Category: Russian Federation

MIL-OSI China: Zelensky, Trump to hold phone talks Wednesday

Source: China State Council Information Office

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will hold phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.

“I will be in contact with President Trump today. We will discuss the details with him today, including…the details of the next steps,” he said.

Zelensky said he hopes that Trump would share details of his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On Tuesday, Trump and Putin agreed that the movement to peace in Ukraine “will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on the implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace,” the White House said in a statement.

MIL OSI China News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Russia, Ukraine each swap 175 prisoners of conflict

Source: China State Council Information Office

Russia and Ukraine each exchanged 175 prisoners captured in the Ukraine conflict on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Another 22 seriously wounded Ukrainian prisoners in need of urgent medical care were also transferred “as a gesture of goodwill,” the ministry said in a statement.

It also said that the United Arab Emirates provided mediation efforts leading to the return of Russian service members.

MIL OSI China News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from the Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister

Source: Government of Canada News

Ottawa, March 19, 2025 – Today, Canada’s Deputy Clerk to the Privy Council, and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister, Nathalie G. Drouin, issued the following statement:

“Today, I convened a meeting of G7 National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Ukraine to discuss the ongoing peace talks, and how G7 NSAs can support Ukraine now and moving forward, in discussions to end Russia’s unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.

“I welcomed the progress of the United States (U.S.) to advance a ceasefire, including recent discussions between Ukraine and the U.S. We discussed how a ceasefire must be respected, and robust and credible security arrangements are needed to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression. The importance of economic and humanitarian support was also highlighted as important to promote the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

“I reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine and that Russia must be held to account for their acts of aggression against Ukraine. I underscored that as part of Canada’s G7 presidency, Ukraine remains a priority as the G7 works together to achieve a durable peace and to ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong, and prosperous.

“I look forward to remaining in close and regular contact with the G7 NSAs and Ukraine on this pressing issue.

MIL OSI Canada News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Note to Correspondents: on US – Russia – Ukraine understandings

Source: United Nations secretary general

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcements by President Donald Trump of the United States and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation regarding an energy infrastructure ceasefire, as well as negotiations towards implementing the initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. He also welcomes the announcement that President Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine agreed on a partial ceasefire against energy and that technical teams will discuss broadening the ceasefire to the Black Sea. These steps represent important confidence-building measures that can facilitate further discussions among all relevant actors towards de-escalation of the war. He hopes that it will pave the way for achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that fully respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Reaching an agreement on safe and free navigation in the Black Sea, with security commitments, and in line with the UN Charter and international law would be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains. It would reflect the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets.

The Secretary-General has consistently supported the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.

The Secretary-General also remains closely engaged in the continued implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation on global food security.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Trump, Zelensky agree to ‘partial ceasefire against energy’ in Ukraine

Source: China State Council Information Office

The White House said U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in a phone call on Wednesday agreed to “a partial ceasefire against energy” between Russia and Ukraine.

The phone call came one day after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday in their phone talks that the peace in Ukraine “will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire” in Ukraine.

U.S. and Ukraine’s “technical teams will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to discuss broadening the ceasefire to the Black Sea on the way to a full ceasefire” in Ukraine, said a statement signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

Trump and Zelensky discussed the situation in Kursk and “agreed to share information closely between their defense staffs as the battlefield situation evolved,” said the statement.

During the phone conversation, Zelensky asked for additional air defense systems, particularly Patriot missile systems, and “President Trump agreed to work with him to find what was available particularly in Europe,” said the statement.

Trump also discussed Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants with Zelensky and told the latter: “The United States could be very helpful in running those plants. American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure.”

Zelensky wrote on X after speaking to Trump, “One of the first steps toward fully ending the war could be ending strikes on energy and other civilian infrastructure. I supported this step, and Ukraine confirmed that we are ready to implement it.”

However, the White House statement on Wednesday did not mention that the partial ceasefire would apply to civilian infrastructure as Zelensky suggested.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed at a press briefing later on Wednesday that all intelligence sharing between the United States and Ukraine will continue.

MIL OSI China News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Colleagues Push to Save Task Force Combating Threats to Election Officials

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and 28 Democratic colleagues in urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to continue the essential work of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Election Threats Task Force, which directs the Department’s efforts to protect election officials from rising threats and acts of violence.
The senators’ letter comes as the Trump administration has significantly rolled back the federal government’s capacity to fight against foreign and domestic election security threats. On Attorney General Bondi’s first day in office, she disbanded the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Foreign Influence Task Force, hindering efforts to address secret influence campaigns waged by China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries. Additionally, the administration has fired or put on leave dozens of officials responsible for combating foreign election interference at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and has reportedly frozen all of CISA’s ongoing election security work. The administration has also defunded CISA’s nationwide program to train local officials and monitor threats through the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.
“Given the recent disturbing personnel and policy decisions at the Department and the lack of transparency about the future of the Task Force, we request an immediate update on the status and activities of the Task Force, as well as what resources will be provided to ensure its important work continues so that election officials of both parties can safely administer our elections,” wrote the senators.
“Recent surveys have found that one in three election officials reported facing threats, harassment, and abuse. Similarly, 48 percent of local election officials know of someone who has left their job because of fear for their safety—a troubling loss of institutional knowledge needed for the smooth running of elections. Election workers continue to fear for their safety, so it is critical that the work of the Task Force continues to deter and counter these threats. In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on the Department to uphold the law,” they continued.
In addition to Sens. Warner, Padilla, and Durbin, the letter was also signed by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
In 2023, Sen. Warner joined his colleagues in sponsoring the Election Worker Protection Act, legislation that would provide states with proper resources to ensure the safety of these workers. Leading up to the 2024 elections, Sen. Warner also repeatedly raised the alarm about the elevated threat environment. As Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, he hosted open hearings to call on representatives from both the U.S. government and large tech companies to testify about their knowledge of and efforts to crack down on foreign malign influence online. He also warned of Russia and Iran’s attempts to influence the 2024 election. Sen. Warner sent a letter to CISA to push for more robust efforts to get ahead of these threats.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear Attorney General Bondi:
We write to strongly urge you to continue the critical law enforcement work of the Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force, which protects election officials from ongoing threats and acts of violence. Given the recent disturbing personnel and policy decisions at the Department and the lack of transparency about the future of the Task Force, we request an immediate update on the status and activities of the Task Force, as well as what resources will be provided to ensure its important work continues so that election officials of both parties can safely administer our elections.
The Task Force was established in the wake of the 2020 election cycle when election officials across the political spectrum began facing unprecedented threats of violence intended to thwart the peaceful transfer of power that is the hallmark of our democracy. In close collaboration with state and local law enforcement, the Task Force has assessed thousands of complaints of suspected threats of violence and investigated and prosecuted violent offenders. Over the years, these threats have not only continued but escalated. The Task Force has investigated fentanyl-laced letters, bomb threats, and swatting incidents—serving as a legacy of the 2020 election and impacting the ways election officials interact with voters in their communities.
Recent surveys have found that one in three election officials reported facing threats, harassment, and abuse. Similarly, 48 percent of local election officials know of someone who has left their job because of fear for their safety—a troubling loss of institutional knowledge needed for the smooth running of elections. Election workers continue to fear for their safety, so it is critical that the work of the Task Force continues to deter and counter these threats. In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on the Department to uphold the law.
Moreover, the federal government’s ability to fight election interference has been greatly hampered in the early weeks of this Administration. Dozens of officials at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), who are responsible for combatting foreign election interference, have been fired or put on leave. CISA has also reportedly frozen all of its ongoing election security work, including defunding its nationwide program to train local officials and monitor threats through the “Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.” Additionally, on your first day in office, you signed a directive disbanding the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, which was aimed at responding to secret influence campaigns waged by China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries.
We request a response on the status and future plans of the Election Threats Task Force, the extent of resources and personnel dedicated to its work, and how it plans to incorporate related work previously led by CISA and the Foreign Influence Task Force by March 31, 2025.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reed: Trump’s Move to Shutter Voice of America is a Victory for Russia & China That Runs Counter to U.S. Interests

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

WASHINGTON, DC – Noting that the U.S. cannot maintain its global interests through military might alone, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today rebuked President Donald Trump’s order to eliminate major components of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which manages Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and more.

Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, says the Trump-Musk retreat from diplomacy and American leadership on the world stage is a gift to Russia and China and makes America less secure. Senator Reed argues that investing in the ‘soft power’ of fact-based news organizations like Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and more helps counter authoritarian propaganda, spreads facts, and advances peace, freedom, and American interests worldwide.

Primarily a radio broadcaster, VOA was founded in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda, and reaches 360 million people a week – including Russians and other countries where Vladimir Putin’s state run propaganda machine has heavy influence. Like other USAGM entities, it offers objective and accurate reporting and American viewpoints to overseas audiences in dozens of languages.

Today, Senator Reed issued the following statement:

“The Trump Administration’s move to shutter these pro-democracy, free speech media organizations is a self-inflicted wound and a severe blow to American interests worldwide. It is a gift to Putin and Xi. Instead of surrendering the information war to authoritarian regimes, the U.S. should work with our allies to ensure a free and unbiased press can continue to reach and inform audiences who have no viable alternative to state-run propaganda.

“Journalists from Voice of America and Radio Free Europe not only bring fair-minded news to people in closed societies, but they help increase our understanding of these places. Pulling the plug on their mission undercuts America’s vital interests around the globe. It diminishes our capacity to combat disinformation and promote freedom and democracy. Repressive regimes aren’t pulling back here, they are increasing their investments in international media activities. China alone spends billions on international media and influence activities, dwarfing the legitimate efforts of VOA to inform international audiences. State-run Chinese propaganda outlets are racing to influence and grow their audiences in Africa and other regions that Trump is abandoning.

“Instead of weakening America’s diplomatic infrastructure, the Trump Administration should promote fact-based, multi-language media that counters propaganda and advances freedom and democracy.

“True to their mission, Voice of America and Radio Free Europe have a measure of editorial independence from presidential administrations. Therefore, their reporting may criticize various aspects of U.S. policy. That seems to be what President Trump really can’t abide. He routinely calls members of the press “the enemy of the people.” His Administration strips away reporters’ access when they report facts he doesn’t like. There is a reason the Kremlin and repressive regimes are celebrating Trump’s move and that should make more Americans question it.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2023 Article IV Consultation with El Salvador

Source: IMF – News in Russian

March 19, 2025

Washington, DC: On March 20, 2023, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation^{^[1]} with El Salvador.

Despite a series of adverse external shocks, the Salvadoran economy has fared relatively well to date, and is estimated to have grown by 2.8 percent in 2022. Annual inflation jumped to 7¼ percent, mainly due to high global food prices while fuel price inflation was moderated by large subsidies. Vulnerabilities mounted, with international reserves falling below 2 months of imports. In the context of limited financing options, the fiscal deficit narrowed to 2½ percent of GDP, but fiscal policy is expected to turn expansionary in 2023. Under current policies, public debt is on an unsustainable path.

