Source: China State Council Information Office 3
A Mi-28 helicopter crashed Tuesday during a planned training flight over Russia’s Leningrad region, killing the crew onboard, local media reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.
The helicopter, which was not carrying ammunition, crashed in an uninhabited area, the defense ministry was quoted as saying. The cause of the crash was not specified.
Search and rescue teams are currently working at the scene, according to the ministry.
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University
Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a proposal by United States President Donald Trump for Russia and Ukraine to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure for 30 days, according to statements by both the White House and the Kremlin.
Yet within hours of a Trump-Putin phone call about a U.S. ceasefire proposal, Russia was reportedly attacking Ukrainian energy facilities again, leading Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accuse Putin of effectively rejecting the terms.
The deal falls short of an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by U.S. and Ukrainian officials earlier this month.
In fact, Trump’s latest phone call with Putin seemingly didn’t amount to any substantive changes, except for an apparently short-lived Russian agreement to refrain from targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure — a concession that might actually benefit Russia.
The winter, when Ukraine is most vulnerable to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, is almost done. Russia’s dependence on energy exports to support its war effort, however, remains constant, and any Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities will be framed as a breach by Russian authorities.
Russia exploiting Trump’s desire for peace at any cost will probably be an ongoing trend.
Given the earlier proposal was highly vague, this leads to one conclusion. Russia is playing for time to maximize its negotiating position.
The U.S. is playing an important role in peace negotiations. Under former president Joe Biden, this was due to the fact that the U.S. provided Ukraine with arms and moral support.
Like most aspects of American policy, however, Trump dramatically pivoted, even attacking Zelenskyy in an infamous White House meeting in February. Now Trump is seeking a ceasefire, no matter what form it takes, to build a reputation as a statesman and distract Americans from domestic policy issues.
Read more:
What the U.S. ceasefire proposal means for Ukraine, Russia, Europe – and Donald Trump
This development places Zelenskyy in a political bind. The U.S. in the past provided most of the military aid to Ukraine and the relationship between the Ukrainian leader and Trump is acrimonious.
As such, even if Zelenskyy doesn’t agree with American ceasefire proposals, he must give the appearance of agreement or risk permanently alienating the mercurial Trump. Putin, in the meantime, will exploit any Ukrainian-American tensions.
The first year of the current phase of the Ukraine-Russia war was marked by mobility as both Russia and Ukraine made considerable advances and counteroffensives.
Since the start of 2023, however, the conflict is increasingly defined as a war of attrition and a stalemate.
Many analysts argue that such a war favours Russia. Wars of attrition are defined by slow, grinding advances whereby large casualties are a necessary byproduct for success. Given Russia’s material and personnel advantages, it can afford to suffer higher casualties.
For the past several months, Russian forces have been making slow, steady advances against Ukrainian positions. Russia has suffered significant casualties in these advances, and they may not be sustainable over the long term.
Putin is gambling that Ukraine’s and the international community’s will to fight will be broken by the time this is an issue. Trump’s push for a ceasefire at any cost suggests Putin may have a point.
Any immediate ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine would leave Ukraine occupying Russian soil in the Kursk region, which Russia cannot accept.
Ukraine’s 2024 incursion into the Kursk region provided the country and its people with a necessary respite from the war of attrition. Ukrainian forces, attacking an under-defended and unprepared part of the Russian front line, made significant advances into Russia.
Ukraine’s ability to maintain territory around Kursk has also proven to be an embarrassment for Putin and the Russian establishment.
Putin recently said Russian forces encircled Ukrainian forces in the salient, although Ukraine denies it. Regardless of the statement’s validity, it speaks to the importance both parties attach to the battle.
This issue highlights a particular problem for the Russian leadership. Russia has done its utmost to frame its so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine as a success. An example is Russia’s formal annexation of four Ukrainian areas in 2022, despite not actually possessing the territory at the time.
Any perception of the invasion of Ukraine as a failure is a non-starter for a Russian government concerned about its domestic standing.
Ukraine possessing Russian territory, however, leads to questions in Russia about the war’s success. Ukraine, in exchange for relinquishing any Russian territory it seized during the war, would undoubtedly seek the return of Ukrainian territory.
Russia has not even achieved its minimal goals of seizing the four Ukrainian regions it’s officially annexed. Therefore, it’s unlikely Putin would ever agree to the exchange of the territory it has actually already seized in exchange for the Kursk salient.
Putin is following the Russian playbook of negotiating from strength. So long as Ukraine maintains Kursk, Russia will not negotiate in good faith.
While Kursk is the most prominent area of Russia concern, there are other conditions that will become important in the future as Putin seeks to improve Russia’s negotiating position.
It’s a lesson that Trump will soon learn, despite any and all efforts he or his administration make to frame things positively.
James Horncastle 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. Trump-Putin ceasefire conversation shows no initial signs of bringing peace to Ukraine – https://theconversation.com/trump-putin-ceasefire-conversation-shows-no-initial-signs-of-bringing-peace-to-ukraine-252368
Source: China State Council Information Office
U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed in a phone call on Tuesday that the peace in Ukraine “will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire.”
Meanwhile, they agreed to “immediately” launch technical negotiations on the implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, as well as on the full ceasefire and permanent peace in Ukraine, the White House said in a statement.
“These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East,” said the statement, noting the two leaders agreed that the three-year Ukraine conflict needs to end with a lasting peace.
The two leaders stressed the need for improved U.S.-Russia relations, said the statement. Further details are not immediately available, but U.S. media outlets, citing Russian sources, said they spoke in favor of normalizing relations between the two countries.
It is not immediately clear the response of Ukraine to the limited and phrased ceasefire plan. Kiev has said it is ready to accept the 30-day truce proposed by Trump.
Ahead of the phone talk, Trump said, “Many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains.”
The mess over Ukraine “will almost certainly not be resolved in a phone call, if at all,” an analyst with the Fox News said.
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University
Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a proposal by United States President Donald Trump for Russia and Ukraine to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure for 30 days, according to statements by both the White House and the Kremlin.
Yet within hours of a Trump-Putin phone call about a U.S. ceasefire proposal, Russia was reportedly attacking Ukrainian energy facilities again, leading Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accuse Putin of effectively rejecting the terms.
The deal falls short of an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by U.S. and Ukrainian officials earlier this month.
In fact, Trump’s latest phone call with Putin seemingly didn’t amount to any substantive changes, except for an apparently short-lived Russian agreement to refrain from targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure — a concession that might actually benefit Russia.
The winter, when Ukraine is most vulnerable to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, is almost done. Russia’s dependence on energy exports to support its war effort, however, remains constant, and any Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities will be framed as a breach by Russian authorities.
Russia exploiting Trump’s desire for peace at any cost will probably be an ongoing trend.
Given the earlier proposal was highly vague, this leads to one conclusion. Russia is playing for time to maximize its negotiating position.
The U.S. is playing an important role in peace negotiations. Under former president Joe Biden, this was due to the fact that the U.S. provided Ukraine with arms and moral support.
Like most aspects of American policy, however, Trump dramatically pivoted, even attacking Zelenskyy in an infamous White House meeting in February. Now Trump is seeking a ceasefire, no matter what form it takes, to build a reputation as a statesman and distract Americans from domestic policy issues.
Read more:
What the U.S. ceasefire proposal means for Ukraine, Russia, Europe – and Donald Trump
This development places Zelenskyy in a political bind. The U.S. in the past provided most of the military aid to Ukraine and the relationship between the Ukrainian leader and Trump is acrimonious.
As such, even if Zelenskyy doesn’t agree with American ceasefire proposals, he must give the appearance of agreement or risk permanently alienating the mercurial Trump. Putin, in the meantime, will exploit any Ukrainian-American tensions.
The first year of the current phase of the Ukraine-Russia war was marked by mobility as both Russia and Ukraine made considerable advances and counteroffensives.
Since the start of 2023, however, the conflict is increasingly defined as a war of attrition and a stalemate.
Many analysts argue that such a war favours Russia. Wars of attrition are defined by slow, grinding advances whereby large casualties are a necessary byproduct for success. Given Russia’s material and personnel advantages, it can afford to suffer higher casualties.
For the past several months, Russian forces have been making slow, steady advances against Ukrainian positions. Russia has suffered significant casualties in these advances, and they may not be sustainable over the long term.
Putin is gambling that Ukraine’s and the international community’s will to fight will be broken by the time this is an issue. Trump’s push for a ceasefire at any cost suggests Putin may have a point.
Any immediate ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine would leave Ukraine occupying Russian soil in the Kursk region, which Russia cannot accept.
Ukraine’s 2024 incursion into the Kursk region provided the country and its people with a necessary respite from the war of attrition. Ukrainian forces, attacking an under-defended and unprepared part of the Russian front line, made significant advances into Russia.
Ukraine’s ability to maintain territory around Kursk has also proven to be an embarrassment for Putin and the Russian establishment.
Putin recently said Russian forces encircled Ukrainian forces in the salient, although Ukraine denies it. Regardless of the statement’s validity, it speaks to the importance both parties attach to the battle.
This issue highlights a particular problem for the Russian leadership. Russia has done its utmost to frame its so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine as a success. An example is Russia’s formal annexation of four Ukrainian areas in 2022, despite not actually possessing the territory at the time.
Any perception of the invasion of Ukraine as a failure is a non-starter for a Russian government concerned about its domestic standing.
Ukraine possessing Russian territory, however, leads to questions in Russia about the war’s success. Ukraine, in exchange for relinquishing any Russian territory it seized during the war, would undoubtedly seek the return of Ukrainian territory.
Russia has not even achieved its minimal goals of seizing the four Ukrainian regions it’s officially annexed. Therefore, it’s unlikely Putin would ever agree to the exchange of the territory it has actually already seized in exchange for the Kursk salient.
Putin is following the Russian playbook of negotiating from strength. So long as Ukraine maintains Kursk, Russia will not negotiate in good faith.
While Kursk is the most prominent area of Russia concern, there are other conditions that will become important in the future as Putin seeks to improve Russia’s negotiating position.
It’s a lesson that Trump will soon learn, despite any and all efforts he or his administration make to frame things positively.
