts a bold 500 percent tariff on all imports to the United States from the Russian Federation, as well as from any countries that continue to fund Putin’s war machine by purchasing Russian-origin oil, uranium, or petroleum products.

    The sanctions package is designed to apply maximum pressure on the Kremlin and any enablers of its imperialist ambitions — underscoring that peace cannot be achieved while the Russian Federation continues to bomb Ukraine’s civilian population or while consenting countries continue to bankroll Putin’s regime.

    In a joint statement, the Co-Chairs said:

    “Democracy is strongest when we stand together to defend it. This legislation reflects a unified commitment — Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate — aligned in purpose to defend democracy, uphold national sovereignty, and confront the forces of tyranny that seek to destroy both.

    “Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine is not just a threat to one country’s borders — it is a direct challenge to the values we hold dear: freedom, self-determination, and the rule of law over the rule of force. Should Russia reject diplomacy and pursue further violence, the consequences will be swift and severe. And to those nations still financing Putin’s war by importing Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other commodities — this legislation makes clear: complicity comes at a cost.

    “These sanctions are not symbolic — they are a demonstration of principles in action. They send a clear message that when democracies are under siege, the United States will respond — not with hesitation, but with purpose.

    “We support not a pause, but an end to Russia’s attack on Ukraine and a path toward a lasting, just peace. A peace rooted in Ukraine’s sovereignty, that honors the sacrifices of its people and affirms their right to shape their own future.

    “We have been here before. In 1994, Ukraine gave up the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the world in exchange for security guarantees that were ultimately broken. In 2014 and 2015, peace accords were signed — and shattered. Each time, the price was paid by the innocent.

    “We cannot allow history to repeat itself. The world is watching how we respond — and this time, our response must be unmistakable.

    “Peace through strength is not just a guiding principle — it is a responsibility. And we stand ready to uphold it.”

    You can find the full text of the legislation by clicking here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS BOTH ARROGANT AND INCOMPETENT”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to demand a serious investigation into the Trump administration’s reckless and dangerous security breach.

    JOE SCARBOROUGH: Let’s bring in right now the House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York. He sent a letter out yesterday to President Trump calling for the Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, to be fired. This morning, Leader, the details are even more shocking as Jeffrey released and, this morning, a chain, a text chain that was sent to him while he was sitting at a Safeway parking lot. The Secretary of Defense, using a commercial app, telling people on this chain, all of whom he did not know that this mission was a go. That F-18s were about to launch at this time, that the target terrorist was in sight. He then described when the second F-18s were launching, again all over a commercial app. He said this is definitely when the first bombs will begin dropping. And on and on and on. Your response? Just this stunning turn of events this morning.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s a stunning breach of America’s national security. The lives of our servicemen and women were put into danger. And this is all being done by the person, the Secretary of Defense, who is charged with protecting the safety and national security of the American people. The problem is we could all see this coming, those who are paying close attention, as opposed to my Republican colleagues who are burying their heads in the sand. Pete Hegseth is the most unqualified person ever to lead the Department of Defense. Mitch McConnell knew it. Lisa Murkowski knew it. Susan Collins knew it. Democrats knew it, and we warned the Trump administration. And now the consequences are being felt. And this is a situation where the Trump administration is both arrogant and incompetent. That’s a toxic combination and American lives are at risk.

    MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Chris Matthews, you have the next question.

    CHRIS MATTHEWS: Congressman, we all know that the Republicans echo whatever President Trump says. They wait for him to speak and then they echo it. Now, back in 1960—I actually remember this—President Eisenhower had to deny that our U-2 flights over Russia, which began in Pakistan and flew to Norway. We were clearly violating their airspace at a very high level. He initially lied about it and said that wasn’t a case of a spy mission. And later he changed his mind and said it was. Do you think Trump, President Trump, is capable of recognizing that his people—Hegseth and Waltz—screwed up, that they went on the Signal line, that they opened it up to Jeffrey Goldberg, who is not one of their friends? They did it all themselves. He had nothing to do with this. Why won’t he come out like Nixon did and said, wait a minute, Haldeman and Ehrlichman screwed up. I’m firing them. Do you think there’s any chance Trump will come clean?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: The only chance is if the public pressure continues, is relentless and intensifies. During the Intel Committee hearing that’s going to take place today, you’re going to see House Democrats aggressively press the Trump administration and demand that there are consequences that occur. Ultimately, the buck stops with the President of the United States of America, which is why I made clear to President Trump yesterday in my correspondence that the Secretary of Defense should be fired immediately if he’s not man enough to own up to his mistakes and resign in disgrace.