The economy is expected to grow by 2.4 percent in 2023, but the outlook is fragile, given the macroeconomic imbalances and a less favorable international environment. A comprehensive and credible policy package is urgently needed to put public debt on a firmly declining path and strengthen macroeconomic and financial stability.

Over a year after the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender, its use has been minimal but risks for financial and market integrity, financial stability, and consumer protection remain and need to be addressed.

Executive Board Assessment^[2]

Executive Directors noted the strong post‑pandemic recovery supported by the authorities’ timely responses to shocks and the improved security situation. Pointing to the fragile outlook amid rising risks and vulnerabilities, Directors urged the authorities to adopt a comprehensive plan to address macroeconomic imbalances, including unsustainable public debt and limited reserve coverage, along with structural reforms to support stronger, inclusive growth.

Directors welcomed recent fiscal efforts but underscored the urgent need for an ambitious fiscal consolidation plan, based on greater revenue mobilization and efficiency of spending, including better targeting energy subsidies and social safety nets and rightsizing the wage bill. This is critical to put public debt on a firm downward trajectory and allow a gradual return to international capital markets. Restoring and upgrading the Fiscal Responsibility Law would also improve the transparency and credibility of fiscal policy. Directors stressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the pension system to limit contingent liabilities.

Directors noted that the banking system remains healthy but cautioned against rising exposures to the sovereign and the erosion of liquidity buffers. They called for raising banks’ reserve requirements, enacting promptly the Financial Stability Bill, closing regulatory gaps, and continuing to implement the 2020 Safeguards Assessment recommendations.

Directors underscored the importance of narrowing the scope of the Bitcoin law and removing Bitcoin’s legal tender status. They noted that while Bitcoin has had a minimal impact on financial inclusion, high risks to financial integrity and stability, fiscal sustainability, and consumer protection persist. Directors urged that Bitcoin transactions be transparently disclosed, together with the financial statements of public companies operating in the Bitcoin ecosystem. They also called on the authorities to carefully weigh the implications of the new crypto assets legislation and avoid expanding government exposure to Bitcoin.

Directors stressed the importance of structural reforms to strengthen governance, the investment climate and productivity. They called for continued efforts to strengthen fiscal transparency, public procurement, AML/CFT legislation, and the independence of the judicial system. Directors also stressed the importance of enhancing human capital, infrastructure, and climate resilience, as well as continuing to upgrade the statistical framework.

El Salvador: Selected Economic Indicators

I. Social Indicators
Per capita income (U.S. dollars, 2021)	4,408		Population (million, 2021)				6.5
Percent of pop. below poverty line (2021)	24.6		Gini index (2019)				39

II. Economic Indicators (percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

						Proj.
	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024

Income and Prices
Real GDP growth (percent)	2.4	2.4	-8.2	10.3	2.8	2.4	1.9
Consumer price inflation (average, percent)	1.1	0.1	-0.4	3.5	7.2	4.1	2.1
Terms of trade (percent change)	-3.9	1.7	4.8	-7.6	-1.6	5.0	0.7
Sovereign bond spread (basis points)	424	453	760	837	1,485	…	…

Money and Credit
Credit to the private sector	57.3	59.1	66.3	61.8	63.1	61.2	60.0
Broad money	54.8	59.1	70.4	61.5	58.5	58.5	60.5
Interest rate (time deposits, percent)	4.2	4.3	4.1	3.9	…	…	…

External Sector
Current account balance	-3.3	-0.4	0.8	-5.1	-8.3	-5.4	-5.3
Trade balance	-21.7	-21.2	-21.0	-28.6	-31.4	-27.5	-27.4
Transfers (net)	20.6	21.0	24.4	25.9	24.0	22.9	22.4
Foreign direct investment	-3.2	-2.4	-1.1	-1.1	-0.2	-1.6	-2.2
Gross international reserves (mill. of US$)	3,569	4,446	3,083	3,426	2,440	2,798	3,382

Nonfinancial Public Sector
Overall balance	-2.7	-3.1	-8.2	-5.6	-2.5	-3.4	-3.4
Primary balance	0.9	0.6	-3.8	-1.1	2.2	0.3	0.4
Of which: tax revenue	18.0	17.7	18.5	20.1	20.3	19.0	19.0
Public sector debt 1/	70.4	71.3	89.4	82.4	77.2	76.1	78.3

National Savings and Investment
Gross domestic investment	18.4	18.3	18.9	22.2	20.7	19.8	19.4
Private sector 2/	15.7	15.9	16.9	19.6	18.8	17.4	17.1
National savings	15.1	17.9	19.8	17.1	12.4	14.5	14.2
Private sector	14.7	18.0	25.4	19.5	12.8	14.9	14.9

Net Foreign Assets of the Financial System
Millions of U.S. dollars	2,655	3,372	3,618	3,022	1,114	1,227	1,400

Memorandum Items
Nominal GDP (billions of US$)	26.0	26.9	24.6	28.7	31.6	33.7	35.1

Sources: Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador, Ministry of Finance, and IMF staff estimates.
1/ Gross debt of the nonfinancial public sector.
2/ Includes inventories.

[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

[2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summing up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis

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

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/03/19/pr25069-el-salvador-imf-executive-board-concludes-2023-article-iv-consultation-with-el-salvador

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova held a meeting of the Presidential Commission on Veterans Affairs

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova held the first meeting of the Commission under the President of the Russian Federation on Veterans’ Affairs in its new composition. The members of the commission discussed the results of the implementation of measures to improve the socio-economic situation of veterans of the Great Patriotic War, as well as issues of informing participants in the special military operation about the support measures they are entitled to and the mechanisms for receiving them.

“The President of the country declared 2025 the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. Today, the most important topic on the agenda is support for veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Those who, without sparing themselves, 80 years ago brought Victory closer, defended our country, their loved ones and their home. Historical memory and truth are our responsibility to future generations,” Tatyana Golikova emphasized.

In accordance with the decree of the President, a one-time payment will be made to all those who fought for the Motherland on the anniversary of the Great Victory. Over 23 billion rubles have been allocated for these purposes; payments will be received by almost 332 thousand citizens. Preparations for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory are being carried out at all levels. The head of state has instructed federal and regional authorities to provide all possible assistance to veterans in resolving issues of their social protection. One of the priority tasks is to provide medical care, dispensary observation and drug provision to veterans of the Great Patriotic War.

Much attention is paid to those who stood up to defend our country in the conditions of a special military operation. The government maintains a dialogue with the participants of the SVO on an ongoing basis, taking into account which additional decisions are made. Thus, a new section “Procedure for providing medical care to combat veterans” has been included in the program of state guarantees for free provision of medical care to citizens. Since January of this year, SVO participants have been undergoing medical rehabilitation and spa treatment in 12 rehabilitation centers of the Social Fund.

A system of providing complexes of state services, services, measures of active employment policy, measures of state support, as well as mechanisms of interaction with employers has been formed on the basis of regional employment services. Monitoring of participants of the SVO and members of their families who applied to employment services for employment purposes has been organized, according to which more than 18.5 thousand participants of the SVO and members of their families applied to employment services, they were provided with more than 58 thousand services. In addition, training of SVO participants has been organized, and within the framework of the national project “Personnel” it is envisaged to reimburse part of the costs to the employer for equipping workplaces for employment of persons with disabilities.

Other measures are also being taken. The government has issued a number of instructions aimed at informing participants of the SVO about the support measures they are entitled to and the mechanisms for receiving them in various areas – taxation, education, housing, medicine, rehabilitation, prosthetics and others. At the instruction of the head of state, a special section has been created on the Unified State Services Portal, which contains all the necessary information for SVO participants and their family members about existing support measures – from federal to municipal, and a search for measures depending on the life situation has been implemented.

Following the meeting, Tatyana Golikova instructed the commission members to send proposals to the Russian Ministry of Labor for their compilation in order to formulate a work plan for the commission for 2025. In addition, she instructed:

— The Ministry of Labor of Russia, together with the Social Fund of Russia and other government agencies, shall ensure control over the implementation of the lump-sum payment established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of January 15, 2025 No. 15 “On the lump-sum payment to certain categories of citizens of the Russian Federation in connection with the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945”;

— The highest executive bodies of the subjects are recommended to continue implementing measures to improve the socio-economic situation of veterans of the Great Patriotic War together with veteran, volunteer and public organizations, paying special attention to proactively resolving issues of material and living conditions, including citizens living in remote areas, and, if necessary, to provide additional targeted assistance and support measures to veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Also, together with medical organizations, within the framework of the powers established by federal legislation and the legislation of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, to ensure that veterans of the Great Patriotic War undergo medical examinations and dispensary observation on an ongoing basis, including by sending medical workers to the veteran’s home, organizing the delivery of the veteran to the medical organization and back using transport purchased within the framework of the national project “Demography” and regional programs for the modernization of primary health care;

— In order to provide the most complete and timely information to participants of the SVO and their family members about the possibility of receiving social support measures and the conditions for their provision, the highest executive bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation shall update information on the Unified Portal about current regional measures of social support for participants of the SVO and their family members and the conditions for their provision (hereinafter referred to as on an ongoing basis upon updating or adoption of relevant regional acts) and ensure that participants of the SVO and their family members are informed about the possibility of receiving information about available social support measures on the Unified Portal;

— The Russian Ministry of Health, together with the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, should work on the issue of expanding the information section of the Unified Portal in terms of filling it with information on the provision of medical care to participants in the SVO and their family members, including issues of providing psychological and psychotherapeutic care, medical rehabilitation and spa treatment;

— The State Foundation “Defenders of the Fatherland” together with the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation shall submit to the commission proposals aimed at raising awareness among participants of the SVO and their family members on monitoring satisfaction with the completeness and quality of social support measures, assistance and services provided to them.

At the next meeting of the commission, it is planned to consider issues related to the employment of SVO participants.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On 20.03.2025, the deposit auction of JSC “SME Corporation” will take place

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

Date of the deposit auction 03/20/2025. Placement currency RUB. Maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) 1,415,000,000.00 Placement term, days 29. Date of depositing funds 03/20/2025. Date of return of funds 04/18/2025 Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 20.00 Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) 1,415,000,000.00 Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1 Auction form, open or closed (Open).

The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 10:30 to 10:40. Applications in competition mode from 10:40 to 10:50. Setting the cutoff percentage rate or recognizing the auction as failed before 11:30.

Additional terms

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: About 120 large facilities were commissioned under the state program “Construction” in 2024

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

The comprehensive state program “Construction” was approved in 2022 to implement state policy in the field of construction and management of state capital investments.

“In order for construction in the country to be carried out reliably, with the fulfillment of all the set tasks, it is important to have a long-term program. Thus, the comprehensive state program “Construction” is designed to increase the efficiency of budget funds allocated to the industry, accelerate the commissioning of important facilities, and ensure the achievement of priority goals of state policy in the field of construction. Cash execution of expenses of the register of capital construction projects and real estate included in the “Construction” program, according to the results of 2024, amounted to about 99%. Last year, permission was received to commission 119 capital construction projects. These are large socially significant facilities. Moreover, 19 of them were commissioned ahead of schedule,” said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

In particular, the construction and reconstruction of sections of the M-7 Volga, M-51, M-53, M-55 Baikal, R-255 Siberia, A-360 Lena and many other highways has been completed.