James Horncastle 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. Trump-Putin ceasefire conversation shows no initial signs of ending the war in Ukraine – https://theconversation.com/trump-putin-ceasefire-conversation-shows-no-initial-signs-of-ending-the-war-in-ukraine-252368
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University
Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a proposal by United States President Donald Trump for Russia and Ukraine to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure for 30 days, according to statements by both the White House and the Kremlin.
Yet within hours of a Trump-Putin phone call about the U.S. ceasefire proposal, Russia was reportedly attacking Ukrainian energy facilities again, leading Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accuse Putin of effectively rejecting the terms.
The deal falls short of an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by U.S. and Ukrainian officials earlier this month.
In fact, Trump’s latest phone call with Putin seemingly didn’t amount to any substantive changes, except for Russia’s agreement to refrain from targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure — a concession that might actually benefit Russia.
The winter, when Ukraine is most vulnerable to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, is almost done. Russia’s dependence on energy exports to support its war effort, however, remains constant, and any Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities will be framed as a breach by Russian authorities.
Russia exploiting Trump’s desire for peace at any cost will probably be an ongoing trend.
Given the earlier proposal was highly vague, this leads to one conclusion. Russia is playing for time to maximize its negotiating position.
The U.S. is playing an important role in peace negotiations. Under former president Joe Biden, this was due to the fact that the U.S. provided Ukraine with arms and moral support.
Like most aspects of American policy, however, Trump dramatically pivoted, even attacking Zelenskyy in an infamous White House meeting in February. Now Trump is seeking a ceasefire, no matter what form it takes, to build a reputation as a statesman and distract Americans from domestic policy issues.
Read more:
What the U.S. ceasefire proposal means for Ukraine, Russia, Europe – and Donald Trump
This development places Zelenskyy in a political bind. The U.S. in the past provided most of the military aid to Ukraine and the relationship between the Ukrainian leader and Trump is acrimonious.
As such, even if Zelenskyy doesn’t agree with American ceasefire proposals, he must give the appearance of agreement or risk permanently alienating the mercurial Trump. Putin, in the meantime, will exploit any Ukrainian-American tensions.
The first year of the current phase of the Ukraine-Russia war was marked by mobility as both Russia and Ukraine made considerable advances and counteroffensives.
Since the start of 2023, however, the conflict is increasingly defined as a war of attrition and a stalemate.
Many analysts argue that such a war favours Russia. Wars of attrition are defined by slow, grinding advances whereby large casualties are a necessary byproduct for success. Given Russia’s material and personnel advantages, it can afford to suffer higher casualties.
For the past several months, Russian forces have been making slow, steady advances against Ukrainian positions. Russia has suffered significant casualties in these advances, and they may not be sustainable over the long term.
Putin is gambling that Ukraine’s and the international community’s will to fight will be broken by the time this is an issue. Trump’s push for a ceasefire at any cost suggests Putin may have a point.
Any immediate ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine would leave Ukraine occupying Russian soil in the Kursk region, which Russia cannot accept.
Ukraine’s 2024 incursion into the Kursk region provided the country and its people with a necessary respite from the war of attrition. Ukrainian forces, attacking an under-defended and unprepared part of the Russian front line, made significant advances into Russia.
Ukraine’s ability to maintain territory around Kursk has also proven to be an embarrassment for Putin and the Russian establishment.
Putin recently said Russian forces encircled Ukrainian forces in the salient, although Ukraine denies it. Regardless of the statement’s validity, it speaks to the importance both parties attach to the battle.
This issue highlights a particular problem for the Russian leadership. Russia has done its utmost to frame its so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine as a success. An example is Russia’s formal annexation of four Ukrainian areas in 2022, despite not actually possessing the territory at the time.
Any perception of the invasion of Ukraine as a failure is a non-starter for a Russian government concerned about its domestic standing.
Ukraine possessing Russian territory, however, leads to questions in Russia about the war’s success. Ukraine, in exchange for relinquishing any Russian territory it seized during the war, would undoubtedly seek the return of Ukrainian territory.
Russia has not even achieved its minimal goals of seizing the four Ukrainian regions it’s officially annexed. Therefore, it’s unlikely Putin would ever agree to the exchange of the territory it has actually already seized in exchange for the Kursk salient.
Putin is following the Russian playbook of negotiating from strength. So long as Ukraine maintains Kursk, Russia will not negotiate in good faith.
While Kursk is the most prominent area of Russia concern, there are other conditions that will become important in the future as Putin seeks to improve Russia’s negotiating position.
It’s a lesson that Trump will soon learn, despite any and all efforts he or his administration make to frame things positively.
James Horncastle 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. Putin makes self-serving concession to Ukraine as Trump tries unsuccessfully to become a statesman – https://theconversation.com/putin-makes-self-serving-concession-to-ukraine-as-trump-tries-unsuccessfully-to-become-a-statesman-252368
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to President Zelenskyy.
The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy this evening. They discussed progress President Trump had made towards a ceasefire in talks with Russia.
President Zelenskyy updated on the situation on the frontline and the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s unwavering support.
Published 18 March 2025
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
As Israel resumes airstrikes over Gaza and blocks entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip, the modest gains made during the ceasefire are being destroyed, Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the Security Council today.
“Overnight, our worst fears materialized,” he added, noting unconfirmed reports of hundreds of people killed on 17 March. Recalling his recent visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel in February, he said that — despite the devastation he saw — “my trip coincided with some of Gaza’s better days” because a ceasefire was in place and humanitarians were delivering hundreds of trucks every day. “Not anymore,” he reported.
Since 2 March, Israeli authorities have halted the entry of all lifesaving supplies, including food, medicine, fuel and cooking gas, for 2.1 million people. Repeated requests to collect aid sitting at the Karem Shalom border crossing have also been systematically rejected, no further hostages have been released and Israel has cut power to southern Gaza’s desalination plant, limiting access to clean water for 600,000 people.
Further, international staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are no longer able to rotate into and out of Gaza due to recent Knesset legislation. He also highlighted new registration rules for international non-governmental organizations, as well as a law under consideration to impose high taxes on donations from third States to Israeli humanitarian and human-rights groups.
Also pointing to the urgent crisis in the West Bank, he said that 95 Palestinians have been killed, including 17 children, since the start of 2025. Additionally, Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank have displaced 40,000 Palestinians, while hundreds of Israeli settlers have launched large-scale attacks on Palestinian villages. Outlining three urgent asks, he called on the Council to enable the entry of humanitarian aid and commercial essentials into Gaza, renew the ceasefire and fund the humanitarian response.
The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, noting that this meeting was initially called to discuss Gaza’s humanitarian situation, added: “Now we gather here after a series of deadly Israeli attacks that killed, last night alone, hundreds of Palestinians.” Bombardment, death, devastation, fire and fear are yet again spreading throughout Gaza, he said.
“Ceasefire works — it is the only thing that does,” he stressed, stating that it stopped the bloodshed, allowed the release of hostages and prisoners and enabled the delivery of humanitarian aid. Unilateral, self-serving and irresponsible decisions cannot be used as excuses for breaking it. “While the Trump Administration has prioritized the release of hostages, it is evident that [Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin] Netanyahu’s concern for his political survival far outweighs his concern for the survival of the hostages,” he added.
The Arab Summit endorsed a clear vision and a solid plan for a different trajectory for Gaza and Palestine — “these efforts should be supported, not compromised and sabotaged”, he urged. The international community must also support the Palestinian Government’s assumption of its responsibilities throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the deployment of a UN-mandated mission throughout the Territory, a permanent ceasefire and the two-State solution. “This is a historical moment, where everyone must choose where they stand and what vision they want to see prevail,” he said.
However, Israel’s representative stressed that “the return to fighting is a necessity”, reaffirming his country’s commitment to bring home its hostages and defeat Hamas. Hamas has refused to release hostages and has repeatedly rejected all offers by the United States and mediating countries — even during Ramadan — he said, spotlighting the Israel Defense Forces’ precise attacks on Hamas targets.
For months, Israel took unprecedented steps to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza, he asserted, adding that these efforts are “not speculation, not political rhetoric”; they are “documented, verifiable and confirmed by the organizations distributing and supplying the aid”. The hostages still held in brutal captivity by Hamas should be paramount for those truly concerned about humanitarian crises, he said, adding: “Any discussion of humanitarian suffering that does not begin with the hostage release is not an honest discussion.”
“The slander that the people of Gaza are currently starving is quite simply untrue,” he continued, stating that “claims that electricity cut-off has plunged Gaza into humanitarian collapse are greatly exaggerated”. Rather, any suffering in Gaza is due to Hamas’ hijacking of aid for its violent ends. Pointing to certain Council members’ efforts to malign Israel, he stressed: “If this Council wishes to address suffering, then it must demand the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.”
Along similar lines, the representative of United States emphasized that the blame for resumed hostilities lies solely with Hamas, which has steadfastly refused “every proposal and deadline they’ve been presented”. Hamas prefers to hold hostages captive and hide amongst the people of Gaza, she said, dismissing the allegation of indiscriminate attacks by the Israel Defense Forces. Underlining the need to tackle Iran’s “malign influence and State sponsorship of terror”, she said that Middle Eastern countries have an “historic opportunity to reshape their region”.
Echoing that, Panama’s delegate said that the suffering in Gaza is the direct consequence of Hamas’ extremist actions, “which unleashed this tragic spiral of violence”. He, too, condemned Hamas’ current refusal to meet the commitments agreed upon and release additional hostages.
France’s representative highlighted the international conference to be held in June, chaired by his country and Saudi Arabia, on the implementation of the two-State solution. The reconstruction plan for Gaza put forward by the Arab League must exclude Hamas from Gaza’s governance, he said. “The terrorist attacks committed by Hamas and other terrorist groups on 7 October 2023 constitute the worst anti-Semitic massacre since the Shoah”, and he therefore reaffirmed France’s solidarity with the Israeli people.
Algerians understand the cruelty of occupation “because we endured it for over 130 years”, that country’s delegate recalled. “This deliberate blockade, timed to coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, is a calculated effort to break the resilience of the Palestinian people,” he stressed. Further, he observed that “the Israeli occupying Power is using water — yes, water — as a weapon of war.” Once again, Palestinian blood has become a tool for the calculations of Israeli politicians, and he called on mediator countries to ensure compliance with the ceasefire.