    JOE SCARBOROUGH: Tina Brown is with us and has a question.

    TINA BROWN: Mr. Leader, my question also—somewhat similar to Chris’, but at what point do the, you know, do the Republicans themselves break ranks? I mean, is this going to be the one thing that means that they do, as Senator Warner said, find their voice. Is there anybody? Is there anybody there now who is going to lead some kind of, you know, pushback to Congress having been turned into a party of ones? I mean, what is going to happen now in the Caucus?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah. You know, privately, several do express concerns and shake their head on the Floor of the House of Representatives. But publicly, there’s been a lack of courage and that’s unfortunate, because the Congress should be a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. And the Trump administration is completely and totally out of control. But here’s the problem with the modern-day Republican Party. Facts don’t matter. They’ll lie with ease. Facts don’t matter. Hypocrisy is not a constraint to their behavior. They’ll say one thing and do another. All of them had their hair on fire when we’ve had other national security incidents in the past, particularly when there was concerns related to Democratic administrations, and now they’re burying their heads in the sand, because hypocrisy is never a constraint to the behavior of the modern-day Republican Party. And they’ve actually concluded that shamelessness is a superpower, which is why you’ve seen such a shameless reaction, an attack on Jeffrey Goldberg, as opposed to owning up to the horrific facts of this case.

    MIKA BRZEZINSKI: So, Leader Jeffries, if I could just lay out the four layers that I see in terms of a breach of security here and then follow it up with a question. Number one, this was done on Signal. Totally wrong to be doing on Signal. Number two, this included top levels of this administration in many locations around the world, including Russia, instead of inside a SCIF. Number three, they included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, and never noticed throughout the course of this entire chat. And then, four, there was an admission during a hearing yesterday that there are other similar chats like this out there. So with the administration saying that they are not concerned about this, nothing’s going to happen. Just a mistake, no big deal. Are our troops safe? Are we safe?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: There’s every reason to be concerned that the safety and security of our American troops across the world, many of whom are in conflict zones in dangerous places like the Middle East, are at risk. And that’s the reason why we need a full investigation. It should be swift. It should be serious. And it should be substantive. We’re demanding that. We have this Intel Committee hearing that’s getting ready to take place. And that is just the beginning of what we will continue to push for. We need a full and complete investigation and inquiry. These phones should be turned in to the national security professionals to try to figure out what else has been compromised, and what other types of reckless chats are taking place. You know, I’m a member of the Gang of Eight. It’s a high honor to be part of that. We have these classified conversations. We’re not even permitted to bring our phones into any secure location, let alone have conversations on our phones.

    JOE SCARBOROUGH: All right. House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

    MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Thank you.

    JOE SCARBOROUGH: Thank you so much for coming this morning.

    Full interview can be watched here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks Statement on Trump Administration’s Unconstitutional Abolishing of USAID

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement condemning the Trump administration for unilaterally shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) without Congressional approval.

    “For two months, the Trump administration has chaotically gutted USAID, ignoring Congress and leaving urgent questions unanswered, and now has notified that it plans to subsume the agency under State. Nothing about this process has been genuine or in good faith. 

    “The consequences of this reckless decision are already evident; China and Russia are already filling in the gaps created by this administration’s reckless assault on U.S. foreign assistance. While the administration claims it will retain some global health and humanitarian assistance functions, it is jettisoning critical work USAID has been doing – at Congress’s direction – for decades in sectors such as education, good governance, crisis stabilization, agriculture, and economic growth. Furthermore, these plans violate the law, which requires that USAID exist as a separate entity. Presidents are not kings, and if the administration wishes to change the law, the GOP, which controls both the House and Senate, should pass one.  