Among social facilities, the construction of the regional clinical anti-tuberculosis dispensary in Saratov with 453 round-the-clock beds has been completed. The new medical institution will improve the quality of prevention of respiratory diseases.

Another significant object is the new building of the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. It is decorated with a large light atrium with a panoramic view of Kadashevskaya Embankment. Transformable partitions are installed in the halls, which allow for faster and more convenient changes of expositions.

Work on projects within the framework of the comprehensive state program in 2024 was carried out by 48 main administrators of federal budget funds.

In addition, special attention is paid to reducing unfinished construction projects.

“As part of the measures taken to complete construction and reduce the number of unfinished capital construction projects, cumulatively in 2024, 113 unfinished construction projects were excluded from the federal register of unfinished capital construction projects, including 84 projects due to the implementation of management decisions adopted by the presidium (headquarters) of the Government Commission for Regional Development in the Russian Federation. Of these, 34 projects have been completed,” noted Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Irek Fayzullin.

A significant number of procedures for monitoring the implementation of projects have been transferred to electronic form using the Electronic Budget system, which has made it possible to reduce some administrative procedures and has had an impact on reducing the investment and construction cycle.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Terrorism remains an evolving challenge, use of advanced tech necessitates collaborative & action-oriented approach, says Defence Secretary at 14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism

Source: Government of India

Terrorism remains an evolving challenge, use of advanced tech necessitates collaborative & action-oriented approach, says Defence Secretary at 14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism

Calls for developing a ‘whole of government and whole of society’ approach to counter radicalisation & violent extremism and enhancing legal & financial frameworks to disrupt terror financing networks

Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 5:34PM by PIB Delhi

“India remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and believes in an approach that combines robust domestic mechanisms, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and strong regional cooperation,” said Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh during the keynote address at the 14^th meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) – Plus Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi on March 19, 2025.

The Defence Secretary stated that terrorism remains a dynamic & evolving challenge, with threats increasingly transcending borders, and the use of advanced technology, cyber tools & unmanned systems by terrorist groups necessitates a cohesive, forward looking and action-oriented approach. He added that the Indo-Pacific region, given its geopolitical and economic significance, is particularly vulnerable to transitional terrorism and violent extremism, which calls for a comprehensive, adaptive, and deeply collaborative response.

Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasised that, through the ADMM-Plus platform, India seeks to build synergy among the defence forces, security agencies, and policy frameworks to address emerging threat effectively. “In the complex, hyper-connected & fast-paced world, social and ecological systems are fragile. It is important to assess this risk to empower the Governments in priority setting and decision making. Terrorism can destabilise governments, undermine civil society, and threaten social & economic development. We have a collective obligation to provide the decision-makers guidance to understand uncertainty and better weigh the impact on decision making,” he said.

The event witnessed the handing over of ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter-Terrorism chairmanship to India and Malaysia from Russia and Myanmar for a three-year cycle. The Defence Secretary voiced the commitment of the new co-chairs towards ensuring that the efforts over this cycle yield practical and meaningful results. “By leveraging our collective expertise, enhancing capacity-building, and fostering deeper trust and cooperation, we can significantly strengthen regional security and counter-terrorism preparedness,” he said.

Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that in the present cycle of EWG on Counter-Terrorism, the focus will be on strengthening regional cooperation and improving interoperability among the Armed Forces through structured joint initiatives. He added that the aim will be to counter the misuse of emerging technologies and addressing threats posed by terrorists through use of AI-driven propaganda, encrypted communications, drone technologies. Strengthening cyber resilience against online radicalisation and recruitment efforts will also be a focus area, he said.

Towards the latter half of the cycle, the Defence Secretary said, work will be carried out together towards capacity building through practical exercises wherein Malaysia will conduct a Table-Top Exercise in 2026, facilitating strategic-level decision making simulations to improve Counter-Terrorism planning and preparedness. In 2027, India will host a Field Training Exercise, aimed at stimulating real-world Counter-Terrorism scenarios, enhancing operational coordination, and testing rapid response mechanisms. He called for developing a whole of government and whole of society approach to counter radicalisation & violent extremism and enhancing legal & financial frameworks to disrupt terror financing networks.

Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh congratulated Malaysia for assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN for the year 2025, extending India’s full support. He acknowledged Malaysia’s effort in effectively steering ASEAN under the current geopolitical scenario with the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’. He added that India is privileged to co-chair this crucial initiative alongside Malaysia, and appreciates the participation of representatives from the ASEAN member states, the Plus nations, the ASEAN Secretariat, and Timor-Leste. “Your presence reaffirms our shared commitment in combating terrorism in all its forms,” he said.

The Defence Secretary termed India’s relationship with ASEAN as a key pillar of its foreign policy, which is at the heart of Act East Policy. He reiterated India’s strong support to a stable and unified ASEAN which serves as an institutional anchor of an important region.

Delegations from 10 ASEAN members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand) and eight dialogue partners (Australia, New Zealand, RoK, Japan, China, USA and Russia) along with Timor Leste and ASEAN Secretariat are participating in the meeting. India is co-chairing the EWG on Counter-Terrorism for the first time.

***

VK/Savvy

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The EU’s digital transformation programmes and the European funds that have been disbursed to achieve it – E-001032/2025
Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer E-001032/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Francesco Torselli (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Denis Nesci (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Marco Squarta (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Lara Magoni (ECR), Antonella Sberna (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Pietro Fiocchi (ECR), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR)

Digital technology and infrastructure are an integral part of our daily lives, as they determine how we work and communicate and are also vital to advancing scientific progress and responding to current environmental challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed just how important it is for Europe to avoid depending on non-EU systems and solutions. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has further highlighted the vulnerabilities of our digital supply chains and the importance of investing in cybersecurity and drastically improving Europe’s digital capabilities.

The EU has set up a number of programmes to support the digital transformation of industries, SMEs and public administrations. One of them is Digital Europe (DIGITAL), which enables the EU to respond to these challenges by funding projects in key areas such as supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and advanced digital skills as well as initiatives which aim to ensure the widespread use of digital technologies across the economy and society.

In view of President von der Leyen’s announcement of the launching of InvestAI (an initiative that will mobilise a further EUR 200 billion in funds, of which EUR 20 billion will be set aside for a European fund for AI gigafactories), could the Commission clarify how much has been spent so far to achieve the digital transition for European citizens and businesses?

Supporter[1]

Submitted: 10.3.2025
- [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Stefano Cavedagna (ECR)
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU green hydrogen production targets – E-003068/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The REPowerEU Plan[1] suggested an aspirational target of 10 million tonnes of EU renewable hydrogen production and 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen imports by 2030 to lower the imports of Russian fossil fuels, proposing to increase the mandatory targets for renewable hydrogen consumption in industry and the transport sector.

The co-legislators decided on a lower level of binding 2030 targets under the Renewable Energy Directive[2]. In addition, the co-legislators also agreed on mandatory targets for renewable hydrogen consumption in industry in 2035 and laid out pathways in the aviation[3] and maritime[4] sector to promote the uptake of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen up to 2050.

There is no hydrogen production target for 2040 set out in the European legislation.

The Commission’s internal estimate for renewable hydrogen uptake by 2030 based on the above mandatory targets is three to six million tons.

The Commission is focusing on the work with Member States, including through an assessment of their National Energy and Climate Plans, to ensure the timely transposition of the mandatory demand volumes and other recent hydrogen legislation.

This will contribute to provide the sector with the necessary visibility to carry out its investments.

[1] COM(2022) 230 final.

[2] Directive (EU) 2023/2413.

[3] Regulation (EU) 2023/2405.

[4] Regulation (EU) 2023/1805.
Last updated: 19 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Energy security in the context of the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia – E-002812/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU has acted firmly to cut its reliance on Russian energy. REPowerEU[1], adopted in May 2022, sets out a plan to fast forward the clean transition, diversify supplies, and enhance EU energy resilience.

The EU phased out Russian coal imports. Oil is down from almost a third to 3% of total EU imports. In terms of gas, the EU reduced its Russian gas imports from over 45% in 2021, to 19% in 2024, replacing it with alternatives from trusted international partners.

However, Russian energy, particularly gas, remains in the EU energy mix. To address this, the Commission plans to swiftly adopt a Roadmap to end Russian energy imports by fully implementing REPowerEU.

Regarding infrastructure, gas will remain important for the EU’s energy mix in the coming years. The Commission is monitoring ongoing projects, especially Projects of Common Interest and selected REPowerEU projects funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which are vital for EU’s energy security.

Completion of these projects will enable the EU to eliminate Russian gas dependency. However, the EU must focus on rapid electrification, renewable energy integration and investing in electricity interconnections as outlined in the Grids Action Plan[2], to meet climate goals and enhance energy resilience.

Given the EU’s climate policy direction and interconnected gas markets, further EU budget support for new gas infrastructure cannot be justified anymore, once ongoing projects are completed.

The Energy and Housing Commissioner will present a Clean Energy Investment Strategy in 2025.
- [1] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/key-documents-repowereu_en
- [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2023%3A757%3AFIN&qid=1701167355682
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Russian gas imports into the EU – P-000637/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Following the Russian military aggression against Ukraine as of 2022, the EU has acted firmly to cut its reliance on Russian energy.

The REPowerEU Strategy[1], adopted in May 2022, aims to accelerate the clean transition, diversify supplies, and enhance EU energy resilience. The EU adopted sanctions to phase out Russian coal imports.

Sanctions on oil have also reduced imports from almost a third to 3% of total EU imports. In terms of gas, the EU has reduced its Russian gas imports from over 45% in 2021, to 19% in 2024, replacing it with alternatives like liquefied natural gas (LNG) from trusted international partners.

However, Russian energy, particularly gas, remains in the EU energy mix. To address this, the Commission plans to adopt a Roadmap to end Russian energy imports by fully implementing REPowerEU.

With the sanctions packages currently in force[2], the Council has imposed a ban on new investments for the completion of Russian LNG projects under construction and a ban on reloading services for Russian LNG on EU territory for the purpose of transshipment operations to third countries.

Any further decisions on sanctions packages are to be taken by the Council.

[1] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/key-documents-repowereu_en

[2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions-against-russia/timeline-sanctions-against-russia/
Last updated: 19 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Vice-President / High Representative respecting the prerogatives of her post – E-002950/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The EU’s approach to Russia is clear and has been implemented in strong unity since the beginning of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine and its citizens.

Its main elements are: supporting Ukraine, isolating Russia internationally, imposing sanctions against Russia to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war, ensuring accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression , supporting EU’s neighbours and partners, defending the rules-based international order, enhancing EU’s resilience and supporting Russia’s civil society, independent media and human rights defenders.

As outlined by the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova, Russia’s external aggression and internal repression are closely linked[1].

The EU will continue to call on Russian authorities to abide by their international obligations both with respect to Russia’s international relations and human rights of all its citizens.

Russia must unconditionally cease its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, withdraw its troops from the internationally recognised territory of Ukraine as well as pay for the damage caused.