Blocking trucks, cutting off electricity, mistreating non-governmental organizations, preventing Muslims from accessing the Aqsa Mosque compound — “these are all tactics of the oppressor”, stated Pakistan’s representative. The manner in which the Council and the international community respond to such atrocities will have a lasting impact on the nature of the world order. He also pointed out that international humanitarian law prohibits targeting military targets in civilian facilities.
The Republic of Korea’s representative said that Hamas’ refusal to carry out its obligations does not justify blocking humanitarian aid or using it as a bargaining chip. He cited Under-Secretary-General Fletcher’s remarks during a 12 March press briefing: “I said to my colleague: Why are the dogs so fat? And he said: Because the dogs are looking for corpses.” Israel must immediately cease its offensive, he stressed, urging all parties to return to the negotiating table.
The representative of Denmark, Council President for March, spoke in her national capacity to spotlight Israel’s obligation, as the occupying Power, to ensure that the civilian population does not lack food or other basic needs, including water. Sierra Leone’s delegate also noted that Israel, as the occupying Power, has obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law.
They, along with the representatives of the United Kingdom and China, were among the many speakers who underscored the need for an immediate ceasefire. Somalia’s speaker, expressing concern that Israeli strikes in Gaza were taking place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, also said that worshipers at the Aqsa Mosque compound must be able to freely and safely perform their religious rituals. The Russian Federation’s delegate warned against delays, noting that many have died because of the Council’s earlier inability to decide on a ceasefire.
Several speakers condemned Israel’s decision to halt humanitarian aid into Gaza. “This decision is illegal,” emphasized Guyana’s representative, who also highlighted the impact on women — many have died from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth because of the restrictions. She also noted the 13 March report of the independent international commission of inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which points to Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence since 7 October 2023.
Slovenia’s representative, noting that it is roughly one year since the International Court of Justice issued provisional measures relating to humanitarian aid, famine and starvation in the case brought forward by South Africa, said that it is unacceptable that “our conversations are still the same”.
Greece’s delegate added that UNRWA’s role is indispensable with millions in urgent need of primary health services, education and shelter. “War has not left the next generation in Gaza untouched,” he said, noting that thousands of children died, were injured or separated from their families and internally displaced. The unhindered and continuous flow of aid into all parts of Gaza should remain a priority, and he also voiced support for the Arab plan put forth by Egypt.
Also speaking today was the Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States, who urged implementation of the first phase of that plan, adopted during an Arab League meeting in Cairo and later endorsed by a ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He also urged the Council to activate international oversight mechanisms to guarantee the safe and sustainable delivery of aid and ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a proposal by United States President Donald Trump for Russia and Ukraine to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure for 30 days, according to statements by both the White House and the Kremlin.
The deal, however, falls short of an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by U.S. and Ukrainian officials earlier this month.
Russia’s response to the initial U.S. ceasefire proposal has been predictable. Putin has argued that considerable changes need to be made to the original proposal, though he didn’t outright reject it.
Given the earlier proposal is highly vague, this leads to one conclusion. Russia is playing for time to maximize its negotiating position.
Trump’s latest phone call with Putin seemingly didn’t amount to any substantive changes, except for Russia’s agreement to refrain from targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure — a concession that might actually benefit Russia.
The winter, when Ukraine is most vulnerable to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, is almost done. Russia’s dependence on energy exports to support its war effort, however, remains constant, and any Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities will be framed as a breach by Russian authorities.
Russia exploiting Trump’s desire for peace at any cost will probably be an ongoing trend.
The U.S. is playing an important role in peace negotiations. Under former president Joe Biden, this was due to the fact that the U.S. provided Ukraine with arms and moral support.
Like most aspects of American policy, however, Trump dramatically pivoted, even attacking Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an infamous White House meeting in February. Now Trump is seeking a ceasefire, no matter what form it takes, to build a reputation as a statesman and distract Americans from domestic policy issues.
Read more:
What the U.S. ceasefire proposal means for Ukraine, Russia, Europe – and Donald Trump
This development places Zelenskyy in a political bind. The U.S. in the past provided most of the military aid to Ukraine and the relationship between the Ukrainian leader and Trump is acrimonious.
As such, even if Zelenskyy doesn’t agree with American ceasefire proposals, he must give the appearance of agreement or risk permanently alienating the mercurial Trump. Putin, in the meantime, will exploit any Ukrainian-American tensions.
The first year of the current phase of the Ukraine-Russia war was marked by mobility as both Russia and Ukraine made considerable advances and counteroffensives.
Since the start of 2023, however, the conflict is increasingly defined as a war of attrition and a stalemate.
Many analysts argue that such a war favours Russia. Wars of attrition are defined by slow, grinding advances whereby large casualties are a necessary byproduct for success. Given Russia’s material and personnel advantages, it can afford to suffer higher casualties.
For the past several months, Russian forces have been making slow, steady advances against Ukrainian positions. Russia has suffered significant casualties in these advances, and they may not be sustainable over the long term.
Putin is gambling that Ukraine’s and the international community’s will to fight will be broken by the time this is an issue. Trump’s push for a ceasefire at any cost suggests Putin may have a point.
Any immediate ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine would leave Ukraine occupying Russian soil in the Kursk region, which Russia cannot accept.
Ukraine’s 2024 incursion into the Kursk region provided the country and its people with a necessary respite from the war of attrition. Ukrainian forces, attacking an under-defended and unprepared part of the Russian front line, made significant advances into Russia.
Ukraine’s ability to maintain territory around Kursk has also proven to be an embarrassment for Putin and the Russian establishment.
Putin recently said Russian forces encircled Ukrainian forces in the salient, although Ukraine denies it. Regardless of the statement’s validity, it speaks to the importance both parties attach to the battle.
This issue highlights a particular problem for the Russian leadership. Russia has done its utmost to frame its so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine as a success. An example is Russia’s formal annexation of four Ukrainian areas in 2022, despite not actually possessing the territory at the time.
Any perception of the invasion of Ukraine as a failure is a non-starter for a Russian government concerned about its domestic standing.
Ukraine possessing Russian territory, however, leads to questions in Russia about the war’s success. Ukraine, in exchange for relinquishing any Russian territory it seized during the war, would undoubtedly seek the return of Ukrainian territory.
Russia has not even achieved its minimal goals of seizing the four Ukrainian regions it’s officially annexed. Therefore, it’s unlikely Putin would ever agree to the exchange of the territory it has actually already seized in exchange for the Kursk salient.
Putin is following the Russian playbook of negotiating from strength. So long as Ukraine maintains Kursk, Russia will not negotiate in good faith.
While Kursk is the most prominent area of Russia concern, there are other conditions that will become important in the future as Putin seeks to improve Russia’s negotiating position.
It’s a lesson that Trump will soon learn, despite any and all efforts he or his administration make to frame things positively.
James Horncastle 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. Putin makes paltry concession to Ukraine in Trump’s self-aggrandizing ceasefire effort – https://theconversation.com/putin-makes-paltry-concession-to-ukraine-in-trumps-self-aggrandizing-ceasefire-effort-252368
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-000981/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Beata Szydło (ECR)
In the Versailles Declaration, the Member States committed to ending their dependence on Russian energy imports as soon as possible. A target has been set under the REPowerEU plan to end such imports by 2027. President von der Leyen promised to publish a plan for the phase-out of Russian energy resources within 100 days, but the publication, scheduled for February 2025, was delayed until March, and on 4 March 2025 it disappeared from the Commission’s agenda. All indications are that this decision was reached without proper inter-service consultation, and even without the participation of DG ENER management.
Submitted: 6.3.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000793/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Daniel Buda (PPE)
At the end of January, the EU imposed tariffs on nitrogen-based fertilisers from Russia to provide impetus and support to European producers. However, in the absence of Russian fertilisers, supply has decreased and prices are continuing to rise: urea has reached the EUR 525/tonne mark, and other products are following the same trend. Farmers are having to swallow these price rises and the outlook remains bleak.
Last year, the EU imported fertilisers to the value of EUR 2.12 billion from Russia. The Commission has promised to take stepwise action between now and 2026, but farmers need alternative solutions now.
Moreover, following the imposition of these tariffs, it is not clear how farmers will be able to access fertilisers in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices to continue producing and ensuring food security.
Submitted: 20.2.2025
Source: Green Party
The Green Party is calling on Government MPs to support Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence and illegal actions in Palestine, following another day of appalling violence against civilians in Gaza.
“Aotearoa New Zealand cannot remain a bystander to the slaughter of innocent people in Gaza. We can and must act now to sanction Israel for its crimes, just like we did with Russia for its illegal action in Ukraine,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.
“With Green, Te Pāti Māori and Labour’s committed support, we now need just six of 68 Government MPs to pass my Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill into law.
“In just the last 24 hours, Israel’s strikes on Gaza have killed at least 400 people, mostly children and women, and left many more injured.
“There’s no more time for talk. If we stand for human rights and peace and justice, our Parliament must act.
“In September, Aotearoa joined 123 UN Member States to support a resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for Israel’s ‘unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence.’
“Our Government has since done nothing to fulfil that commitment. Our Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill starts that very basic process.
“No party leader or whip can stop a Member of Parliament exercising their democratic right to vote how they know they need to on this Bill. There is no more hiding behind party lines. All 123 Members of Parliament are each individually, personally responsible,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act, which would safeguard the United States’ national security against the growing threat posed by the communist People’s Republic of China (PRC) by prohibiting and requiring notification of U.S. investment in certain technologies in China.
“When it comes to cutting-edge technologies – such as AI and semiconductors – the United States must remain ahead of China,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m proud to stand with my colleagues across the aisle to introduce this bill that is critical for our national security. We can and must make sure no American investments are giving the Chinese Communist Party a leg up in developing these vitally important technologies.”
The Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act would permit the Secretary of the Treasury to prohibit U.S. investments in certain technologies in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including certain Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, quantum computers, materials used in hypersonic systems, and other military technologies. It would also require U.S. entities to notify the U.S. Department of the Treasury of investments in certain AI models in the PRC. Lastly, the legislation would permit the Secretary of the Treasury to impose sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) against PRC entities that engage with the PRC military and intelligence sectors.
Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts in Congress to strengthen our national security and supply chains.Senators Cortez Masto and Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the PASS Act to ban individuals and entities controlled by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing agricultural land and businesses located near U.S. military installations or sensitive sites and the Strengthening Exports Against China Act,which would incentivize economic growth by eliminating barriers for American businesses competing directly with China in emerging industries like artificial intelligence and semiconductors. She’s also introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the domestic supply chain for rare-earth magnets, which are critical components of cell phones, computers, defense systems, and electric vehicles, but are almost exclusively made in China.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Senators to Attorney General: “In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on [DOJ] to uphold the law”
Washington (March 18, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) yesterday joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with 28 Democratic Senators 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,” continued the Senators.
The letter was also signed by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Full text of the letter is available HERE:
Source: European Parliament
Under Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP[1] and Regulation (EU) 833/2014[2], the EU may designate specific vessels for their contribution to Russia’s warfare against Ukraine, including vessels that are part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which seeks to circumvent the EU and Price Cap Coalition’s caps while engaging in deceptive and high-risk shipping practices contrary to international standards. Such vessels are subject to a port access ban and a ban on provision of services.
To date, the EU has designated a total of 153 vessels as part of the 14th, 15th and 16th sanctions packages[3],[4],[5] adopted in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The Commission is continuously monitoring the developments relating to vessels belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet as part of its efforts to combat the circumvention of the EU’s Russia sanctions. It has also reached out to third countries providing flagging services to these vessels raising concerns of environmental protection and maritime safety.
All decisions on EU sanctions are taken unanimously by Member States in the Council, including decisions on the sanctioning of vessels.
Source: European Parliament
1. With the exception of the determination of the volume of admission of third-country nationals, which remains the exclusive competence of the Member States, the common immigration policy is a shared competence between the EU and the Member States. As regards the admission of non-EU workers, Member States retain the right to apply national rules if those have not been harmonised at EU level. These national rules cannot, however, jeopardise the security and the well-functioning of an area of freedom, security and justice without internal frontiers, as holders of residence permits (like holders of the Hungarian ‘National Cards’) can move in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
2. The Commission continues to condemn in the strongest possible terms the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression of Ukraine by Russia. In this context, all actions taken at EU and Member States’ levels need to consider the security of the Schengen area as a whole. The Commission adopted specific guidance[1] in 2022 to ensure additional scrutiny as this is a matter of European internal security. Against this background, the Commission maintains its deep concern regarding national schemes covering Russian and Belarusian nationals.
3. The fact that Hungary has put in place a facilitated scheme to admit Russian and Belarusian nationals for the purpose of work, without considering the security concerns of the other Schengen States raises concerns. This increases the common risks and undermines mutual trust.
Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot took part in yesterday’s EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where important discussions were held on several topical international issues.
With regard to the situation in Ukraine, France reiterated the need to strengthen military support for Ukraine and to step up pressure on Russia by adopting additional sanctions. During the month of March, the EU allocated nearly €4.5 billion to support Ukraine.
The Member States stressed the importance of preserving the ceasefire in Gaza, releasing the hostages and resuming humanitarian aid. France emphasized that the plan endorsed by the Arab League on March 8 represented an important contribution. We also reaffirmed our opposition to any plan involving the forced displacement of Palestinians and underscored the importance of European efforts to preserve the two-state solution.
As for Syria, France condemned the violence that occurred in the coastal region and noted the gradual, reversible nature of the lifting of individual and sectoral sanctions in light of recent events. We also proposed sanctions targeting those responsible for the atrocities committed against civilians in the west of the country.
Furthermore, at France’s initiative, European sanctions were adopted against the Islamic State – Khorasan Province and its propaganda organ. The Foreign Affairs Council also authorized the adoption of restrictive measures against nine individuals and one entity as part of the sanctions regime relating to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001005/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew), Udo Bullmann (S&D), Barry Andrews (Renew), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE)
Euronews reports that the Directorate-General for International Partnerships is planning to cut more than 80 % of its hubs worldwide, closing 80 offices.
Such a change will impact the EU’s development cooperation, foreign policy and partnerships long-term, considering that the EU is a major donor globally. This plan would diminish the EU’s global role and leave a vacuum for China and Russia to fill, which is counterproductive to the aims of the Global Gateway initiative.
A reduced presence means diminished local connections and less knowledge and understanding of local contexts, priorities and opportunities. It erodes the trust of communities and partner countries. All these elements are vital for ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness and positive impact of both development work and trade as well as the promotion of business.
Submitted: 7.3.2025
Source: European Parliament
The repeated crises of recent years, including the COVID pandemic and the Russian war on Ukraine, have disrupted trade relations in many ways. Competition on global markets has become fiercer and the rules-based multilateral order established after World War II is increasingly challenged. The tariffs imposed by the new United States (US) administration are adding to the uncertainty. Trade in goods and services accounts for 22.4 % of EU GDP – the EU is the world’s biggest trading bloc and top trading partner for 80 countries. Trade is thus crucial for the EU’s growth and competitiveness. In that context, the development of a robust trade policy, enabling the EU to defend itself effectively against unfair trade practices and to level the playing field, has become a core priority for EU leaders. Consequently, trade – an issue traditionally in the hands of the European Commission – has grown in importance on the European Council agenda in recent years. Developing a bold trade policy is also one of the core elements of the New Competitiveness Deal, which was discussed at the EU leaders’ special meeting in April 2024. The importance of EU assertiveness on the global stage to defend its trade interests was underlined in the European Council’s 2024-2029 Strategic Agenda, the document setting out the EU’s direction for the current 5-year term, as well as in the Budapest Declaration of November 2024. It is in light of recent developments that EU leaders will discuss trade at their 20-21 March meeting in Brussels.
Source: Republic of France in English
The Republic of France has issued the following statement:
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot took part in yesterday’s EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where important discussions were held on several topical international issues.
With regard to the situation in Ukraine, France reiterated the need to strengthen military support for Ukraine and to step up pressure on Russia by adopting additional sanctions. During the month of March, the EU allocated nearly €4.5 billion to support Ukraine.
The Member States stressed the importance of preserving the ceasefire in Gaza, releasing the hostages and resuming humanitarian aid. France emphasized that the plan endorsed by the Arab League on March 8 represented an important contribution. We also reaffirmed our opposition to any plan involving the forced displacement of Palestinians and underscored the importance of European efforts to preserve the two-state solution.
As for Syria, France condemned the violence that occurred in the coastal region and noted the gradual, reversible nature of the lifting of individual and sectoral sanctions in light of recent events. We also proposed sanctions targeting those responsible for the atrocities committed against civilians in the west of the country.
Furthermore, at France’s initiative, European sanctions were adopted against the Islamic State – Khorasan Province and its propaganda organ. The Foreign Affairs Council also authorized the adoption of restrictive measures against nine individuals and one entity as part of the sanctions regime relating to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) today introduced the Security and Oversight of International Landholdings (SOIL) Act to enhance oversight and transparency over foreign purchases of American agricultural land that threaten national security.
“America has some of the best farmland in the world, and it would be a grave mistake to allow Communist China to take ownership of this valuable resource,” said Risch. “The SOIL Act will provide strict guidance and oversight to prevent bad actors, like China and Russia, from purchasing our agricultural land—particularly land near U.S. military installations.”
“China continues to buy up American farm land, steal our patents, and expand their authoritarian world view. America will demonstrate to the world our values and maintain our economic and military strength to assure the globe has the best opportunity for freedom. No one in China should doubt America’s resolve and commitment to liberty,” said Lankford.
The SOIL Act deters criminal investment in US agriculture by:
Requiring the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review agriculture real estate purchases by certain foreign entities;
Banning federal assistance for certain foreign-held real estate holdings; and
Broadening disclosure requirements for land purchases made by foreign entities.
Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development
We the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met in Charlevoix on March 12 to 14, 2025.
Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security
We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty and independence.
We welcomed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and in particular the meeting on March 11 between the U.S. and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We applauded 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.
We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We discussed imposing further costs on Russia in case such a ceasefire is not agreed, including through further sanctions, caps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine, and other means. This includes the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilized Russian Sovereign Assets. We underlined the importance of confidence-building measures under a ceasefire including the release of prisoners of war and detainees—both military and civilian—and the return of Ukrainian children.
We emphasized that any ceasefire must be respected and underscored the need for robust and credible security arrangements to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression. We stated that we will continue to coordinate economic and humanitarian support to promote the early recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference which will take place in Rome on July 10-11, 2025.
We condemned the provision to Russia of military assistance by DPRK and Iran, and the provision of weapons and dual-use components by China, a decisive enabler of Russia’s war and of the reconstitution of Russia’s armed forces. We reiterated our intention to continue to take action against such third countries.
We expressed alarm about the impacts of the war, especially on civilians and on civilian infrastructure. We discussed the importance of accountability and reaffirmed our commitment to work together to achieve a durable peace and to ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong and prosperous.
Regional peace and stability in the Middle East
We called for the release of all hostages and for the hostages’ remains held by Hamas in Gaza to be returned to their loved ones. We reaffirmed our support for the resumption of unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza and for a permanent ceasefire. We underscored the imperative of a political horizon for the Palestinian people, achieved through a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that meets the legitimate needs and aspirations of both peoples and advances comprehensive Middle East peace, stability and prosperity. We noted serious concern over the growing tensions and hostilities in the West Bank and calls for de-escalation.
We recognized Israel’s inherent right to defend itself consistent with international law. We unequivocally condemned Hamas, including for its brutal and unjustified terror attacks on October 7, 2023, and the harm inflicted on the hostages during their captivity and the violation of their dignity through the use of ‘handover ceremonies’ during their release. We reiterated that Hamas can have no role in Gaza’s future and must never again be a threat to Israel. We affirmed our readiness to engage with Arab partners on their proposals to chart a way forward on reconstruction in Gaza and build a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace.
