NewzIntel.com

Category: Russian Federation

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Statement on Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (March 4, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement tonight in response to Donald Trump’s 2025 Joint Address to Congress. Senator Markey attended the address with his guest, Chrissy Lynch, President of the Massachusetts charter of the American Federation of Labor – Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

    “Instead of fighting for working people, Trump is selling them out to give billionaires tax breaks. He wants to gut Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, and put that money in the pockets of Elon Musk and his ultra wealthy donors. Trump doesn’t stand with we, the people – he stands with we, the billionaires. Tonight, I brought Chrissy Lynch as my guest because she is a champion for workers in Massachusetts and throughout the country, and I will continue to be with her and the labor movement to fight for an economy that works for everyone.

    “Tonight, Trump promised to cut the environmental and climate programs that keep our communities thriving, healthy, and safe from polluters and lower energy costs – all to make good on his campaign promise to Big Oil. His ongoing illegal, unconstitutional freeze of federal climate funding meant to go to red and blue communities is an attack on working families, small businesses, and job creation across the country.

    “Trump used this address to attack immigrants and trans children. He traded American democracy for Russian dictatorship. He spread lies and hatred – all because he has no plan to make life healthier or safer for everyday Americans.

    “The American people are facing real challenges and want real solutions – lower costs, better health care, cleaner water and air, more affordable housing, safer communities. We need to stand up to Trump, Musk, and fight to expand the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. Fight to protect rights to contraception and abortion. Fight for comprehensive immigration reform, for our Dreamers, and a pathway to citizenship. And fight for clean energy, environmental justice, and a Green New Deal to combat the climate crisis.

    “We cannot give in to the dark, hate-filled future in Trump’s address. Together, we must organize to protect our democracy and ensure a better, brighter future for America’s families.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Replacement of Ukraine with Türkiye as Russian gas transit hub – E-000818/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000818/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    In January, Russia exported record volumes of natural gas to Europe via the TurkStream pipeline, exceeding 50 million cubic metres (mcm) a day, following the closure of the gas corridor through Ukraine. Türkiye is now the only transit route for Russian gas to Europe after the five-year transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expired on 1 January and was not renewed. According to data from the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG), in January, Russian gas exports via the TurkStream pipeline increased by 26.8 % year on year. They now stand at 50.6 mcm/day, up from 39.9 mcm/day in January 2024. According to Gazprom data and Reuters calculations, Russia supplied Europe with a total of around 63.8 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas via various routes in 2022. This dropped to 28.3 bcm in 2023 before rising again to around 32 bcm in 2024.

    Türkiye is a dictatorial country that is illegally occupying the northern part of the Republic of Cyprus, it attacks neighbouring countries and is responsible for the ethnic cleansing of Christians and Kurds.

    In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Was it its intention from the start to give Türkiye a strategic boost?
    • 2.Does it not consider that the non-renewal of routes for the transit of Russian natural gas through Ukraine has harmed the Ukrainian economy?

    Submitted: 23.2.2025

    Last updated: 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The need to update Europe’s policy on the Ukrainian conflict given recent diplomatic trends and the changing international landscape – E-000683/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000683/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Roberto Vannacci (PfE)

    On 12 February 2025, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated that he was aiming to put an end to the war in Ukraine in separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

    In a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group held on the same day, the US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hesgeth, said that obtaining NATO membership for Ukraine and re-establishing its pre-2014 borders were ‘illusory’ goals[1]. He also ruled out sending US troops to the country.

    The Commission’s policy of unconditionally supporting Ukraine until it wins the war[2] and restores its territorial integrity[3] has always been heavy on ideology and short on pragmatism.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Given current diplomatic trends and the changing international environment, how will the Commission review its strategy, which has so far been predicated on restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and supporting a prolonged conflict?
    • 2.Does the Commission not think that sticking to its current position in spite of the United States’ change of policy and recent trends on the international scene could jeopardise the coherence, effectiveness and sustainability of EU foreign policy?

    Submitted: 13.2.2025

    • [1] https://it.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/02/12/ucraina-segretario-difesa-usa-hegseth-confini-pre-2014-e-adesione-alla-nato-obiettivi-irre.
    • [2] https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2024/11/13/devant-les-eurodeputes-kaja-kallas-defend-le-soutien-europeen-de-l-ukraine-jusqu-a-la-victoire_6391566_3210.html.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ac_24_3363https://x.com/kajakallas/status/1889800055303049695.
    Last updated: 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Electricity grid / Ukraine – E-000029/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 28 June 2017, the transmission system operators (TSOs) of Continental Europe signed with their respective counterparts Ukrenergo and Moldelectrica the agreements to interconnect the power systems under the auspices of ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity).