[1] https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ahrc5759-situation-human-rights-russian-federation-report-special;
https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ahrc5454-situation-human-rights-russian-federation-report-special
Last updated: 19 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Statement from Secretary Rubio and NSC Waltz on Call with Zelenskyy

Source: The White House

“Today, President Donald J. Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a fantastic phone conversation. President Zelenskyy thanked President Trump for a productive start for the work of the Ukrainian and American teams in Jeddah on March 11th. The meeting of the senior officials from both nations significantly helped in moving toward ending the war.

President Zelenskyy thanked President Trump for the support of the United States, especially the Javelin missiles that President Trump was first to provide, and his efforts towards peace. The leaders agreed Ukraine and America will continue working together to bring about a real end to the war, and that lasting peace under President Trump’s leadership can be achieved.

President Trump fully briefed President Zelenskyy on his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the key issues discussed. They reviewed the situation in Kursk and agreed to share information closely between their defense staffs as the battlefield situation evolved. President Zelenskyy asked for additional air defense systems to protect his civilians, particularly Patriot missile systems, President Trump agreed to work with him to find what was available particularly in Europe.

The two leaders also agreed on a partial ceasefire against energy. Technical teams will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to discuss broadening the ceasefire to the Black Sea on the way to a full ceasefire. They agreed this could be the first step toward the full end of the war and ensuring security. President Zelenskyy was grateful for the President’s leadership in this effort and reiterated his willingness to adopt a full ceasefire.

President Trump also discussed Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants. He said that the United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise. American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

President Zelenskyy also thanked President Trump for continuing to push humanitarian concerns, including the exchange of POWs. He noted they had just had a successful exchange and thanked the President for his leadership. President Trump also asked President Zelenskyy about the children who had gone missing from Ukraine during the war, including the ones that had been abducted. President Trump promised to work closely with both parties to help make sure those children were returned home.

They agreed all parties must continue the effort to make a ceasefire work. The Presidents noted the positive work of their advisors and representatives, especially Secretary Rubio, National Security Advisor Waltz, Special Envoy Kellogg, and others. The Presidents instructed their teams to move ahead with the technical issues related to implementing and broadening the partial ceasefire. The Presidents instructed their advisors and representatives to carry out this work as quickly as possible. The Presidents emphasized that in further meetings, the teams can agree on all necessary aspects of advancing toward lasting peace and security.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Canada and France are “peaceful powers and reliable allies”

Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

Statement by M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic, ahead of the working lunch with Mr Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada (excerpts) (Paris, March 17, 2025)

= Check against delivery =

Prime Minister, thank you for being in Paris today; I’d like to welcome you and say how pleased we are to have you here. Firstly, because it’s your first visit and you chose France for this first visit abroad. It’s a huge honour and it also shows the importance of all the challenges we share. On a more personal note, allow me to wish you a very happy birthday, albeit a day late.

As you powerfully said on Friday when you took office, France – through its culture, way of life and language – is an irreducible part of Canada’s identity, just like the First Peoples and the British legacy. And we’re proud of this. We’re proud of this shared history, we’re proud of having with us an ally in every battle, a nation determined to champion a fairer world, and a people driven by a humanist ideal. During the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, we paid tribute to the courage and exceptional self-sacrifice of a generation of Canadians who came to fight right here in France, like their ancestors at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, for a certain idea of freedom. That generation continues to inspire us, and Canada is a unique friend to us.

This has been the case since the war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine; your country has unfailingly stood by Europe and France and the Ukrainian people. And on Saturday morning we were together at a video conference with our friend the British Prime Minister and all the other allies and partners, to talk about this. The aim of this shared commitment to standing with the Ukrainians has always been to bring about solid, lasting peace, i.e. peace with robust guarantees that will protect Ukraine against any further Russian aggression and ensure the security of the whole of Europe.

Canada and France are peaceful powers and reliable allies who will take part in this effort together. It is in this spirit that we’ll carry on our support for Ukraine and continue to demand clear commitments from Russia, and take all necessary initiatives to make progress together with our American, European and [other] international partners. And it’s obviously one of the issues the Prime Minister and I will discuss in a moment.

In the current international context, we also want to be able to develop our most strategic projects with our closest, most loyal partners, because we’re convinced – I believe this goes for both of us – that we are stronger together, better able to ensure that our interests are respected and to exercise our sovereignty to the full. We must be ambitious in the defence and security sectors, but also beyond, in organizing the ecological transition, developing new technology and tightening our links as much as is needed.

We’ve already had initial successes, as proven by the recent announcement that a consortium including French businesses had been chosen for the first stage of the planned high-speed train between Quebec and Toronto, which is symbolic in every sense. Further proof is the very strong turnout by your investors and businesses at the artificial intelligence summit, which shows Canada’s strong presence and the partnership we have together in this area. Our businesses are also talking about mutual investments in the critical-metals sector – essential building-blocks for any energy transition.

I know how much you’re also promoting fresh ambition on nuclear energy, which is the focus of long-standing cooperation between our two countries, and on quantum, where our research centres and businesses have knowledge unique in the world, which is going to be developed as part of a bilateral agreement. And after the recent artificial intelligence summit I mentioned, we’re going to continue making active efforts together, because we’re holding successive G7 presidencies, with challenges which await you in a few weeks’ time and which we’ll continue addressing, as we did from Charlevoix to Biarritz a few years ago.

We’ll also make sure that our friendship is useful in promoting our values and our shared commitments to defending democracies, international solidarity, development, fair trade and protecting the planet. Indeed, I think we both believe that fair trade which respects international rules is a good thing for everyone’s prosperity, and it’s certainly more effective than tariffs, which create inflation and damage production chains and the integration of our economies. We too believe that the freedom of expression so precious to our countries is not the same as an outpouring of hatred, violence, online harassment and opaque algorithms. That’s why your G7 presidency in 2025 should be an opportunity for us to make progress on each of these points and basically uphold together a fair international order, in other words something that is neither the law of the strongest nor isolationism, and that’s why we’re fighting.

The most important part of all this is still our people-to-people ties, which are both close and warm. Prime Minister, French people love Canada. The French language unites us. (…)

In any case, Prime Minister, cher Mark, as you’ve understood, we’re welcoming a friend here, we’re welcoming him very joyfully, creating a lot of ambitions and plans together. And having known you for many years, I also know we’re welcoming here a man who loves his country, is committed to serving its interests, and thinks you can serve your country’s interests by being a good comrade on the international stage and forging effective, respectful partnerships.

That’s the spirit that drives us too. Welcome!./.

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine deal: Europe has learned from the failed 2015 Minsk accords with Putin. Trump has not

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natalya Chernyshova, Senior Lecturer in Modern European History, Queen Mary University of London

Germany’s ex chancellor, Angela Merkel, and France’s former president, François Hollande, were key to brokering the Minsk agreements. Sodel Vladyslav / Shutterstock

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has agreed to pause attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days following a phone call with his American counterpart, Donald Trump. On social media, Trump said the call was “very good and productive” and came “with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a complete ceasefire”.

This optimism is misplaced. The White House did not mention that Putin issued additional conditions for a ceasefire. The Kremlin demands that Ukraine be effectively disarmed, leaving it defenceless against a Russian takeover. Such terms would be unacceptable to Ukraine and its European partners.

At this juncture, Trump and his negotiators would do well to ponder why previous attempts to restrain Russia and secure a lasting peace for Ukraine did not succeed.

This war did not start when shells began to rain on Kyiv in February 2022. Russia had already been waging an undeclared war on its neighbour for nearly eight years in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas, where pro-Russian proxy forces have been stoking up trouble in the border regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.

Attempts to end the fighting there were made in September 2014 and February 2015, when Russia and Ukraine signed ceasefire agreements during negotiations in Minsk, Belarus.

Both sets of Minsk agreements proved to be non-starters. The fighting in the region rumbled on until it culminated in Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The accords stored problems for the future.

Russia-backed separatists have controlled the south-eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk since 2015.
Viacheslav Lopatin / Shutterstock

Minsk-1 and Minsk-2

The first Minsk protocols were signed in 2014 by Russia, Ukraine, separatists from Donbas and representatives from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The agreement provided for an immediate ceasefire monitored by the OSCE, the withdrawal of “foreign mercenaries” from Ukraine and the establishment of a demilitarised buffer zone.

But Moscow also insisted that Kyiv grant temporary “special status” to the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, the two separatist regions in Donbas. Instead of helping Ukraine regain control over its eastern territories, the agreement allowed the Russia-backed rebels to hold local elections and legalised them as a party to the conflict.

The ceasefire collapsed within days of signing. The provisions that sought to demarcate the lines of the conflict and give Ukraine back control over its eastern border were not observed by the rebels, and fighting intensified during the winter.

With the death toll rising, the leaders of France and Germany rushed to broker a fresh round of negotiations in February 2015. The resulting accords, which were known as Minsk-2, also failed to bring peace.

Russia and its proxy militants in Donbas immediately and repeatedly violated its terms. Astonishingly, Minsk-2 did not even mention Russia, despite it signing the protocols. Moscow continued to deny its involvement in eastern Ukraine, while stepping up armed assistance to the rebels.

Kyiv was saddled with peace terms that were impossible to implement unless Ukraine was prepared to throw away its sovereignty. Minsk-2 stipulated that the “special status” of the eastern separatist regions was to become permanent, and that the Ukrainian constitution was to be amended to allow for “decentralisation” of power from Kyiv to the rebel regions.

These regions were to be granted autonomy in financial matters, responsibility for their stretch of the border with Russia, and the right to conclude foreign agreements and hold referenda. To undercut Ukrainian independence further, a neutrality clause inserted into its constitution would effectively bar the country’s entry into Nato.

Understandably, no one in Kyiv rushed to implement these self-destructive terms. In an interview with German magazine Der Spiegel in 2023, Volodymyr Zelensky said that when he became Ukraine’s president in 2019 and examined Minsk-2, he “did not recognise any desire in the agreements to allow Ukraine its independence”.

Russia-backed separatists in Sloviansk, a city in Donetsk Oblast, in 2014.
Fotokon / Shutterstock

Zelensky’s comment points to the fundamental flaw of the Minsk-2 agreement. Its western brokers failed to recognise that Russian war aims were irreconcilable with Ukrainian sovereignty. Moscow’s objective from the start was to use Donbas to destabilise the government in Kyiv and gain control over Ukraine.

Western peacemakers searched for a compromise, but the Kremlin used Minsk-2 to advance its goals. As Duncan Allan of the Chatham House research institute noted in 2020: “Russia sees the Minsk agreements as tools with which to break Ukraine’s sovereignty.” The war in Donbas raged on and, by 2020, had claimed 14,000 lives, with 1.5 million people becoming refugees.

Germany’s ex-chancellor, Angela Merkel, a key broker, subsequently defended the Minsk agreements. She said they bought Kyiv time to arm itself against Russia. It was a costly purchase. Minsk-2 froze the conflict in one locality rather than ended it. And it encouraged Russia, paving the way for a full-scale invasion.

Emphasising Ukrainian sovereignty

The existential differences between Ukraine and Russia that plagued the Minsk agreements remain today. Ukraine has demonstrated its resolve to defend its sovereignty, while Russia’s invasion in 2022 testifies to its determination to squash Ukrainian resolve. The timing of the attack so close to the seventh anniversary of Minsk-2 adds grim emphasis to that point.