We expressed our support for the people of Syria and Lebanon, as both countries work towards peaceful and stable political futures. At this critical juncture, we reiterated the importance of Syria’s and Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We called unequivocally for the rejection of terrorism in Syria. We condemned strongly the recent escalation of violence in the coastal regions of Syria, and called for the protection of civilians and for perpetrators of atrocities to be held accountable. We stressed the critical importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process. We welcomed the commitment by the Syrian interim government to work with the OPCW in eliminating all remaining chemical weapons.
We stressed that Iran is the principal source of regional instability and must never be allowed to develop and acquire a nuclear weapon. We emphasized that Iran must now change course, de-escalate and choose diplomacy. We underscored the threat of Iran’s growing use of arbitrary detention and foreign assassination attempts as a tool of coercion.
Cooperation to increase security and resilience across the Indo-Pacific
We reiterated our commitment to upholding a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, based on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights.
We remain seriously concerned by the situations in the East China Sea as well as the South China Sea and continue to oppose strongly unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force and coercion. We expressed concern over the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippines and Vietnamese vessels as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight through militarization and coercion in the South China Sea, in violation of international law. We emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and reiterated our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. We also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.
We remain concerned with China’s military build-up and the continued, rapid increase in China’s nuclear weapons arsenal. We called on China to engage in strategic risk reduction discussions and promote stability through transparency.
We emphasized that China should not conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions.16. We expressed concerns about China’s non-market policies and practices that are leading to harmful overcapacity and market distortions. We further called on China to refrain from adopting export control measures that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions. We reiterated that we are not trying to harm China or thwart its economic growth, indeed a growing China that plays by international rules and norms would be of global interest.
We demanded that the DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons and any other weapons of mass destruction as well as ballistic missile programs in accordance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. We expressed our serious concerns over, and the need to address together, the DPRK’s cryptocurrency thefts. We called on DPRK to resolve the abductions issue immediately.
We denounced the brutal repression of the people of Myanmar by the military regime and called for an end to all violence and for unhindered humanitarian access.
Building stability and resilience in Haiti and Venezuela
We strongly denounced the ongoing horrifying violence that continues to be perpetrated by gangs in Haiti in their efforts to seize control of the government. We reaffirmed our commitment to helping the Haitian people restore democracy, security and stability, including through support to the Haitian National Police and Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission and an increased role for the UN. We expressed support for Haitian authorities’ efforts to create a specialized anti-corruption jurisdiction that complies with the highest international standards.
We reiterated our call for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela in line with the aspirations of the Venezuelan people who peacefully voted on July 28, 2024, for change, the cessation of repression and arbitrary or unjust detentions of peaceful protestors including youth by Nicolas Maduro’s regime, as well as the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners. We also agreed Venezuelan naval vessels threatening Guyana’s commercial vessels is unacceptable and an infringement of Guyana’s internationally recognized sovereign rights. We reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations as an enduring value.
Supporting lasting peace in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
We unequivocally denounced the ongoing fighting and atrocities in Sudan, including sexual violence against women and girls, which have led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and the spread of famine. We called for the warring parties to protect civilians, cease hostilities, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and urged external actors to end their support fueling the conflict.
We condemned the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the resulting violence, displacement and grave human rights and international humanitarian law violations. This offensive constitutes a flagrant disregard of the territorial integrity of the DRC. We reiterated our call for M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force to withdraw from all controlled areas. We urged all parties to support the mediation led by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, to promote accountability for human rights abuses by all armed actors, including M23 and the FDLR, and to commit to a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict, including the meaningful participation of women and youth.
Strengthening sanctions and countering hybrid warfare and sabotage
We welcomed efforts to strengthen the Sanctions Working Group focused on listings and enforcement. We also welcomed discussions on the establishment of a Hybrid Warfare and Sabotage Working Group, and of a Latin America Working Group.
Source: IMF – News in Russian
March 18, 2025
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded on March 17 the 2025 Article IV consultation[1] with Morocco and completed the Third Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement, which was approved in September 2023 (see PR 23/327). The completion of the Third Review allows the authorities to draw SDR 375 million (about US$ 496 million), bringing total disbursement under the RSF arrangement to SDR 937.5 million (about US$ 1.24 billion).
In 2024, the Moroccan economy was resilient to yet another year of drought. Robust domestic demand helped offset weak agricultural output and economic activity is expected to have slowed only modestly to 3.2 percent in 2024. The current account deficit widened somewhat, whereas unemployment remained elevated at about 13 percent, mainly reflecting the impact of job losses in the agricultural sector. GDP growth is expected to accelerate to about 3.7 percent over the next few years, supported by a new series of infrastructure projects and the continued implementation of the structural reform agenda.
Inflation decelerated further in 2024, mainly as the impact of supply shocks faded. This prompted Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM) to lower the policy rate twice in June and December. The dirham continued to move within the fluctuation band of ±5 percent.
The central government fiscal deficit improved more than envisaged in the 2024 Budget. The 2024 overall deficit closed at 4.1 percent of GDP, about 0.2 percent of GDP less than projected in the 2024 Budget. This reflects better-than-expected tax revenues that more than offset higher spending. The reform of the Organic Budget Law envisages the introduction of a new fiscal rule based on a medium-term debt anchor.
The implementation of the announced structural reform agenda has continued. Further steps were taken to restructure SOEs, operationalize the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, and implement the new Charter of Investment.
Morocco continued to make progress in bolstering its resilience to climate change under the RSF arrangement. Measures implemented under the third and final review of the RSF arrangement aim to better protect underground water resources, prepare the ground for a change in tariffication of water, improve the regulatory setting of the electricity market to encourage private sector’s production of renewable energy, and reinforce fiscal and financial systems’ resilience to climate change-related risks.
Following the Executive Board’s discussion on Morocco, Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:
“The Moroccan economy continued to show resilience to negative shocks, a testament to the country’s very strong economic policies and frameworks. Despite renewed drought conditions, economic activity slowed only modestly to an estimated 3.2 percent in 2024, down from 3.4 percent in 2023, thanks to robust domestic demand. GDP growth is expected to accelerate to about 3.7 percent over the next few years, driven by a new cycle of infrastructure projects and the continued implementation of the structural reform agenda. These reforms are essential to making growth stronger, more resilient, job-rich, and more inclusive.
“The RSF arrangement concluded with the implementation of six of the seven measures scheduled for the third and final review. These measures will help improve the management of scarce water resources, further liberalize the electricity sector, and address the climate risks on the stability of the fiscal position and the financial system. The gradual introduction of the carbon tax was not implemented as the authorities needed to undertake further analysis of its impact and deeper consultations with public and private stakeholders.”
|
Morocco: Selected Economic Indicators, 2020–30 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sources: Moroccan authorities; and Fund staff estimates. ––––––––––– 1/ Include grants. 2/ Includes credit to public enterprises. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[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.
PRESS OFFICER: Wafa Amr
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/03/18/pr-2568-morocco-imf-concludes-2025-art-iv-consult-3rd-review-under-rsf
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul van Hooft, Research Leader, Defence and Security, RAND
European doubts about deterrence predate the current US administration. Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and its growing reliance on nuclear coercion to ward off Nato support, brought the importance of nuclear weapons to the foreground again for the first time since the cold war.
Even after the invasion, the US continued to prioritise the Indo-Pacific. It questioned the sufficiency of its nuclear arsenal as China’s weapon stockpile grew and delivery systems improved.
A bipartisan US congressional commission concluded that the Chinese and Russian arsenals should be seen as a joint “two-nuclear-peer” problem, with North Korea an additional disrupting presence.
Within this context, European leaders are floating alternatives for deterrence in Europe. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has again affirmed that the French nuclear deterrent has a “European dimension”.
The Polish president, Andrzej Duda, registered his interest in the idea of the French deterrent being extended to include its European allies. But he also signalled that his country might want to develop its own deterrent.
The incoming German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has also noted the need to engage with the French and British deterrents. So, could French and British nuclear weapons be enough to deter Russia and reassure European allies?
Russia has roughly as many weapons as the US. Its arsenal comprises approximately 1,700 deployed strategic weapons and 1,000-2,000 other lower-yield, “smaller” so-called “tactical” nuclear weapons, and another 2,500 non-deployed weapons.
This is vastly more than France and the UK which have 290 and 225 respectively, or 515 in total.
Yet, with those numbers both European states should have sufficient strategic weapons to cause unacceptable damage to Moscow and St Petersburg. Their weapons are carried by constantly patrolling nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines – which, are concealed in the ocean far away and are therefore highly likely to survive a first-strike attack. These weapons should be considered credible deterrents for existential threats to either France or the UK.
Unlike the US, France and the UK are in Europe and cannot consider their security distinct from each other or from Europe. The US, meanwhile, had to have a large and flexible arsenal with tactical nuclear weapons, and a large conventional presence in Europe simply to mount a credible argument, not least to its European allies, that it would actually protect Europe, with nuclear weapons as a last resort.
The importance of needing to convince Russia of how serious Nato is about deterrence is a matter of record. When they met in Paris in June 1961, the then French leader, General Charles de Gaulle, expressed doubts to the then US president, John F. Kennedy, as to how serious the US was about its defence of Europe, particularly given the uncertainty at the time of the future security of Berlin.
De Gaulle asked asked Kennedy: “Would you trade New York for Paris?”. His point was that if he wasn’t convinced, would the Russians be? So it’s not just about numbers of warheads. It’s about the defensive posture overall.
The issue is not existential deterrence but scenarios where French and British survival are not directly threatened. Neither has the option to escalate with so-called “tactical” (or non-strategic) weapons when non-vital interests are at risk – though France could fire a Rafale-launched nuclear “warning shot”.
Meanwhile, Russia has 1,000–2,000 “tactical” nuclear weapons, which, despite the misleading term, are still entirely capable of levelling a city.
In case of a conflict in Europe, these could provide military and signalling options between doing nothing and catastrophic escalation. Rather than a full-scale invasion, Russia is more likely to test Nato’s unity by pressuring a Baltic state and using nuclear threats to deter any Nato allies intervening in support. France and the UK would struggle to credibly threaten use of strategic weapons in response.