    Following the start of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression and responding to an urgent request by Ukrenergo and Moldelectrica, on 11 March 2022 Continental Europe TSOs concluded that the conditions for an emergency synchronisation were met.

    Subsequently, the trial synchronisation was completed on 16 March 2022[1]. The TSOs acted in the context of political support expressed at the extraordinary Energy Council meeting of 28 February 2022.

    The European Council meeting of 24 March 2022 endorsed the emergency synchronisation as ‘a remarkable achievement’.

    Ukrenergo has since completed the permanent synchronisation project as confirmed by the Continental Europe TSOs on 28 November 2023.

    • [1] https://www.entsoe.eu/news/2022/03/16/continental-europe-successful-synchronisation-with-ukraine-and-moldova-power-systems/
    Last updated: 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Revision of the 2023 Rule of Law Report – E-003078/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The country chapter for Poland of the 2023 Rule of Law Report mentions the case of Pablo González under the pillar of media freedom and factually reports on his arrest by the Polish Security Services and the charge of illegal espionage on behalf of Russia[1].

    The information related to the case included in the report had been brought at the time to the attention of the Commission by different organisations as well as an alert published on the Council of Europe’s platform.

    The Commission did not make an assessment about such information and usually refers to such alerts in its Rule of Law Report in relation to all Member States.

    The Commission is aware of the subsequent outcome of the case revealed in 2024 and considers it important and pays careful attention to any references to individual cases in the Rule of Law Reports.

    The Commission has strongly condemned Russia’s espionage, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns and there can be no doubt of its position in this regard.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b576c76e-0755-4690-9266-7895c4294433_en?filename=48_1_52627_coun_chap_poland_en.pdf
    Last updated: 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Makes Remarks on Zelenskyy Comments, Prospects for Peace in Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, upon reviewing a statement made today by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, offered comments during a Senate Armed Service Committee hearing about the opportunity President Trump has to help craft a sustainable peace for Ukraine.

    Specifically, Chairman Wicker suggested that now is a moment for lawmakers to “take a deep breath” and allow the peace process to play out. Read his remarks in full below.

    Thank you Senator Banks for mentioning the really encouraging developments that have taken place since this hearing began. I’m going to take the liberty of reading into the record the exact statement of President Zelenskyy today.

    And I quote,

    “I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace.

    “None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.

    “We are ready to work fast to end the war, and the first stages could be the release of prisoners and truce in the sky – ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure — and truce in the sea immediately, if Russia will do the same. Then we want to move very fast through all next stages and to work with the US to agree a strong final deal.

    “We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. And we remember the moment when things changed when President Trump provided Ukraine with Javelins. We are grateful for this.

    “Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be. It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive.

    “Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it in any time and in any convenient format. We see this agreement as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees, and I truly hope it will work effectively.”

    And I would then remind those within the sound of my voice and those reading the record that our president, President Trump, has said,

     

    “The Government of the United States of America supports Ukraine’s efforts to obtain security guarantees needed to establish lasting peace.”

     

    So let me just say this. I probably will not have an opportunity to take to the floor today. But I hope this is a day when we can refrain from some of the rhetoric that it’s tempting to make. I hope this is a day when Senators and members of the House of Representatives can take a deep breath and hope that the excellent, hopeful signs that come from this statement by President Zelenskyy come to fruition and come to fruition quickly.

    I’ve had fights with my roommates over time. We got over it. I’m even told sometimes there are family fights. It’s regrettable when they spill out into the front yard. But friends get over it. Friends decide to move on. And I think we’re seeing that process today. I hope to heaven that that is the case.

    And since Senator Banks mentioned it, I took the liberty of bringing it to the attention and to the record.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Nominee Elbridge Colby

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today chaired a hearing reviewing the nomination of Mr. Elbridge A. Colby to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy at the Department of Defense.

    In his opening statement, Chairman Wicker raised the need for a program of rapid reform at the Pentagon to improve deterrence against the complex threat environment posted by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Chairman Wicker noted that Mr. Colby shares a common understanding of the dangerous security situation in the Western Pacific. Wicker also commended Colby’s exhortations to improve the defense industrial base.

    In examining Colby’s previous writings, however, Chairman Wicker noted the importance of remaining active in multiple theaters where threats against American national security have manifested, and asked Colby to offer his grand strategic vision for the U.S. in years ahead. Chairman Wicker also asked Colby to comment on his major reports to rebuild the military and reform the Pentagon as well, which Colby offered strong concurrence with.