This clash of objectives must be addressed head-on in any peace negotiations. The only way to secure lasting peace in Europe is to avoid rewarding the aggressor and punishing its victim.

The Kremlin has already openly declared that it sees Trump-led brokerage as the west’s acknowledgement of Russian strategic superiority. It needs to be disabused of this notion. As argued by Nataliya Bugayova, a fellow at the Institute for the Study of War, the war is not lost yet. Russia is far from invulnerable, and it can be made to accept defeat.

But for any agreement to be effective, there can be no ambiguity or middle ground on the subject of Ukrainian sovereignty. It must be protected and backed by security guarantees.

So far, the Trump administration has shown little understanding of this. But ten years down the line from Minsk-2, Europeans have finally grasped it.

Finland’s president, Aleksander Stubbs, told reporters on March 19 that Ukraine must “absolutely” not lose sovereignty and territory. And, on the day Trump and Putin had their discussion, Germany’s parliament voted for a massive boost in defence spending – another indicator that Europeans are no longer taking Putin on trust.

Natalya Chernyshova received funding from the British Academy during 2020-2022.

– ref. Ukraine deal: Europe has learned from the failed 2015 Minsk accords with Putin. Trump has not – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-deal-europe-has-learned-from-the-failed-2015-minsk-accords-with-putin-trump-has-not-252540

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: European defence spending: three technical reasons for political cooperation

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Francesco Grillo, Academic Fellow, Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University

How much would it really cost the European Union to defend itself against aggression? In the immediate term, that question, of course makes us think of Russia, but we can no longer exclude multiple other possibilities, including the potential need to defend territory – say, Greenland – from a former ally.

How much would it cost to defend Europe if we added in the need to defend the UK, Norway, Turkey or even Canada – and any other Nato country willing to pool resources to fill the void left by US disengagement? Is there an intelligent way to avoid painful trade-offs between this and, say, spending on healthcare or education?

It looks like EU institutions are finally “doing something” (as former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi recently asked them to do). They may even break the taboo of raising common debt in order to increase spending on joint defence procurements.

Yet, it also seems they are about to launch a plan that could change the very nature of the European Union without even tackling the question of its financial feasibility. The answer to how joint defence can be paid for certainly doesn’t come from the plan that the European Commission has unveiled on “rearming Europe”. At the very last line of that statement, a figure of €800 billion is posited, but it is not clear how the sum was calculated and quite a few critical qualifications are missing.

The debate over how much it costs to prevent a war (which is a very different notion from fighting one), has been dominated by what I would call “the fallacy of the percentage of GDP”.

In 2014 (at the time of Russia’s annexation of Crimea), the leaders of Nato countries agreed to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defence (specifying that retirement benefits to veterans should be included). Yet by 2022, the overall ratio for Nato defence spending had, in fact, shrunk from 2.58% of GDP to 2.51% (thanks to the sharp reduction in the percentage of GDP contributed by the US). And, according to the European Defence Agency, the EU is spending around €279 billion, which is 1.6% of its GDP. Most likely, the €800 billion figure that European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen was citing in her communique is simply an estimate of how much it would yield to increase that spending up to 2% of GDP for each of the next ten years.

Politicians sometimes need to make back-of-the-envelope calculations, but I would argue that here it points to a much broader problem. Europe hasn’t yet bothered to try to develop a strategy for how this additional money would be spent. A proper strategy should, in fact, start from three key technical considerations. To which I would add a no-less important political one.

1. Spending smart is better than spending big

Technologies (including AI) are radically changing the equation. The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza demonstrate that cheap drones are now the key to modern warfare – not super expensive F35 strike fighters. Why spend billions designing, building and maintaining 2,500 F35s when a drone the size of a mobile phone can cross enemy lines unnoticed?

In a world in which data is a weapon, and a large-scale attack can be mounted by taking remote control of pagers, what generals call “supremacy” doesn’t necessarily belong to the biggest spender.

Israel’s military budget is one-third that of Saudi Arabia, yet it dominates the Middle East because its perpetual state of conflict forces innovation. Russia spends less than half of the 27 EU member states, but it has much more experience in hacking other countries’ infrastructures. The EU spends as much as China, but China invests more than twice in research and development and is the world’s largest exporter of drones as a result.

2. Spending together is better value

The European parliament estimates that merging the 27 member states’ defence budgets would free up €56 billion (which is a third of what the defence bonds proposed by the Commission would raise).

Yet the trend is to spend more alone than together. According to the European Defence Agency, the bloc has more than doubled its expenditure on new digital technologies; yet the percentage of that going into joint projects between member states fell from 11% before Ukraine’s invasion to 6.5% in 2023.

Joint tech spending in Europe.
Vision, CC BY-ND

3. Homegrown suddenly looks safer

Any common defence would also have to rely on “buying European” as much as possible. The F35 fighter jet is another good example here. Denmark agreed to buy 27 of them (to the tune of around €3 billion) with an idea to station four of them in Greenland. The problem is that, according to the former president of the Munich security conference Wolfgang Ischinger, they cannot even take off if remotely disabled by the US. Again, Europe is not walking the walk. The share of equipment that European nations import from the US has massively increased in the last five years.

A new era for the union

Defence is probably the most important issue when talking about the Europe of the future. It provides a concrete opportunity to fill a technological gap out of the necessity to do so. Spending on defence in the interests of self-protection may have longer-term benefits beyond the military arena. It has been often the case that military research leads to major breakthroughs that can applied in public services. Who knows. Military innovations with drone or AI technology on today’s battlefields could lead to beneficial uses in peace time.

The historic opportunity to transform the way we protect ourselves may even force a radical rethinking of not just the EU treaties but of the nature of the EU. The idea of the “coalition of the willing” may, indeed, push Europe towards an alliance which does not include some of its members (such as Hungary) but does include non-members like the UK, Norway and even Turkey. New arrangements will need to be pragmatically flexible.

Europeans need much more strategy, whereas we now largely have rhetorical announcements with little substance. And we need much more democracy. After all, defence is one of the defining dimensions of the state. Having a common defence policy in Europe could make people feel more like European citizens. But that cannot happen without engaging citizens in an intelligent debate.

Francesco Grillo is affiliated with the think tank Vision.

– ref. European defence spending: three technical reasons for political cooperation – https://theconversation.com/european-defence-spending-three-technical-reasons-for-political-cooperation-252410

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine deal: Europe has learned from the failed 2014 Minsk accords with Putin. Trump has not

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natalya Chernyshova, Senior Lecturer in Modern European History, Queen Mary University of London

Germany’s ex chancellor, Angela Merkel, and France’s former president, François Hollande, were key to brokering the Minsk agreements. Sodel Vladyslav / Shutterstock

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has agreed to pause attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days following a phone call with his American counterpart, Donald Trump. On social media, Trump said the call was “very good and productive” and came “with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a complete ceasefire”.

This optimism is misplaced. The White House did not mention that Putin issued additional conditions for a ceasefire. The Kremlin demands that Ukraine be effectively disarmed, leaving it defenceless against a Russian takeover. Such terms would be unacceptable to Ukraine and its European partners.

At this juncture, Trump and his negotiators would do well to ponder why previous attempts to restrain Russia and secure a lasting peace for Ukraine did not succeed.

This war did not start when shells began to rain on Kyiv in February 2022. Russia had already been waging an undeclared war on its neighbour for nearly eight years in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas, where pro-Russian proxy forces have been stoking up trouble in the border regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.

Attempts to end the fighting there were made in September 2014 and February 2015, when Russia and Ukraine signed ceasefire agreements during negotiations in Minsk, Belarus.

Both sets of Minsk agreements proved to be non-starters. The fighting in the region rumbled on until it culminated in Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The accords stored problems for the future.

Russia-backed separatists have controlled the south-eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk since 2015.
Viacheslav Lopatin / Shutterstock

Minsk-1 and Minsk-2

The first Minsk protocols were signed in 2014 by Russia, Ukraine, separatists from Donbas and representatives from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The agreement provided for an immediate ceasefire monitored by the OSCE, the withdrawal of “foreign mercenaries” from Ukraine and the establishment of a demilitarised buffer zone.

But Moscow also insisted that Kyiv grant temporary “special status” to the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, the two separatist regions in Donbas. Instead of helping Ukraine regain control over its eastern territories, the agreement allowed the Russia-backed rebels to hold local elections and legalised them as a party to the conflict.

The ceasefire collapsed within days of signing. The provisions that sought to demarcate the lines of the conflict and give Ukraine back control over its eastern border were not observed by the rebels, and fighting intensified during the winter.

With the death toll rising, the leaders of France and Germany rushed to broker a fresh round of negotiations in February 2015. The resulting accords, which were known as Minsk-2, also failed to bring peace.

Russia and its proxy militants in Donbas immediately and repeatedly violated its terms. Astonishingly, Minsk-2 did not even mention Russia, despite it signing the protocols. Moscow continued to deny its involvement in eastern Ukraine, while stepping up armed assistance to the rebels.

Kyiv was saddled with peace terms that were impossible to implement unless Ukraine was prepared to throw away its sovereignty. Minsk-2 stipulated that the “special status” of the eastern separatist regions was to become permanent, and that the Ukrainian constitution was to be amended to allow for “decentralisation” of power from Kyiv to the rebel regions.

These regions were to be granted autonomy in financial matters, responsibility for their stretch of the border with Russia, and the right to conclude foreign agreements and hold referenda. To undercut Ukrainian independence further, a neutrality clause inserted into its constitution would effectively bar the country’s entry into Nato.

Understandably, no one in Kyiv rushed to implement these self-destructive terms. In an interview with German magazine Der Spiegel in 2023, Volodymyr Zelensky said that when he became Ukraine’s president in 2019 and examined Minsk-2, he “did not recognise any desire in the agreements to allow Ukraine its independence”.

Russia-backed separatists in Sloviansk, a city in Donetsk Oblast, in 2014.
Fotokon / Shutterstock

Zelensky’s comment points to the fundamental flaw of the Minsk-2 agreement. Its western brokers failed to recognise that Russian war aims were irreconcilable with Ukrainian sovereignty. Moscow’s objective from the start was to use Donbas to destabilise the government in Kyiv and gain control over Ukraine.

Western peacemakers searched for a compromise, but the Kremlin used Minsk-2 to advance its goals. As Duncan Allan of the Chatham House research institute noted in 2020: “Russia sees the Minsk agreements as tools with which to break Ukraine’s sovereignty.” The war in Donbas raged on and, by 2020, had claimed 14,000 lives, with 1.5 million people becoming refugees.

Germany’s ex-chancellor, Angela Merkel, a key broker, subsequently defended the Minsk agreements. She said they bought Kyiv time to arm itself against Russia. It was a costly purchase. Minsk-2 froze the conflict in one locality rather than ended it. And it encouraged Russia, paving the way for a full-scale invasion.