Europe’s solution may lie in advanced conventional weapons to deter Russian aggression by building the ability to raise the costs in early stages of a conflict through what is called a strategy of denial. Such capabilities include long-range precision strikes, fifth generation airpower – such as the American F-35 fighter and the French, German and UK alternatives presently being developed – and integrated air and missile defence.
Given the poor performance of Russia’s own air and missile defence in Ukraine, they could target Russian military units attacking or operating within Nato territory, their reinforcements and their logistics, while denying Russia’s use of missiles. Europe is already investing in cruise missiles, as well as developing their own European long-range strike approach and missile defence.
Through precision, stealth and low-altitude flight, these weapons could also threaten strategic targets deep in Russia – potentially a more viable, less destabilising alternative to expanding French and British nuclear arsenals, or adding a third nuclear power in Europe.
Politically, however, there is a need for more than hardware. European states should find an institutional forum to coordinate deterrence. This means either convincing France to return to Nato’s nuclear planning group or creating another council for European deterrence with France, the UK, and other key European states like Germany and Poland.
Those and other European armed forces could also conduct conventional operations in support of nuclear operations exercises together with France and the UK, specifically the French air force with its air-launched warheads.
Simply put, there are material and political solutions to European deterrence problems if the US turns out to be preoccupied by events in Asia. The real constraint that France and the UK, and the rest of Europe, now face is how to build both the hardware and habits of conventional and nuclear deterrence in Europe in little or no time at all.
Paul van Hooft received a Stanton Nuclear Security Foundation research grant in 2018.
– ref. Nuclear deterrence: can Britain and France take on America’s role in defending Europe against Russian aggression? – https://theconversation.com/nuclear-deterrence-can-britain-and-france-take-on-americas-role-in-defending-europe-against-russian-aggression-252338
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk spoke at the plenary session of the XXXIV Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.
The main topics of discussion at this year’s RSPP congress were key areas of interaction between business and government and proposals for the participation of the business community in achieving national development goals for the country and implementing national projects.
From the transcript:
A. Overchuk: Dear colleagues!
Thank you very much for the invitation and the opportunity to speak before the congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. The success of our economy and the country as a whole truly depends on those present in this hall.
Entrepreneurship involves competition for access to resources and markets, whether nationally or internationally. It is this activity that provides the source of progress, income and wealth for individual households, businesses and nations.
We are participants in the formation of a new world with new trade and economic ties and priorities.
The Russian economy is adapting to deal with that part of the world that has higher rates of economic growth, good demographics, and wants to work with us. And the Government is facilitating this adaptation.
We see our main task in this process as providing Russian industrialists and entrepreneurs with the best competitive conditions for doing business throughout the entire international value chain, that is, at every stage of the process of creating a product or service and delivering it to consumers.
Within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Union State of Russia and Belarus, our actions are aimed at expanding opportunities for our exporters, as well as improving the balance of supply and demand in our common domestic market. Work here is carried out in several areas – this is customs and tariff protection of the domestic market of the Eurasian Economic Union; the formation of common markets and a barrier-free environment in the single customs territory of the EAEU; the development and creation of international transport corridors; the formation of a network of free trade agreements and non-preferential agreements on trade and economic cooperation and the adoption of technical regulations and standards of the EAEU by other countries.
Within the framework of the single customs space of the EAEU, we strive to respond flexibly to the market situation and accordingly regulate single customs tariffs and import volumes.
Imported goods and services are part of international value chains and also affect supply and prices in the domestic consumer market. This has a dampening effect on inflation, affects interest rates and labor costs, and is ultimately reflected in production costs.
Cheap imports can pose threats by displacing domestic producers, reducing employment and income levels, and slowing economic growth. Here, we strive first and foremost to stand on the side of our producers’ interests, giving priority to import substitution and strengthening our economic and technological independence.
To solve this problem, as well as to stimulate the development of production and economic ties and trade between our countries, the EAEU has launched a support mechanism in the form of subsidizing the interest rate on loans issued by banks for the development of industrial cooperation projects covering three or more EAEU member states. The first two fairly large projects have already been approved. Options for expanding this mechanism to the agro-industrial complex are being considered. I urge Russian entrepreneurs, in conjunction with partners from EAEU member states, to actively use this already existing support mechanism.
We monitor the balance of supply and demand in the consumer market, primarily the food market, which underlies the cost of the consumer basket. This is one of the elements in determining the level of inflation, which affects the key rate and the cost of lending for business.
In order to influence the cost of the consumer basket within the EAEU, in addition to tariff measures, over the past two or three years we have begun to apply such a mechanism as a joint indicative balance of supply and demand for individual types of agricultural crops. The EAEU today determines balances for such types of goods as grain, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil and sugar.
In the event of a reduction in the supply of certain types of goods on the national markets of individual EAEU member states, the EEC Council takes targeted tariff measures. At the same time, decisions to reduce tariffs are taken only after it becomes clear that an increase in supply on the EAEU domestic market is only possible through imports from outside the union. We call for close cooperation with both manufacturers and associations of manufacturers, that is, with businesses.
Due to the similarity of the structures of our economies within the EAEU, we often compete with our union partners in foreign markets. This affects the reduction of our producers’ income. Now our partners are realizing the benefits of coordinating efforts to promote exports, and we already have positive examples. We will support and develop such initiatives if it is beneficial to our business.
Within the EAEU, we are forming common markets for goods, services, capital and labour. We have made significant progress in the electric power market. In December 2024, we recorded that the gas market in the EAEU had already taken shape in the form in which it actually exists. Within the Union State, we are reaching agreements on a common oil market and will continue to develop this within the EAEU.
Common markets within the Union State and the EAEU not only expand opportunities for the sale of goods and services, but also create healthier competitive conditions.
We will continue to work to reduce and eliminate barriers that hinder the formation of single markets throughout the Eurasian Economic Union, as provided for in our major agreement.
As the largest economy in the EAEU, Russia is a premium market. And business representatives from EAEU partner states closely monitor changes in the Russian regulatory framework and quickly identify decisions that prevent them from entering our market, if such appear. We would like our business community to more actively enter the markets of other EAEU member states and promptly provide us with information on violations of EAEU law, if such arise.
Based on economic and geopolitical realities, we focus on ensuring transport and logistics connectivity of our market with the markets of the global South. A program for the modernization and construction of international checkpoints is being implemented. We are working on the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway section in Iran, which will ensure uninterrupted connectivity of the ports of the Russian northwest with Iranian ports in the Indian Ocean.
We are discussing the modernization of the Ulaanbaatar railway that runs through Mongolia. We are using existing routes and seeking from our partners to improve tariff conditions for our shippers.
A pilot project was launched to use electronic international consignment notes for international road freight transportation within the single customs territory of the EAEU. To protect the internal market of the Union State, navigation seals began to be used for transit products.
I would like to draw attention to the Agreement on the Unified Customs Transit System of the EAEU concluded in December 2024 and the fact that states that are not members of the union can also join this agreement. This will allow external partners to be involved in certain aspects of the customs regulation of the union, which will help reduce the time spent on the passage of goods.
In the context of illegal sanctions, we rely more on internal forces, we are pursuing a policy of import substitution, but we also strive to rely on the opportunities that are provided to us by trade regimes within the Union State of Russia and Belarus, the EAEU, the CIS, as well as those states with which we are establishing free trade zones. And we strive to develop trade with friendly countries.
The world is beginning to notice the successes of our integration association. They see that the EAEU is becoming a center of attraction for states located to the south of the post-Soviet space, such as Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, the ASEAN countries, the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, and African states. We are building closer trade relations with them, including in the form of free trade agreements.
For example, just the day before yesterday, the Islamic Republic of Iran notified the Eurasian Economic Commission of the completion of the procedures necessary for the entry into force of a full-scale free trade agreement between the EAEU and Iran. The agreement will enter into force on May 15, and this means that for the EAEU member states, the export market will increase by 85 million consumers. At the same time, Iranian producers will gain access to the common market of the EAEU member states, which is more than 180 million people, which will lead to improved competition in our markets.
Similar work is currently underway with a number of other countries. By the end of the year, we can expect that the EAEU may sign two more free trade agreements. I believe that our business community should carefully study these new opportunities.
In conclusion, I would like to say that this year an action plan for the implementation of the EAEU Declaration for 2030–2045, “The Eurasian Economic Path,” is being prepared for adoption. I would like the members of the Business Council to participate more actively in this work.
Thank you for your attention.
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.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 18, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko discussed the national project “Youth and Children” with State Duma deputies.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the passport of the national project “Youth and Children” and the results of the implementation of youth policy for 2024 during a meeting of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy.
Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated those present on the Day of Reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia, thanked the State Duma deputies who work in the regions, locally, and also emphasized the importance of cooperation.
“The national project “Youth and Children” covers a huge audience. This is over 50 million people, or a third of the population of our country, and taking into account those involved and involved – parents, teachers and mentors – half of all citizens. The goals and objectives that are spelled out in the national project are based on the successful implementation of the national projects “Education” and “Science and Universities”. As promised to President Vladimir Putin, we took the best and supplemented it with tools for modernizing the most important areas of life in our country. The success of Russia and its future depend on the level of education, and science is the basis of technological development – this is what the head of state says,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
Thanks to the national project “Science and Universities”, 940 youth laboratories and 15 world-class scientific and educational centers have been created, in which about 330 billion rubles of extra-budgetary funds have been invested. The instrument base of scientific organizations has been updated by more than 60%. The indicators of the national project “Education” have been met. In total, during its implementation throughout the country in more than 1.5 thousand schools, this helped to create about a million new places for children.
Since this year, many instruments that have proven their effectiveness are being implemented within the framework of the state programs “Education Development” and “Scientific and Technological Development”, as well as the new national project “Youth and Children”. It includes 9 federal projects and 165 events. They will ensure the achievement of the national goal – the realization of the potential of each person, the development of their talents, the education of a patriotic and socially responsible person.