    “By firing all USAID employees and kneecapping the programs that remain, this administration lays bare its true intention: to withdraw the United States from its global leadership role with as much cruelty and disruption as possible.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid Record High Killing of Humanitarian Workers, Speakers Implore Security Council to Ensure Accountability for Attacks on Personnel in Conflict Zones

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    What is the Council going to do to ensure accountability for the killing of aid workers and to prevent more such deaths, a senior United Nations humanitarian official asked the 15-member body today, as she detailed the unprecedented attacks that such workers face in conflict zones around the world.

    Joyce Msuya, Assistant-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, noting the record number of humanitarian workers killed in 2024 — 377 across 20 countries — said many more were injured, kidnapped, and arbitrarily detained.  “Being shot at should not be part of the job,” she emphasized. 

    In Sudan, at least 84 humanitarian workers, all Sudanese nationals, have been killed since the current conflict began in 2023.  Three days ago, the bodies of 15 emergency aid workers were recovered from a mass grave in Rafah — killed several days earlier by Israeli forces while trying to save lives.  “Gaza is the most dangerous place for humanitarians ever”, she said — a statement echoed several times in the ensuing discussion.  More than 408 aid workers were killed there, since 7 October 2023.  

    There is no shortage of robust international legal frameworks to tackle this, she added — “what is lacking is the political will to comply.”   Almost 95 per cent of those killed are local aid workers; but the killing of a local aid worker receives 500 times less media coverage than that of an international staff member.  She also highlighted the challenge posed by disinformation and misinformation campaigns targeting aid organizations. 

    Respect for International Law Is Critical 

    Highlighting three asks, she called on the Council to ensure respect for international law and protect humanitarian workers.  Secondly, “speak out”, she said, adding that “silence, inconsistency and selective outrage is emboldening perpetrators”.  Finally, accountability is crucial, she stressed, adding that the Council must ask concerned Governments to pursue justice, and when national jurisdictions fail it must use international mechanisms.

    Gilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, recalled that he had previously urged the Council to “translate words of support for the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel into meaningful action”.  At the time, he also called on Member States to join the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel.  “Since that briefing, I regret to inform you that progress has been elusive,” he said.

    In Gaza, the breakdown of the ceasefire has been “particularly brutal”, he emphasized, noting, among others, the direct attack on a clearly identified UN building on 19 March.  On 23 March, a worker of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other humanitarian staff were killed while providing life-saving assistance — “their bodies left for days before they could be retrieved”, he noted. 

    “Impunity for attacks on humanitarian personnel have become the ‘new normal’,” he said.  Such attacks are perpetrated by non-State actors and Governments alike and, while the motives vary, he stressed:  “But, above all, they do it because they can get away with it.” 

    Closure of Vital Services Due to ‘Criminalization of Aid’ 

    “Through the eyes of a humanitarian, the world is a volatile place,” Nic Lee, Executive Director of the International NGO Safety Organisation told the Council.  On average, at least one aid worker is abducted, injured or killed every day.  Nationally and locally recruited personnel are particularly vulnerable and the international response to their death is lacking.  Violence at the hands of non-State armed groups continues to remain prevalent, with the most common incidents occurring in West and Central Africa. Further, the “criminalization of aid” amid an “explosive growth” in NGO restrictions has led to the closure of vital services for populations in dire need, he said.

    The Council must do more to facilitate diplomatic engagement on humanitarian issues, protect the humanitarian space and “challenge the worrying trend of criminalization of aid”, he said. “The fact is that violence against aid workers is more commonly linked to their identity as civilians than as aid workers,” he added.  The Council must address the double standards of Member States who continue to support those responsible for civilian and aid worker deaths alike. 

    Patterns of Violence Extend Across Multiple Conflict Zones

    When the floor opened, Council members reaffirmed that it is unacceptable to target humanitarian workers and highlighted the frontlines where they are in danger.  The representative of Slovenia recalled the words of the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who addressed the Council in September 2024:  “One conflict informs the other, boundaries are pushed into the zone of the acceptable, and more human suffering follows.” 

    “The pattern of violence against humanitarian workers extends across multiple conflict zones,” Somalia’s delegate said, noting that in Sudan, over 100 aid workers have been killed since April 2023, while Ukraine has lost 23 brave souls, and in Gaza, 399 humanitarian personnel, including 289 UN staff members, paid the ultimate price.  Eight of the aid workers whose bodies were discovered in a mass grave in Rafah recently, he noted, were Red Crescent medics still wearing their protective gear.  This is a “stark violation of every principle we hold sacred”, he said. 