    “Senator…I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing [your Peace Through Strength plan], and I think we’re keying off exactly. And I am a big supporter of that kind of perspective: restoring American strength, industrial might, and getting our allies to do more, which seems to me is also the perspective of the president and the Secretary of Defense…part of that plan [for deterrence] is greater resources, like, Mr. Chairman, you have advocated for,” Colby said. “I commit to advocating for the higher defense levels that I think are consistent with what our security dictates.”

    Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered below.

    The hearing will come to order.

    Thank you all for being here this morning. The committee meets to consider the nomination of Mr. Elbridge Colby to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

    I want to thank Mr. Colby for his willingness to serve again. I want to thank his wife, Susanna, and their children for being here today. It also says a lot that Mr. Colby will be introduced today by two distinguished friends: Vice President JD Vance and Senator Banks.

    We are informed that the vice president is in traffic, and so after consulting to my right and left, we will proceed again because there are time constraints. And when the vice president arrives – I think he’ll be arriving just in time, so proceeding on.

    If confirmed, Mr. Colby would oversee the developments of policy and strategy for the Department of Defense. He would assume these responsibilities during the most dangerous security environment since World War II. The deepening military cooperation between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea represents a complex and far-reaching set of threats. These threats demand a generational investment to revitalize America’s military strength. They demand rapid Pentagon reform. And they demand a fresh look at strategies needed to achieve our national security objectives.

    The American people need to understand what is at stake. We should help the country appreciate the risks imposed to our way of life. Beijing is leading an emerging alliance of countries with one clear objective: to use their economic and military power to tear down the United States and impose their will on global affairs. The new Axis of Aggressors is a greater menace than we have faced in decades.

    Under Xi Jinping’s leadership the Chinese Communist Party has undertaken one of the largest and most aggressive military buildups in history. Their speed has been astounding. In just a few short years, China has built more nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles than the U.S. has in decades. They have tested orbital bombardment weapons and unveiled what may be the world’s first sixth-generation fighter aircraft. China possesses a ship building capacity over 230 times that of the United States – over 230 times. That’s almost inconceivable.

    Over three years ago, Vladimir Putin launched the first invasion of a European country since World War II. He has barraged the Ukrainian people with constant missile and drone attacks. The Kremlin has developed a variety of new weapons capabilities, including nuclear-armed satellites. Meanwhile Russia actively provides enriched uranium to China to support Beijing’s nuclear buildup. Putin has also been suspected of aiding North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

    Moving on to North Korea, nuclear arsenal there continues to advance unchecked. Kim Jong-Un has been aiding Russia’s war machine as it terrorizes Europe. Pyongyang’s missiles could soon be capable of overwhelming our defenses – North Korea’s – especially if reports of Russian assistance are accurate.

    In the Middle East, Israel has successfully crippled Iran’s proxies in the region, but these setbacks may spur Tehran to take the final step: to build a nuclear weapon, permanently altering the balance of power in that region.

    Few really understand how this axis of aggressors is working to make Americans less safe. If confirmed, I hope Mr. Colby can help Secretary Hegseth as he makes sure the public sees these threats for what they are.

    During Secretary Hegseth’s hearing, I spoke about the importance of building a motivated and highly competent team of professionals at the Pentagon. In this regard Mr. Colby is certainly qualified for the role to which President Trump has nominated him.

    For more than two decades, he has worked on defense policy. Mr. Colby previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary Defense for Strategy and Force Development. In that role, Mr. Colby played a pivotal role in the formulation of the 2018 National Defense Strategy – the first real strategy in years. His leadership was crucial in helping the United States articulate the need for a new defense posture, one focused on strategic competition with China and Russia, and the overdue modernization of our military.

    Mr. Colby and I have been ringing the same bell on military unpreparedness for years, particularly as it relates to China. This committee would echo exhortations on defense policy in the Western Pacific. We should make Taiwan a porcupine and Taipei is sprinting in that direction. We should build a larger US military footprint in East Asia, and we should accelerate the most important weapons programs to deter China.

    President Trump has made it clear that he intends to rebuild the military and reform the Pentagon. He campaigned on peace through strength. We all want to keep America safe and prosperous. To secure that peace, we will enable a Golden Age for America, but we do not now have the strength that can guarantee us the peace.

    Given the threat environment facing us, I strongly believe that we cannot simply pivot our attention and resources from one threat to another. That is an approach the Obama administration tried, and it did fail. We must be focused and strategic, but we need to be clear Beijing sees its fight against America as a global fight.