Among the tasks for 2030, the Deputy Prime Minister indicated that 45% of young people should be involved in volunteer and social activities and 85% should support traditional spiritual and moral values. In addition, 75% of young people will be involved in events aimed at professional self-realization, 12 leading schools for gifted children will be opened and more than 8 thousand schools will be overhauled, at least 2 million specialists in blue-collar jobs for key sectors of the economy will be trained, another 800 youth laboratories and 50 advanced engineering schools will be created, 25 university campuses will be built and 800 dormitories will be renovated.
According to Dmitry Chernyshenko, among the important tasks of the national project “Youth and Children” is the formation and development of a patriotically minded generation of Russian citizens capable of ensuring the sovereignty, competitiveness and future of Russia based on traditional spiritual and moral values defined by the decree of the President.
In conclusion, Dmitry Chernyshenko answered questions, including about the development of the mentoring institute, a comprehensive system of measures to support volunteering, and the implementation of additional professional education programs. He also gave a number of instructions, including analyzing existing measures to support mentors in the regions, developing proposals for creating regional and municipal programs for such support, and taking into account comments when developing the draft Concept for the Development of Mentoring in the Russian Federation until 2030.
The event was attended by the head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs Grigory Gurov, Deputy Minister of Education Irina Shvartsman, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Andrei Omelchuk, as well as State Duma deputies.
“The national project “Youth and Children” is aimed at achieving the national goal of Russia’s development – the realization of the potential of each young person, their talents, the education of a patriotic and socially responsible person. It consists of nine federal projects, three of which are under the jurisdiction of Rosmolodezh, others – under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. The total budget of the national project is over 3.7 trillion rubles. The opportunities that are opened up to the audience of the national project cover all stages of growing up and becoming a young person,” said Grigory Gurov.
He also said that the main measures of the national project include the presidential program “Region for the Young”, projects of the platform “Russia – the Country of Opportunities”, year-round youth educational centers, development of the volunteer ecosystem, implementation of international programs, support for children’s and youth initiatives within the framework of thematic projects and competitions, construction of modern schools and campuses, development of infrastructure for training specialists in blue-collar jobs, support for student families, increasing the prestige of Russian education in the world, and others.
Deputy Minister of Education and Science Andrey Omelchuk noted that federal projects implemented by the ministry are aimed at significantly updating the educational infrastructure and involving students in professional and scientific activities.
“Special attention is paid to such programs as Priority 2030, as well as the creation of a network of campuses and advanced engineering schools, youth laboratories. They contribute to the development of universities and the training of engineering personnel for the implementation of technological projects. In addition, international initiatives are planned to attract foreign students, which will strengthen Russia’s position in the global educational space,” he added.
Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy Artem Metelev noted that, at the initiative of the committee, five results were included in the national project “Youth and Children”. One of them should be the adoption of a law aimed at systematizing and expanding support measures for youth and children’s non-profit organizations.
“The goal is to improve the mechanism of state support for sectoral NPOs, create a digital registry and a clear list of support measures at all levels. All this is being done so that the “third sector” is also integrated into achieving the goals and objectives of the national project “Youth and Children”, and the support provided to it is linked to specific results and social effects,” said Artem Metelev.
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.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –
The HSE team successfully defended the university development program before the Council for Support of Development Programs for Higher Education Organizations and took second place among the participants.Priority-2030” In total, 119 universities will receive support, including 100 in the main track.
The Council for Support of Development Programs for Universities Participating in Priority 2030, chaired by the Minister of Education and Science Valery Falkov, approved the list of participants in the main track of the program.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said that the updated architecture of the Priority 2030 program evaluates the target model of the university and its focus on achieving technological leadership by our country. “An important result is the strengthening of the connection between universities and the real sector of the economy,” he says.
A distinctive feature of the current council is the new view of universities on their development programs. The focus of universities was on specific projects for interaction with industry, noted the head of the Ministry of Education and Science Valery Falkov.
From 2025, the focus of the Priority 2030 program is on achieving technological leadership for Russia, including through the implementation of strategic technological projects of universities – projects whose goal is to accelerate the transition of research results in various fields of science and technology into technological innovations with high commercial potential and significant impact on society.
HSE, along with ten other universities, entered the first group of the ranking of universities participating in the Priority 2030 program, taking second place.
In the updated HSE Development Program identified three strategic technology projects planned for implementation by 2030 and for the future up to 2036: “National Center for Socio-Economic and Scientific-Technological Forecasting”, “Complex of Technologies for Trusted 6G Communication Systems” and “Multi-Agent Platform for AI Solutions for Industry Tasks”.
HSE Vice-Rector Elena Odoevskaya noted that the university is implementing its unique strategy and “our results are noticeable not only in Russia, but also beyond its borders.”
“The quality of our programs, research and development is confirmed by the demand among students, businesses and the state. Our result at the defense is a victory for the entire university, which would not have been possible without the involvement of the entire team in developing the development program and achieving our target indicators for the university’s development,” she emphasized.
Nikita Anisimov, Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics
“For the Higher School of Economics, the course on creating new technologies is a strategy that has been consistently implemented by our research teams since 2021. Successful defense within the framework of the Priority program is in many ways a recognition of the correctness of this approach. Today, we set ourselves the ambitious task of increasing the capitalization of our intellectual potential by an order of magnitude in the next five years, primarily through the creation and patenting of new technological developments. For HSE, this is a real challenge, because we are not a technological university created to solve such problems, but a multidisciplinary university with some of the best competencies in the country in the socio-economic and humanities.”
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.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, this afternoon.
The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis this afternoon.
The leaders discussed the Coalition of the Willing call that the Prime Minister chaired on Saturday, and both leaders agreed that all must work together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position.
The Prime Minister updated Prime Minister Mitsotakis on the upcoming military planning meeting taking place this week in the UK.
He reiterated that Europe’s defence and security is paramount, and both leaders agreed that the political momentum must continue to achieve a peace that will be secure and that will last.
The Prime Minister underscored that the ball is in President Putin’s court and that Russia must come to the table to accept the US ceasefire deal.
They agreed to stay in touch.
Published 18 March 2025
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On March 18, 2025, a plenary session of the annual congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs was held, in which the Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Dmitry Bryukhanov took part.
The congress was attended by about 1,300 people, including major entrepreneurs, representatives of small and medium-sized businesses from all over the country, heads of ministries and departments, and political figures.
The congress discussed key areas of interaction between business and the state, as well as initiatives of the business community aimed at achieving national development goals and implementing national projects.
The President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session, and in his speech he raised the issues of the return of Western companies to Russia, free trade, privatization, inflation, adaptation to sanctions, and others.
“It is important that during this time, domestic entrepreneurs have learned to work under sanctions, adapted to them, thought through and launched alternative mechanisms for cooperation with foreign partners, with those who want to work with us. In addition, sanctions have become a kind of even additional catalyst for positive structural changes in our economy, including in the financial and technological spheres, and in many other key areas,” said Vladimir Vladimirovich.
The President also noted that “sanctions are not temporary or targeted measures, they are a mechanism of systemic, strategic pressure on our country,” and warned that one should no longer count on complete freedom of payments and capital flows in the world.
In addition, Vladimir Putin instructed the government to prepare rules for the return of Western companies to Russia with guarantees of conscientious fulfillment of obligations by Western businessmen.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/18/2025
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.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
News Highlights
NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At its annual Amplify Conference, HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) today announced new products and services designed to shape the future of work, empowering people and businesses to create and manage their own way of working. The company unveiled more than 80 PCs, AI-powered print tools for SMBs, and Workforce Experience Platform enhancements all built to drive company growth and professional fulfillment.
“HP is translating AI into meaningful experiences that drive growth and fulfillment,” said Enrique Lores, President and CEO at HP Inc. “We are shaping the future of work with game-changing AI innovations that seamlessly adapt to how people want to work.”
Leading the Future of Work
HP’s 2024 Work Relationship Index reports that only 28 percent of workers have a healthy relationship with work. Companies and people are seeking better work experiences and new advancements in technology – from seamless device connectivity to AI applications – that can help people work faster, think more creatively, and connect on a deeper level.
With customers looking to refresh their devices to Windows 11,3 HP is supercharging its PCs to take advantage of the latest technologies available with select models qualifying as Copilot+ PCs, 4 so work doesn’t feel like work:
HP is also delivering powerful new AI software experiences to complement this next generation of AI PCs. Qualifying consumer and commercial devices from HP are equipped with exclusive software designed to transform how people work in the office, at home, and everywhere in between:
HP is changing the way customers print and manage documents, making it easier and more efficient with new features and technology:
HP provides IT with valuable insights that empower employees to thrive with HP Workforce Experience Platform (WXP)14 enhancements and expanded availability. New features include:
Shaping the Future in Play
Technology can also offer people a smooth transition from work into play. According to Mohamed Ala Saayed, Senior Program Director & Fellow, Frost & Sullivan, “About 60% of gaming PCs owners likely use their systems for work-related activities in addition to gaming.”16
New gaming hardware across OMEN and HyperX delivers meaningful performance and personalization for the ultimate in gameplay:
HP Amplify Newsroom
For all the latest HP Amplify Partner Conference news and updates, visit the HP Newsroom including the just released Threat Research Report press release and news from the Advanced Compute Solutions business. More news posting at 2 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. ET.
About HP
HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.hp.com.
1 Based on HP’s internal analysis of AI-enabled platforms across all commercial PC and consumer PC vendors as of March 2025. “AI PC” is defined as a PC with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) designed to accelerate AI workloads, regardless of TOPS count.
Comparison includes commercially and consumer available AI PCs available in the market.
2 Based on HPs internal analysis of business Printers with preinstalled encryption, authentication, malware protection, post-quantum digital signature, and initial BIOS firmware integrity protection with automatic self-healing recovery finding that no other in-class Printers implement a quantum-resistant cryptographic scheme to protect the integrity of the BIOS and firmware as of March 2025.
3 Not all features are available in all editions or versions of Windows. Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware, drivers, software or BIOS update to take full advantage of Windows functionality. Windows is automatically updated and enabled. High speed internet and Microsoft account required. ISP fees may apply and additional requirements may apply over time for updates. See http://www.windows.com.
4 On some devices, some Copilot+ PC experiences require free updates continuing to roll out through early 2025. Timing varies by device and region. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs. Copilot is not available in China, Russia, Belarus, and embargoed regions Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Crimea.