    In Gaza UN Workers Systematically Suppressed, Aid Workers Attacked

    Algeria’s delegate noted that the bodies were buried near destroyed ambulances — they were assassinated by Israeli occupying forces while attempting to save lives.  They deserve justice, he said, stressing that attacks directed at humanitarian personnel, their premises and assets are considered war crimes under international law.  The fact that these basic principles do not seem to apply to the Israeli occupying Power calls into question the relevance of international humanitarian law and the Security Council itself, he said.  Also stressing the need for accountability, China’s delegate stressed the role of UNRWA in Gaza, noting that it has been systematically suppressed and its humanitarian workers attacked. 

    The representative of the United Kingdom noted the one-year anniversary of the attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza, which killed seven aid workers, including three British citizens, and called for the conclusion of the Military Advocate General’s consideration of the incident, including determining whether criminal proceedings should be initiated. 

    In Gaza, the representative of the United States said, “Hamas has cynically misused civilian infrastructure to shield themselves” causing “civilians to be caught in the crossfire”.  He expressed concern about the surge in civilian deaths in Sudan, the constraints faced by humanitarians in South Sudan and the devastating effects of the Russian Federation’s war on Ukraine on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Further, “we condemn the Houthis’ sham so-called judicial proceedings against detainees,” he said, expressing concern about the humanitarian and diplomatic personnel detained by the Houthis. 

    In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone’s delegate said, civilians are caught in the crossfire of armed group activity, while in Haiti, violence from armed gangs has engulfed urban centers, displaced thousands and left civilians at the mercy of lawlessness.  In Ukraine, the Russian Federation uses “cruel double-tap strikes” to target first responders, Denmark’s delegate pointed out.

    The Republic of Korea’s delegate noted that in Sudan, warring parties spread false narratives accusing the Sudan Emergency Response Room of collaborating with their enemies, thereby justifying the denial of humanitarian access and leaving millions in urgent need.  He called upon all States to consider sanctioning those responsible for disseminating unverified and libelous content.  Last year – the deadliest on record for humanitarian workers – also saw the adoption of Council resolution 2730 (2024), he recalled.

    Calls for Stronger Action to Implement Council Resolution 2730 (2024)

    The representative of Switzerland, who presented that text to the Council during the country’s tenure as a non-permanent member, stressed the importance of implementing it and guaranteeing unimpeded humanitarian access.  Several speakers reaffirmed support for that text, including the representative of Greece.  France’s delegate, Council President for April, speaking in his national capacity, echoed the call for justice and said that each time violations occur, the Council has to “speak out, it must react”.  Panama’s delegate said the text “set us on the right track, and it remains fully relevant.” 

    Pakistan’s delegate urged the creation of a “global implementation dashboard” for that resolution — it should provide real-time public tracking of violations, investigations and their outcomes “for everyone to see and follow”. The escalating attacks on humanitarian personnel are not just isolated incidents — “they reflect a growing disregard for international norms,” he said, adding that it is unacceptable that those who work to provide “dignity amidst displacement” are met “not with gratitude, but with gunfire”. 

    Guyana’s delegate expressed support for the Secretary-General’s recommendation for the Council to systematically request the concerned State authorities to conduct prompt, independent and effective investigations into incidents and to report to the Council about the outcomes of these investigations, including on measures to prevent reoccurrence.  The Council must also consider referrals to the International Criminal Court or other international tribunals where State authorities prove unable or unwilling to act, she said.

    “What new instruments can we talk about if the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations are unable to enforce previous ones which remain fully relevant?” asked the Russian Federation’s delegate.  Current international obligations are more than sufficient, he said, calling for more scrupulous compliance.  His delegation abstained from voting on Council resolution 2730 (2024) because it contained some language “which is not fully accurate” and may result in distorted interpretation, he said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leader of Export Control Evasion Scheme Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Leader of Export Control Evasion Scheme Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison

    Oleg Sergeyevhich Patsulya, a Russian national, was sentenced today to 70 months, or nearly six years, in prison for his role in a conspiracy to export controlled aviation technology to Russia and to launder money in connection with the illegal export scheme. 

    MIL OSI USA News –