    Beijing is not pivoting between theaters or among theaters. Significant American withdrawal in Europe, Africa, South America, or the Middle East will allow the Chinese Communist Party to overcome us strategically, even if we are able to prevent military conflict in East Asia in the near term.

    In the past few weeks, President Trump has killed five top Al-Qaeda and ISIS terrorists. Good for him. He’s green lit more aggressive campaigning against the Houthis, and promised to support Israel to the hilt. All these policies are in line with the president’s desire for lasting peace and prosperity in the United States, and Mr. Colby, I’m sure that is your desire too.

    Now, Mr. Colby, your views on each theater have seemingly evolved since 2018, and I’m sure there’ll be discussions about that which are worth exploring. It goes without saying that the elephant in this hearing room today is the recent developments with regard to Ukraine and Russia and this administration.

    I was disappointed and dismayed as I watched the televised meeting involving the President of the United States and President Zelenskyy. And I was distressed that the White House meeting ended without the signing of the minerals agreement, which was there to be signed, as I understand it.

    This was followed by a television appearance by President Zelenskyy, and then a visit to some of our friends in Europe, where there’s much concern about the failure of that agreement to be signed.

    It was also followed that weekend by Mr. Putin’s continued barrage of attacking apartments, civilian targets, and other areas in Ukraine. Not a good weekend for peace in Ukraine or world peace.

    The president is trying to get a peace deal in Ukraine, and I certainly hope we’ll be able to get this back on the rails. I would like to hear your views on the potential there. Your views on President Trump’s crystal-clear Iran policy seem to have hardened considerably, yet your views on Taiwan’s importance to the United States seems to have softened considerably. I hope we can clarify those views today. And your views on the relevance of nuclear weapons in the next decade remain unclear to me. I would appreciate your comments on each of those issues.

    Mr. Colby, you’ve spoken frequently to audiences who are skeptical of the idea that U.S, peace and prosperity require us to wield U.S. power abroad. I’m grateful that you have led those discussions that U.S. foreign policy professionals do not like having. I expect your points on the limits of U.S. power remain nuanced, and complimentary to the president’s peace through strength agenda. And it will be crystal clear that you will speak for the president in this regard.

    If you’re focused on finding innovative ways to blend America’s comparative advantages in this global fight against Chinese Communists, then I strongly believe you will be a boon to the president and to the United States of America. I’d like to hear your strategic vision for the next four years. I’d like to hear your comments on the plans I have released for rebuilding and reforming the military. In confirming Secretary Hegseth, we charged him with focusing on four guiding principles as he assumed office: lethality, efficiency, speed, and accountability. I also appreciate the ease of access that he and I have had in conversations with each other since his confirmation.

    As Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, I’d like to know how you plan to execute in these four areas to support President Trump’s peace through strength agenda. So, thank you very much for being here, we look forward to your testimony, and I now recognize Ranking Member Reed for his opening remarks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Growing Trump-Putin detente could spell trouble for the Arctic

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Duncan Depledge, Senior Lecturer in Geopolitics and Security, Loughborough University

    vitstudio/Shutterstock

    During a wide-ranging 90-minute speech to the US congress of March 4, Donald Trump revisited his determination to “get” Greenland “one way or the other”. Trump said his country needed Greenland “for national security”. While he said he and his government “strongly support your right to determine your own future” he added that “if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America”.

    Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland and its considerable mineral wealth are just one of a raft of issues in the first six weeks of his second term that have plunged European global politics into disarray.

    As the White House ramps up the pressure on Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to allow the US access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth, the US president is also talking about “cutting a deal” with Russian president Vladimir Putin. That deal would not only mean territorial losses for Kyiv, but would prepare the ground for a potentially far-reaching economic partnership between the White House and the Kremlin.

    Currently, Trump and Putin are primarily focused on Ukrainian territory and mineral assets. But discussions have also begun on where else “deals” might be made, including in the Arctic.

    A carve up of the Arctic is an attractive proposition for the two countries given the importance both leaders attach to mineral resource wealth. As in the case of Ukraine, such an approach would reflect Trump’s predisposition for transactional geopolitics at the expense of multilateral approaches.

    In the Arctic, any deal would effectively end the principle of “circumpolar cooperation”. This has, since the end of the cold war, upheld the regional primacy of the eight Arctic states (A8) that have cooperated to solve common challenges.

    Since the Arctic Council was established in 1996, the A8 has worked on issues of environmental protection, sustainable development, human security and scientific collaboration. That harmony has been crucial in an era in which climate change is causing the rapid melting of Arctic ice.