5 Based on image generation with NPU vs. non-NPU processor using Amuse software generating a 1024 x 1024 pixel image from the same text prompt repeatedly until battery depletion to determine power efficiency. Configurations tested: HP EliteBook 8 G1a AI with AMD Ryzen AI PRO 350 and 32GB RAM vs. HP EliteBook 845 G10 with AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7840U and 32GB RAM. Results may vary
6 Based on HPs internal analysis of business PCs with preinstalled encryption, authentication, malware protection, BIOS-level protection and passing MIL-STD testing, finding that no other in-class PC implements a quantum-resistant cryptographic scheme to protect the integrity of UEFI BIOS firmware as of February 2024. Requires Windows 10 or higher. For supported HP PCs with the latest HP Endpoint Security Controller. See https://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4AA8-3644ENW.
7 Optional feature must be configured at the time of purchase.
8 HP AI Companion is available preloaded on select HP next gen AI PCs or is available for download from the Microsoft store and requires a HP next gen AI PC with a NPU supporting 40-60 TOPS with 16 GB or more of storage and requires Windows 11. Perform requires account set up within 30 days of PC boot or enrollment through the HP AI Companion app. Some features require customer upload of local data. Ten (10) library 100 MB limit each, supported files may vary and at launch include pdf, .txt., .docx files. For ‘On device’ AI use, your HP Next Gen AI PC requires 32GB RAM and will require up to 4.5 GB storage on your PC. “On device” mode uses a downloaded LLM Phi 3.5 to process queries locally and does not require an internet connection. “Cloud” mode uses GPT-4o to process queries online and requires an internet connection. Spotlight and voice capability expected availability in Spring 2025 Availability varies by region.
9 HP AI Companion requires an HP Next Gen AI PC with a NPU supporting 40-60 TOPS and requires Windows 11. For ‘On device’ AI use, your HP Next Gen AI PC requires 32 GB RAM and will require up to 4.5 GB storage on your PC.
10 HP Go integrates pre-embedded carrier profiles, pre-activation processes, and pre-configured APNs at the factory, enabling seamless out-of-the-box connectivity. Requires 5G module and Windows support for carrier profile management and network selection. North America subscription service ONLY. Available in Spring 2025.
11 Zero-touch multi-carrier 5G deployment is the ability to automatically onboard and activate 5G connectivity across multiple carriers without requiring manual carrier selection, IT-managed profile provisioning, or traditional enterprise (STD) onboarding methods. Unlike standard WWAN and eSIM-based setups, HP Go integrates pre-embedded carrier profiles, pre-activation processes, and pre-configured APNs, enabling automatic connection to the fastest available network. North America subscription service ONLY. Available in Spring 2025.
12 Requires myHP application and Windows OS.
13 Based on internal HP testing.
14 HP Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) is available in various tiers with optional add-on solutions in various term licenses. WXP is for commercial customers and some features and capabilities may require additional purchase of HP Services and/or commercial hardware supporting the HP Insights agent for Windows, Mac, & Android available for download at https://workforceexperience.hp.com/software.admin.hp.com/software. For full system requirements and services that require the agent, please visit https://workforceexperience.hp.com/requirements. Activation and restrictions may apply. The agent collects telemetry and analytics around devices and applications that integrate into the Workforce Experience platform and is not sold as a standalone service. The agent is ISO27001, ISO27701, ISO27017 and SOC2 Type2 certified for Information Security.
15 HP Vyopta license required for collaboration technology monitoring
16 March 2025. Mohamed Alaa Saayed, Senior Program Director & Fellow, Frost & Sullivan. 60% of gaming PCs are split between 55% desktop and 65% laptop users.
17 Multi-core is designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology. Performance and clock frequency will vary depending on application workload and your hardware and software configurations. Intel’s numbering, branding and/or naming is not a measurement of higher performance. Intel, Core, and the Intel logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
18All performance specifications represent the typical specifications provided by HP’s component manufacturers; actual performance may vary either higher or lower. Total processors power = Total GPU power plus total thermal power.
19 Tested at 50% headphone volume, continuous playback. Using 2.4GHz mode, the headset has a battery life of up to 120 hours. Using Bluetooth mode, the headset has a battery life of up to 200 hours. Actual battery life will vary with use and maximum battery capacity will naturally decrease with time and usage.
20 Earcup plates sold separately. Available in select countries/regions.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The issue of increasing the efficiency of the social protection sphere, including reducing the timeframes for providing social services, was considered at a meeting of the Presidium of the Moscow Government. Following the meeting, Sergei Sobyanin instructed to continue this work.
A modern, high-quality and convenient social security system accompanies Muscovites throughout their lives, she noted in her report Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development. Around 4.5 million city residents, or every third Muscovite, benefit from various support measures. From year to year, the capital’s budget maintains its social focus.
The most important area of social protection work is to increase the availability and targeting of social assistance for Muscovites in need.
Moscow provides the highest standards of social support for city residents, while maintaining the best traditions and introducing new flexible and effective assistance tools. For example, thanks to digitalization within the framework of the new standard, it was possible to reduce the time for reviewing an application for recognizing a person as needing social services by half – from 10 to five working days.
The procedure for applying for the service has also become much more convenient and faster. Now you can submit an application at the My Documents government services center or electronically on the mos.ru portal (including with the help of relatives, friends or neighbors).
The diagnostics are carried out in the most friendly and informal atmosphere. The data obtained is entered into an electronic system, which, using special algorithms, evaluates the functional state of a person and forms an individual social service program with the maximum range of social services.
The modernization of boarding houses has made it possible to transform them into comfortable social homes, where living conditions are as close as possible to those at home.
For young people with mental disabilities, conditions are created for maximum socialization, including employment and independent living.
Since January 1, 2024, the Social Treasury has been operating in Moscow — the first single center in the country for processing applications for support measures for all categories of Muscovites. Treasury specialists make decisions on the appointment of more than 90 different benefits, allowances and social payments. Last year, more than three million Muscovites applied to the Social Treasury.
In 2023–2024, the capital completely updated the Moscow social services information system. In essence, it was created anew. Today, this modern digital platform includes a large number of subsystems, which are divided into two large blocks.
The first is related to the automation of the work of the social treasury and social support services. For example, it includes the provision of vouchers for spa treatment, payments for children, and support for large families.
The second block is intended to automate other areas of work of the city social protection system. In particular, this includes the sphere of guardianship, services for the issuance of technical rehabilitation means and prosthetic and orthopedic products.
A single centralized database has been created that unites the disparate information systems of social protection in Moscow. Millions of records containing data on recipients of 86 state services have been transferred to it. The Moscow information system of social services now allows tracking appointments, checking rights and providing support measures through automation. For example, if a city resident visited a point of distribution of technical rehabilitation equipment, and before that updated his passport data, the changes will be recorded in the system. Or if a person changed the bank account for receiving payments and indicated that all other data should be linked to this account, the system will automatically make the necessary updates.
The rejection of paper document flow and file exchange, the creation of data marts and the active implementation of modern technologies will allow, on average, to halve the time it takes to assign payments. In addition, digital transformation will provide a technological reserve for the transition to proactive (without filing applications) provision of social services to needy citizens.
Individual approach to each: what kind of support do city residents receive from social workersSobyanin made a decision to index Moscow social payments
In addition, Moscow is implementing more than 20 projects on digitalization, creation and development of urban systems in the field of social protection of the population. Since 2019, the information system of long-term care and social hospitals has been successfully operating and developing. The system is designed to identify and form targeted assistance programs for Muscovites in need of home or hospital care. Its use increases the speed and quality of social services, and by eliminating paperwork, costs are reduced. For example, the time for reviewing an application for recognizing a person in need of social services has been reduced by half – from 10 to five working days. In 2024, the project took first place in the “Social Sphere” nomination of the II National Award for Contribution to the Development of Digitalization of Urban Economy “Smart City”.
The information system “Moscow – a kind city” is actively developing. The grant competition of the same name for socially oriented non-profit organizations (NPOs) has been held since 2019. Within its framework, 648 NPO projects have received financial support from the city over six years.
Since 2022, contracts with winning NGOs have been concluded electronically and signed with an enhanced qualified electronic signature (previously, documents were signed on paper). Since 2024, the process of generating reports (financial and analytical) has been automated. And in 2025, it is planned to completely switch to the electronic form of providing all reporting documents. Thus, the information system will implement the full cycle of the competition in electronic form – from submitting an application to generating reports on the results of the implementation of projects using grant funds. In addition, on the same digital platform, an electronic selection of NGOs is carried out to provide city premises for free use for up to three years.
A single help desk has been in operation since 2021 Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow by phone: 7 495 870-44-44. In 2024, its specialists received and processed 3.2 million calls and requests from chatbots.
From May 2024 on on the department’s websiteThe chatbot Dobrynya is working — a virtual assistant for Muscovites in matters of social services. The most popular requests are checking the queue for spa treatment, payments and social support, as well as signing up for an online consultation.
If necessary, Dobrynya will explain in detail the content and rules of operation of popular social programs (for example, home social services, the Moscow Longevity and Good Bus projects) or redirect to the relevant sections of the mos.ru and Dsn.ru, where you can find out the details of a particular social service.
In a conversation with Dobrynya, you can find out about the size of social benefits and how long it will take to process certain services, such as registering for rehabilitation or registering for a spa voucher.
If Dobrynya cannot give an exact answer, an employee of the unified reference service of the Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow will promptly answer the question in the chat. Since its appearance, the chatbot has processed over 20 thousand requests from Muscovites, and only 15 percent of them required the help of an operator.
Every year, receiving various social support measures becomes more accessible and technologically advanced, while taking into account the individual needs and life situations of each person. The client paths of city residents are designed so that they have the opportunity to receive most social support measures and all the necessary information without leaving home.
Interactive map and smart chatbot: how digital social solutions help Muscovites
The introduction of a new social services system made it possible to achieve ahead of schedule the goals of the decree of the President of the Russian Federation on national development goals for the country until 2030 and for the future until 2036 (achieving digital maturity in the social protection sphere by 2030, which involves the automation of most processes within the framework of unified industry digital platforms and a data-based management model).
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/1251505/