Emphasising Ukrainian sovereignty

The existential differences between Ukraine and Russia that plagued the Minsk agreements remain today. Ukraine has demonstrated its resolve to defend its sovereignty, while Russia’s invasion in 2022 testifies to its determination to squash Ukrainian resolve. The timing of the attack so close to the seventh anniversary of Minsk-2 adds grim emphasis to that point.

This clash of objectives must be addressed head-on in any peace negotiations. The only way to secure lasting peace in Europe is to avoid rewarding the aggressor and punishing its victim.

The Kremlin has already openly declared that it sees Trump-led brokerage as the west’s acknowledgement of Russian strategic superiority. It needs to be disabused of this notion. As argued by Nataliya Bugayova, a fellow at the Institute for the Study of War, the war is not lost yet. Russia is far from invulnerable, and it can be made to accept defeat.

But for any agreement to be effective, there can be no ambiguity or middle ground on the subject of Ukrainian sovereignty. It must be protected and backed by security guarantees.

So far, the Trump administration has shown little understanding of this. But ten years down the line from Minsk-2, Europeans have finally grasped it.

Finland’s president, Aleksander Stubbs, told reporters on March 19 that Ukraine must “absolutely” not lose sovereignty and territory. And, on the day Trump and Putin had their discussion, Germany’s parliament voted for a massive boost in defence spending – another indicator that Europeans are no longer taking Putin on trust.

Natalya Chernyshova received funding from the British Academy during 2020-2022.

– ref. Ukraine deal: Europe has learned from the failed 2014 Minsk accords with Putin. Trump has not – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-deal-europe-has-learned-from-the-failed-2014-minsk-accords-with-putin-trump-has-not-252540

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: A ‘golden age’ of global free trade is over. Smaller alliances can meet the moment

Source: The Conversation – France – By Armin Steinbach, Professor of Law and Economics, HEC Paris Business School

The global trade landscape is shifting, and not in the way free traders had hoped. For decades, the belief that economic openness could foster peace and stability reigned supreme. Trade, it was argued, could transform authoritarian regimes into more peaceful players. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shattered this way of thinking. Rather than mourning the end of a multilateralism based on states’ commitments to jointly agreed trade rules, we should see it as a necessary adjustment to a world where economic security takes precedence over market efficiency, and resilience over cost minimization.

The World Trade Organization (WTO), which has constrained protectionism since its inception in 1995, is no longer the linchpin of global trade it once was. Multilateral trade talks have stagnated, and the WTO’s dispute settlement system is in paralysis. The US, once a champion of rules-based trade, now finds strategic advantage in a world where power dynamics outweigh legal frameworks. Years of negotiations on agriculture and fisheries subsidies have yielded little progress, underscoring the difficulty of reaching consensus among increasingly divergent national interests.

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Consider the Uruguay Round negotiations in the 1990s that led to the establishment of the WTO – a rare moment when 123 countries found common ground on liberalizing trade in goods, services and intellectual property. That success stemmed from a broad agenda that offered enough variety to create win-win scenarios for all. Today, narrow negotiation agendas make compromise far harder to achieve.

Free trade agreements are emerging less frequently: the average number of new trade agreements per year since 2020 is less than half the average of the previous decade. Meanwhile, protectionist measures have proliferated: there were about five times as many in 2023 as in 2015. Regardless of US President Donald Trump’s tariff frenzy, governments are erecting trade barriers and adopting policies that favour domestic industries, driven by the need to secure critical supply chains.

The trend is clear: trade liberalization is no longer the top priority for most countries. Instead, security concerns are reshaping trade policy, echoing the arguments of the 18th-century philosopher Adam Smith. In The Wealth of Nations, Smith argued that national defence is more valuable than economic wealth. (“Defence,” he wrote, “is of much more importance than opulence”). This idea feels particularly relevant today. In a world of geopolitical conflict, trade is often yielding to strategic concerns.

The United Nations, despite its mission to maintain peace, has struggled to prevent conflict. If international law cannot deter aggression, economic policy must step in.

Security-driven trade

For the EU, this translates into using its trade policy instruments, especially vis-à-vis China, on the basis of a careful dependency analysis that identifies strategic commodities and products. As the European Commission sets self-sufficiency benchmarks for green technologies following the bloc’s Net-Zero Industry Act, it errs if it sees the substitution of domestic products for imports as the right way to reduce dependencies. In most cases, reducing import concentration will require diversifying suppliers rather than European self-production.

Security-driven trade requires shifting away from fragile multilateralism toward more selective, regional alliances. These “trade clubs” would align economic interests with shared security priorities. The EU’s strengthening ties with the South American Mercosur states, a group of non-hegemonic countries reliant on open trade, exemplify this approach. Intensifying trade with targeted countries could be the best response to Trump’s tariffs, avoiding the lose-lose outcome of tit-for-tat tariff wars. The goal of autonomy from an unpredictable US offers a good framework for crafting new bilateral relationships.

Another example is the idea of a “climate club”, which policy-makers have discussed for some time. Climate clubs would consist of countries that agree on joint strategies to reduce carbon emissions while fostering energy security and protecting their economies from competitors without adequate carbon pricing.

À lire aussi :
Trump protectionism and tariffs: a threat to globalisation, or to democracy itself?

The challenge is to distinguish between “legitimate” and “illegitimate” security claims. The latter refer to countries’ growing abuse of the national security card to justify trade policies. WTO dispute settlement panels ruled against the “self-judging” character of national security claims, hence subjecting them to legal scrutiny, but this “rule of law” approach has only heightened rejection of the WTO system on the US side. To limit abuse, the EU should seek alignment with the US on issues of common concern, such as responding to industrial overcapacity or preventing technology leaks. A joint approach could avert nationalist unilateralism.

A new focus for the WTO

Some worry this shift away from multilateralism could disadvantage poorer nations, leaving them vulnerable to the whims of powerful ones. However, regional trade alliances can empower smaller states. For example, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gives African nations collective bargaining power they might lack individually. Since its inception with 22 signatories, AfCFTA has grown to include 48 countries, enhancing the continent’s influence in global trade.

Abandoning multilateralism doesn’t mean sidelining the WTO entirely. Instead, the WTO can refocus on smaller, “plurilateral” agreements among like-minded countries. This “coalition of the willing” approach has already proven effective in areas like e-commerce and investment facilitation. The WTO can remain a forum for building consensus, but its future lies in fostering flexible partnerships rather than pursuing grand, all-encompassing trade deals. In a fragmented world, these smaller agreements could yield the most meaningful progress. Nascent but promising plurilateral efforts are under way to tackle fossil fuel subsidies and environmentally sustainable plastics trade.

The golden age of global free trade may be over, but that doesn’t spell disaster. As nations grapple with security challenges, trade policy must evolve to reflect new priorities. Strategic alliances, diversified supply chains and targeted trade agreements will shape the future of global commerce. Rather than lament the decline of multilateralism, we should embrace this shift as a necessary response to a more volatile world. In doing so, we can craft a trade policy that prioritizes resilience and security, safeguarding both economic stability and national interests.

Armin Steinbach ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

– ref. A ‘golden age’ of global free trade is over. Smaller alliances can meet the moment – https://theconversation.com/a-golden-age-of-global-free-trade-is-over-smaller-alliances-can-meet-the-moment-251438

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: X5 Group and HSE Graduate School of Economics Launch Updated Master’s Program

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

X5 Group and the Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics are relaunching a joint master’s program. The name “Retail Management” was changed to “B2C Business Management: Technologies and Innovations”, completely revising the program’s content. Now students will focus on studying customer experience, new technologies and innovations in management – those competencies that are most in demand in modern business.

B2C Business Management: Technologies and Innovations” will be the first specialized master’s program that trains leaders in retail and e-commerce. The training, taking into account all the latest trends, will be built around three main blocks – customer experience, new technologies, organizational and operational innovations. Among the disciplines offered to students: Data Science, Business Analytics, Digital Platforms, Digital Marketing, Customer Experience Management in an Omnichannel Environment.

The program is built on the “experience first” principle. This approach combines academic depth and practical experience: the courses are taught by teachers from the Higher School of Business of the Higher School of Economics, as well as invited teachers-practitioners who hold senior positions in the retail sector. X5 Group top managers actively participate in the program, conducting special courses, lectures, master classes and organizing practice, which allows you to gain knowledge first-hand.

The Master’s program is focused on solving real cases and business problems – during the training, students will master specific methods of working with the consumer sector, omnichannel business and modern retail, develop strategic thinking and leadership skills. Graduates are in demand in leading companies in the field of retail and e-commerce, in the financial services sector and FMCG companies, occupying leadership positions. The program is also suitable for those who run their own business, or have been working in retail for a long time, but want to master innovative approaches and grow in their career.

“Modern retail is speed, adaptability, technology and innovative solutions. Russia has long been not just following trends here, we set them, creating unique digital services and the best customer experience in the world. Young professionals are increasingly choosing retail – last year, the number of employees aged 18 to 24 at X5 increased by 12% and amounted to more than 43 thousand people. Because here there is an opportunity to grow and develop your skills in many areas – from the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to managing complex operational processes and systems. In a joint program with the HSE, we have combined all our experience, expertise and accumulated knowledge. Thus, students can adopt what the most advanced retailers, including, of course, X5 as a leader in this field, have been developing for years in different areas. And we, in turn, are very interested in young specialists, so we invest in their development from the very beginning,” said Vladimir Salakhutdinov, Chairman of the Academic Council of the program, First Deputy General Director of X5 Group.

Starkov Andrey Gennadievich

Academic Director of the Master’s Program, Associate Professor of Practice at the Higher School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics

“We have updated the curriculum structure of the joint Master’s program with X5 Group, placing an emphasis on project-based learning. Consulting projects, group assignments, and internships will help students form an impressive portfolio in two years for successful career development or launching their own project. Modern teaching methods, elective courses, and extracurricular activities will help develop the necessary management competencies and skills. X5 Group’s participation in the program not only guarantees the relevance of the knowledge gained, but also the integration of students into the professional community through guest lectures, excursions, and round tables.”

Reception of documents for applicants to the program in 2025 will be held from June 19 to August 15: this year, 63 places are open for students from Russia and one for students from foreign countries. X5 will provide grants for the best students to study.

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 –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Submariner’s Day

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

On March 19, 1906, by decree of Emperor Nicholas II, a new class of ships was included in the classification of the navy of the Russian Empire – submarines. Previously, for reasons of secrecy, they were considered to be destroyers. Since then, this day has been considered a professional holiday for submariners in Russia. In honor of this, we have prepared cards with interesting facts about military submarines.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/19/2025

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 –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Only 15 countries have met the latest Paris agreement deadline. Is any nation serious about tackling climate change?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Doug Specht, Reader in Cultural Geography and Communication, University of Westminster

Svet Foto/Shutterstock

The latest deadline for countries to submit plans for slashing the greenhouse gas emissions fuelling climate change has passed. Only 15 countries met it – less than 8% of the 194 parties currently signed up to the Paris agreement, which obliges countries to submit new proposals for eliminating emissions every five years.

Known as nationally determined contributions, or NDCs, these plans outline how each country intends to help limit average global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, or at most 2°C. This might include cutting emissions by generating more energy from wind and solar, or adapting to a heating world by restoring wetlands as protection against more severe floods and wildfires.

Each new NDC should outline more stringent emissions cuts than the last. It should also show how each country seeks to mitigate climate change over the following ten years. This system is designed to progressively strengthen (or “ratchet up”) global efforts to combat climate change.

The February 2025 deadline for submitting NDCs was set nine months before the next UN climate change conference, Cop30 in Belém, Brazil.

Without a comprehensive set of NDCs for countries to compare themselves against, there will be less pressure on negotiators to raise national ambitions. Assessing how much money certain countries need to decarbonise and adapt to climate change, and how much is available, will also be more difficult.

While countries can (and some will) continue to submit NDCs, the poor compliance rate so far suggests a lack of urgency that bodes ill for avoiding the worst climate outcomes this century.

Who submitted?

The 15 countries that submitted NDCs on time include the United Arab Emirates, the UK, Switzerland, Ecuador and a number of small states, such as Andorra and the Marshall Islands.

Cop30 host Brazil submitted a pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 59-67% by 2035, compared to 2005 levels. This is up from its previous commitment, a 37% reduction by 2025 and 43% by 2030. Unfortunately, Brazil is not on track to meet its 2025 target and has set a more recent emissions baseline that will make any reductions more modest than they’d otherwise be.

Japan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% in 2035 and 73% in 2040, compared to 2013 levels. Japan’s previous target was for a 46% reduction by 2030. This demonstrates how the ratchet system is supposed to work.

The UK’s NDC, which pledges to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels, was described by independent scientists as “compatible” with limiting global heating to 1.5°C.

The US submitted a plan to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 61-66% below 2005 levels by 2035. However, this was before Donald Trump pulled the US out of the Paris agreement (for the second time), so the commitment of one of the world’s largest polluters is in doubt.

Who didn’t submit?

Some of the world’s largest emitters failed to submit new NDCs, including China, India and Russia.

India pledged to reduce its emissions by 35% below 2005 levels by 2030 at the signing of the Paris agreement. All of the country’s subsequent NDCs have been rated as “insufficient” by independent scientists. India’s recent national budget announcement offered scant additional funding for climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

China also made big promises in 2015 with its aim to lower its CO₂ emissions by 65% by 2030, from a 2005 baseline. However, China has been responsible for over 90% of global CO₂ emissions growth since the Paris agreement was signed. China and the US also suspended formal discussions on climate change in 2022. Increased economic competition between these two nations has resulted in export control restrictions and tariffs which have made green technologies like electric vehicles more expensive, which is certain to slow down the shift from fossil fuels.

Russia joined the Paris agreement in 2019. Its first NDC was labelled “critically insufficient” by scientists, and its follow-up in 2020 did not include increased targets. Russia is maximising the extraction of resources such as oil, gas and minerals and its 2035 strategy for the Arctic included plans to sink several oil wells on the continental shelf.

With the USA’s 2025 NDC in limbo, President Trump is eyeing mineral reserves in Ukraine and Greenland, further ramping up oil production and cutting international climate research funding.

The European Union could have positioned itself as a leader of global climate action, in lieu of US involvement. But the EU, which submits NDCs as a bloc alongside individual country submissions, also failed to submit on time.

Global shifts

The failure of most nations to submit new emission plans suggests that the era of cooperation on climate change is over. The largest and most powerful of these nations are growing their military and diplomatic presence around the world, particularly in countries with large reserves of critical minerals for electric vehicles and other technology relevant to decarbonisation. The lack of NDCs from these nations may be less a matter of middling green ambitions, more an attempt to disguise their planned exploitation of other countries’ resources.

If countries keep failing to submit enhanced NDCs, or even withdraw from their commitments entirely, scientists warn that global heating could reach a catastrophic 4.4°C by 2100. This scenario assumes the continued, unabated use of fossil fuels, with little regard for the climate.

In a more optimistic scenario, countries could limit warming to around 1.8°C by 2100. This will require global cooperation and significant investment in green technology, and entail a transition to net zero emissions by mid-century. This is a process that must include everyone. Simply having the most powerful nations decarbonise by exploiting and hoarding resources will imperil this critical target.

The actual outcome will probably fall somewhere between these two scenarios, depending on forthcoming NDCs and how quickly and thoroughly they are implemented. All of the scenarios envisaged by climate scientists will involve warming continuing for decades.

The effects of this warming will vary, however, based on the path we choose today.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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

– ref. Only 15 countries have met the latest Paris agreement deadline. Is any nation serious about tackling climate change? – https://theconversation.com/only-15-countries-have-met-the-latest-paris-agreement-deadline-is-any-nation-serious-about-tackling-climate-change-250847

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Donald Trump’s nonstop news-making can be exhausting, making it harder for people to scrutinize his presidential actions

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer Mercieca, Professor of Communication and Journalism, Texas A&M University

President Donald Trump calls on reporters during a news conference at the White House on Jan. 30, 2025. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Like many other news organizations, The Associated Press maintains a “live updates” page, which posts the latest from the Trump administration in a ticker tape-like live scroll, with multiple updates per hour, 12 hours a day.

President Donald Trump has kept the ticker busy.

“Trump is moving with light speed and brute force to break the existing order and reshape America at home and abroad,” an Associated Press reporter wrote on Feb. 22, 2025.

Many Americans find the amount and pace of news exhausting, confusing and overwhelming.

“How do you push back against a tidal wave?” political communication expert Dannagal Young wrote of this media phenomenon on Feb. 21. “You can’t.”

I study the relationship between communication and democracy. I teach university classes on propaganda, presidential communication and the dark arts of communication, and I’m the author of an award-winning 2020 book on Trump’s communication strategies.

Deliberately overwhelming people with a flood of news content is a propaganda strategy used by authoritarians like Russian President Vladimir Putin to distort reality and prevent people from clearly evaluating their government’s actions.

President Donald Trump’s official ‘Truth’ account is seen on a mobile phone.
Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Trump communicates more than ‘The Great Communicator’

When Ronald Reagan’s first term as president began in 1981, several prominent political scientists noted in an analysis that a “week scarcely goes by without at least one major news story devoted to coverage of a radio or TV speech, an address to Congress, a speech to a convention, a press conference, a news release, or some other presidential utterance.”

It’s hard to believe that Reagan’s presidential communication only attracted one major news story per week, especially since he is often called “the Great Communicator.”

The 1980s had a slower, pre-digital news environment than that of the current day, to be sure. But Trump is also simply generating a lot more news content than Reagan did.

Today, Trump’s frequent press conferences, news releases, social media posts and other appearances and offhand remarks generate a constant flow of new stories and social media posts each day. The proliferation of cellphones and social media allows many people to follow the news throughout the day. People, in return, expect the president and other politicians to talk to the public constantly and often berate them when they fail to meet that expectation and go silent.

In fact, Trump is generating a lot more media content in his second term than he did in his first.

Trump’s intensified communication strategy

Reagan averaged about 5.8 news conferences per year. Trump averaged 22 per year in his first term, according to data collected by a nonpartisan group at the University of California Santa Barbara called the American Presidency Project. Former President Joe Biden averaged 9.25 per year.

Trump has already had 18 press gaggles or press conferences since taking office in January 2025.

A news analysis conducted by National Journal White House reporter George Condon showed that Trump has already answered more than 1,000 questions from reporters since he returned to office, which is nearly five times more questions than he answered at this point in his first presidency.

Trump has also made a lot of news by issuing almost 90 executive orders, which he has used both as a strategy for exercising executive power over issues like foreign aid and as a strategy for attracting media coverage.

Reagan issued 50 executive orders in his first year in office in 1981. Trump issued 72 executive orders within his first 30 days in 2025. That’s more executive orders than any previous president has issued in their first month over the last 40 years, including himself. He only issued 33 at this point in his first term in 2017.

Trump’s media strategy in his second term appears to intensify the approach he used in his first term. During Trump’s first term, according to The New York Times, “Mr. Trump told top aides to think of each presidential day as an episode in a television show in which he vanquishes rivals.”

As former Trump aide and current host of the show “War Room” Steve Bannon said in 2018, “The real opposition is the media. And the way to deal with them is to flood the zone with shit.”

In 2025, in order to win the day’s news coverage, Trump is flooding the media with an unrelenting tidal wave of news content to dominate and vanquish the zone.

This strategy is evident in the Oval Office executive order signing events. Trump literally makes news by signing a large piece of paper in front of cameras and reporters. These events are carefully staged political theater for media consumption in which Trump casts himself as the nation’s hero protecting it from foreign invasions, diversity programs or paper straws.

Many of Trump’s executive orders are facing legal challenges, and some have been shot down by federal judges. Nonetheless, it is the spectacle of signing the orders that I, as a communications scholar, believe is designed to win the day – they are effective at generating news coverage and making Trump look powerful.

“Trump, as we know from this first month, is the most news-making person to occupy the Oval Office I’ve ever seen,” said New York Times Executive Editor Joe Kahn on Feb. 27.

President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to reporters in front of a red Model S Tesla vehicle outside the White House on March 11, 2025.
Pool Image/Associated Press

A strategy of control

Media scholar Marshall McLuhan famously argued in 1964 that “The medium is the message.” Likewise, with Trump, the communication strategy is the message.

Communication is a tool. It can be used to promote democracy or to erode it. Any politician’s communication strategy reveals, at least in part, how they think about governing, power and democracy. Some political leaders communicate in ways that encourage people to ask questions and use their reason and critical thinking skills to evaluate public policies.

Other political leaders use communication in undemocratic ways to manipulate and coerce, preventing citizens from using their reason and critical thinking skills to evaluate policies.

What does Trump’s tidal wave of news content say about how he thinks about governing, power and democracy?

As a media and governing strategy, I think that creating an unrelenting tidal wave of content is designed to enable Trump to attract and keep the nation’s attention on himself and – in the process, drown out other voices.

This method overwhelms the media and exhausts many Americans who cannot easily absorb so much information at once.

And the tidal wave strategy prevents the public from scrutinizing the president’s actions – because no one can push back against a tidal wave.

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

– ref. Donald Trump’s nonstop news-making can be exhausting, making it harder for people to scrutinize his presidential actions – https://theconversation.com/donald-trumps-nonstop-news-making-can-be-exhausting-making-it-harder-for-people-to-scrutinize-his-presidential-actions-250733

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: GUU continues to penetrate the oil and gas industry: the first step towards a cooperation agreement with TIU

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

On March 19, 2025, a business meeting between the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroev and the rector of the Tyumen Industrial University Yuri Klochkov took place at the State University of Management.

The meeting was also attended by vice-rectors of the State University of Management Maria Karelina and Dmitry Bryukhanov.

The heads of universities discussed the vectors of cooperation in the field of professional training of personnel in the areas of master’s and bachelor’s degrees with the assignment of two qualifications: engineering and economic or managerial.

The creation of a joint MBA program at the request of representatives of the oil and gas industry was also discussed.

In terms of interaction in the field of science, proposals were made to create a joint dissertation council for two scientific specialties.

Rector of TIU Yuri Klochkov familiarized himself with the scientific research and developments of the State University of Management, which were presented by Dmitry Rybakov, a research fellow at the Engineering Project Management Center, and Vladimir Kutkov, a postgraduate student. They also formulated proposals for the use of UAVs in the interests of oil producing enterprises.

Yuri Klochkov invited his colleagues from the State University of Management to visit the Tyumen Industrial University on a return visit to see the achievements of the university he heads and sign a cooperation agreement.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/19/2025

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 –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: School of International Cooperation Opens at HSE

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

© Higher School of Economics

School of International Cooperation created in the structure Faculty of World Economy and World Politics (FMEiMP) Vyshki. The school launches, promotes and implements programs of additional education and professional retraining, corporate education programs and international intensive trainings for working specialists and managers interacting with foreign government officials and businessmen, as well as foreign entrepreneurs, students and scientists.

Dean of the Faculty of World Economy and International Relations Anastasia Likhacheva, opening the presentation, emphasized that the main task of the school is to implement projects in the interests of the country, to promote Russian interests in the international arena. “There is no single formula for what key opens the hearts of partners. We are glad that our faculty is creating a platform that will unite enthusiasts of international cooperation,” said Anastasia Likhacheva.

Senior Director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Andrey Lavrov noted that last year, during the elections of the Academic Council, a formula was developed that reflects the essence of the current HSE: a university for the development of all of Russia, open to the world. He called international cooperation a priority for HSE and the Faculty of World Economy and International Relations. Andrey Lavrov is confident that the opening of the School of International Cooperation will help to realize the most ambitious goals of developing additional professional education at the National Research University Higher School of Economics. “The development of adult education is an area where we can achieve great success. I am very glad that you have become pioneers in the new wave of development of additional professional education at HSE, congratulations,” Andrey Lavrov said, addressing the heads of the faculty.

“It’s nice to be pioneers,” Anastasia Likhacheva responded. She recalled that HSE began its turn to the East many years ago (700 students currently study Chinese at HSE) and expressed hope that the school will contribute to the development of Russian-Chinese cooperation.

Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Russia Zhao Wei read out a greeting from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China Zhang Hanhui, in which he congratulated HSE on the opening of the School of International Cooperation. HSE was described as a leader in the field of innovation development and a university that makes an invaluable contribution to the formation of the international agenda. In her congratulatory letter, the Ambassador emphasized the role of the Academic Director of the Faculty of World Economy and International Relations Sergey Karaganov in strengthening HSE ties with leading universities in China and developing bilateral cooperation.

Zhang Hanhui noted in his congratulatory letter: China and Russia have common positions in solving international problems and forming a fair world order. “I am convinced that the school will become the foundation for training new types of specialists with cross-cultural competence and skills in solving international problems. I hope that the establishment of the school will contribute to deepening Chinese-Russian cooperation in personnel training and strengthening cooperation with the countries of the Global South,” he emphasized.

According to FMEiMP research professor Fyodor Lukyanov, the university and faculty do not move at the mercy of the winds, but strive to create and strengthen these winds themselves. Now, he added, the world is in an amazing state, when what was impossible yesterday is obvious today, and tomorrow will be completely different from what we imagine. The professor noted: international cooperation is necessary in any situation in the world, it should be strengthened and supported. Now it is important to create new connections, while maintaining the old ones. “Support for the implementation of international cooperation projects, learning it throughout life – this is what we need to exist in, this is such an environment,” said Fyodor Lukyanov.

Now, he believes, the quality of expertise is extremely important, since no high-level manager operates in a vacuum, but operates in an environment with a large volume of events and trends, where when making decisions, not only knowledge is important, but also intuition, which develops, among other things, thanks to knowledge.

The head of the School of International Cooperation, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of World Economy and International Relations for Continuing Education Yulia Belous noted: the school offers a wide range of continuing education programs, winter and summer schools for different categories of students.

The training programs are divided into four levels. The first one is “Starting a Career — Key to a Career” — for students and young professionals with 1 to 3 years of work experience. Next comes the “New Facets” stage — training in new skills for professionals with 3 to 5 years of experience, then “Time to Act” — for foreign professionals and those who need to enter a foreign market. And finally, the fourth level is strategic sessions for managers with leading experts in international relations, global economics, orientalists and regional experts who create a vision of the principles of work in eastern markets, the foundation for effective operations and competition with existing players. They are aimed at obtaining practice-oriented knowledge for work in different countries and regions.

Head of the professional retraining program of the Faculty of World Economy and International Relations “Eastern Perspective: Strategy and Tactics for Building a Business» Natalia Guseva noted that the program is aimed at developing an effective strategy for working in the East, understanding the specifics of business and entrepreneurship in these countries, as well as the practice of doing business in India, China, Japan and South Korea. This is a three-week program that involves developing one’s own projects.

A 10-day intensive programme has also already been formed. program for foreign entrepreneurs who want to work in Russia. They will learn about the peculiarities of the Russian financial and tax system, the specifics of business cooperation with Russia, and will gain an understanding of the cultural characteristics and values of Russia and its peoples. This is a program in which leading speakers and experts will speak.

Deputy Executive Director – Director of Strategic Partnerships at Innopraktika Anastasia Pavlenko spoke about the program for transferring competencies in the field of digitalization of public administration to African countries – an important international initiative that is being implemented Center for African Studies HSE University with the support of Innopraktika. She emphasized that Russia is currently one of the world leaders in the field of digitalization of the public sector, and the experience of overcoming sanctions pressure and repelling a large number of cyberattacks seems valuable for friendly countries, with which Russia is ready to exchange knowledge in this area.

Also in her speech, Anastasia Pavlenko mentioned the direction of Innopraktika’s activities to support the entry of private high-tech companies – “national champions” – into the foreign market and the promotion of their solutions in friendly countries. In conclusion, she drew attention to the high potential of international cooperation in the development of education, science and culture.

Deputy Director of the HSE Center for African Studies Polina Slyusarchuk added: the center held a series of workshops with experts and scientists from different African countries. One of the programs is dedicated to food security of countries and regions, within its framework, participants are invited not only to study the problem, but also to propose ways to solve it. The center also created a program of additional professional education on running a practical business on the continent.

Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council Ivan Timofeev noted: the concept of international cooperation is very broad and includes economic, scientific, military-technical and cultural interaction, each of which has its own characteristics. It is important to understand how different aspects of interaction, from chess to sensitive technologies, can be used as a country’s soft power, how to integrate their various elements into foreign policy.

“Your project is not an adventure, it is an initiative based on the ecosystem and human capital of HSE. Your programs will be in great demand,” Ivan Timofeev is confident.

Head of the Center for Educational Solutions and Work with Universities of the TMH Corporate University (TMH Group) Alexander Belyashin congratulated the faculty on the opening of the school. He said that in the modern world, educational partnership is an integral part of international cooperation and the opening of such an institute as the HSE School of International Cooperation is an excellent and timely decision. In turn, TMH JSC has been preparing and developing the company’s engineering potential for several years and this year, together with the Tashkent State Transport University, it created a scientific and educational center in Uzbekistan, on the basis of which it is planned to train design engineers and process engineers in joint master’s programs and additional professional education programs. He noted the high potential of the School of International Cooperation, where not only general problems will be studied, but also specific cases of bilateral and multilateral interaction.

Vice President of the Vyzov Foundation Elena Eremenko spoke about the Vyzov Foundation Prize, the international track “SCIENCE. DIALOGUE. TRUST”, within the framework of which an international assembly, seminars and scientific breakfasts on “scientific diplomacy” are held. Elena Eremenko also emphasized the desire to continue intellectual cooperation with the FMEIP on the “scientific diplomacy” track and in the line of interaction with students.

Roscongress Foundation Supervisory Board Member Dimitrios Velanis recalled that even during the most difficult periods of international relations, for example in the early 1980s, during the period of sanctions imposed on the USSR after the introduction of troops into Afghanistan, businesses, including those from Western countries, found opportunities to work in the Soviet Union.

Head of Corporate Programs for Universities at SberUniversity Natalia Konshina spoke about the case of training advanced engineering schools of Russian universities. Together with the head of the School of International Cooperation, they presented possible areas of cooperation on the international track – risks and barriers in international scientific and technical cooperation.

Anna Bessmertnaya, Chairperson of the Commission on Foreign Economic Cooperation with Partners from China of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spoke about trends in training personnel for Russian-Chinese cooperation and the “Start Your Business with Moscow” project for young specialists.

The presentation of the School of International Cooperation was also attended by the head of the program “International cooperation in the context of global reassembly» HSE University, Deputy Head of the Department of International Relations of the Faculty of World Economy and World Politics of HSE University Dmitry Novikov. He spoke about the relevance and features of the program, its advantages.

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 –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Reaffirms Support for Ukraine, Emphasizes Ceasefire and Accountability Amid Ongoing Conflict: UK Statement to the OSCE
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

UK Reaffirms Support for Ukraine, Emphasizes Ceasefire and Accountability Amid Ongoing Conflict: UK Statement to the OSCE

UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says Ukraine’s long-term security depends on a multifaceted approach of immediate ceasefire efforts, robust security arrangements, and economic and humanitarian support.
Thank you, Mr Chair. As we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, we continue to emphasise the importance of its freedom, sovereignty, and independence. These principles are critical to securing Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security and are paramount to ensuring stability and peace in the region.

Recent efforts to achieve a ceasefire have rightly dominated the strategic narrative. The meeting on March 11 between the USA and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was promising. We applaud Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, which is an essential step towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations. A ceasefire is not only a cessation of hostilities but also a foundation for rebuilding trust and fostering long-term stability.

Although we don’t have the full details from the dialogue between the USA and Russia yesterday, we understand that Putin has repeated his ‘Yes but No’ approach to a ceasefire, expressing concerns regarding the monitoring of the line of conflict and Ukraine’s ability to mobilise and re-arm in the interim. Russia’s demand for the complete cessation of provision of foreign military aid and intelligence to Kyiv is likely to prevent rapid progress. We repeat that any ceasefire must be respected, and that robust and credible security arrangements are necessary to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression.

The UK welcomes the proposed agreement on a cessation of kinetic strikes on energy infrastructure, but again, we call on Russia to fully reciprocate by explicitly agreeing to a ceasefire in all areas and implementing it completely. Should Russia fail to agree to such a ceasefire, we remain prepared to impose further costs, including additional sanctions, caps on oil prices, and increased support for Ukraine. The use of extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets will also be considered.

The devastating impact of the war continues. Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are deeply alarming. The destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure has caused immense suffering and displacement. A Russian attack on Pokrovsk on March 17 severely injured three children. A Russian drone attack on a hospital in Kharkiv Oblast caused a 1500 square yard building fire, and the subsequent assault targeted rescue workers. On March 8, a coordinated strike on apartment buildings in Dobropillia killed 11 people and injured 30. We must emphasise the importance of accountability for these actions and reaffirm our commitment again to work together to achieve a durable peace.

In conclusion, Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security depend on a multifaceted approach that includes immediate ceasefire efforts, robust security arrangements, economic and humanitarian support, and accountability for actions taken during the conflict. By standing together with Ukraine, we can achieve a durable peace and ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong and prosperous. The path to peace and prosperity is challenging, but it is achievable. Thank you, Mr Chair.

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