    Notably, the Arctic Council played an instrumental role in negotiating several legally binding treaties. These include agreements on search and rescue (2011), marine oil pollution preparedness (2013) and scientific cooperation (2017). It also supported the Central Arctic Ocean fisheries agreement (CAO) signed in 2018 by the Arctic Ocean states with Iceland, the EU, China, Japan and South Korea.

    The Arctic Council – and more broadly, circumpolar cooperation – withstood the geopolitical aftershocks of Russia’s seizure of Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine between 2014 and 2015. But Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine left trust teetering on the precipice.

    Within a month, European and North American members had pressed pause on regular meetings of the Arctic Council and its scientific working groups, isolating Moscow. Some activity eventually resumed at the working group level in virtual formats, but full engagement with Russia has remained conditional on a military withdrawal from Ukraine. Meanwhile, hefty sanctions were imposed by the US and Europe, including targeting Russian Arctic energy projects.

    Russia’s response was to enhance its relationships with others. Countries such as Brazil, India, Turkey and Saudi Arabia now work with Russia in the Arctic on commercial and scientific projects. This pivot raised concerns among Nato allies about a stronger and challenging Russia-China presence across the Arctic. But the second Trump administration has changed the calculus. There’s now the threat of a new Arctic order based on the primacy – not of the A8 – but on a reset of US-Russia relations.

    Change of focus

    Trump’s signing of an executive order on February 4 to determine whether to withdraw support from international institutions may lead the White House to conclude there is no place for the Arctic Council. Its longstanding focus on climate change and environmental protection is anathema to the Trump administration, which has already withdrawn from the Paris agreement and is destroying domestic climate-related science programmes.

    Climate change is bringing increased competition for access to valuable resources.
    Peter Hermes Furian/Shutterstock

    The longstanding commitment of the A8 to circumpolar cooperation, or even a narrow A5 (Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia and the US) view of the primacy of the Arctic Ocean coastal states, is likely to be dismissed by the White House, which favours the embrace of great power politics. While many have warned that the Arctic Council can’t survive without Russia, losing US interest and support would surely be its death knell.

    In this landscape of “America first”, the prospect of Washington and Moscow dividing the Arctic and its resources seems increasingly realistic. In such a situation, the international treaties signed by the A8, and the CAO may also be at risk. Denmark may find itself excluded altogether from Arctic affairs if Trump gets his way over Greenland. At any rate, all the Nordic Arctic states are likely to struggle to make their voices in the region heard.

    A key question for European Nato and EU members is whether Trump would worry about Russian dominance in the European Arctic if it brought US-Russia economic cooperation to extract the region’s wealth? Might Trump even be supportive of Russian attempts to revisit the terms of the 1920 Spitsbergen Treaty, which ultimately gave Norway sovereignty over the Arctic archipelago (albeit with some limitations), if that too meant jointly unlocking Svalbard’s mineral resources let alone the wealth of the Arctic seabed?

    What room, if any, would a deal leave for Indigenous people to be heard, or for international scientific collaboration on critical challenges related to climate and biodiversity?

    If we have learned anything in the tumult of recent weeks, it is that European countries, individually and collectively, struggle to exercise strategic influence over contemporary geopolitical events. If Trump and Putin do begin negotiations over the Arctic, Europe may simply have to accept the end of the Arctic Council and circumpolar cooperation.

    Climate science, environmental protection, sustainable development and the ability of Indigenous people to decide their future would all suffer. The UK and Europe meanwhile will be left to consider what, if anything, can be done to defend Arctic interests.

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

    – ref. Growing Trump-Putin detente could spell trouble for the Arctic – https://theconversation.com/growing-trump-putin-detente-could-spell-trouble-for-the-arctic-251386

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump’s Dismantling of USAID is Anarchy Masquerading as Efficiency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    Nothing about Donald Trump’s hasty and illegal attempted dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—and with it, the decapitation of American power—is remotely efficient. Just this week, USAID’s now-former Inspector General found that there is currently half a billion dollars’ worth of American-grown food stranded at ports and warehouses across the country, on the verge of spoiling. That’s corn and rice and lentils and soybeans, grown in Iowa and Kansas and Texas and Oklahoma, that would have otherwise fed children in a school in Bangladesh or famished refugees at a camp in war-torn Sudan. (The Inspector General was subsequently fired for disclosing this information.)
    Similarly, there’s no efficiency being achieved by obstructing one of the most successful global health programs in history—the President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief—which has saved 26 million lives over the past two decades. PEPFAR currently provides HIV treatment to over 20 million people around the world, meaning every day aid isn’t flowing inches us closer to the very outbreaks we’ve worked so hard to prevent.
    Whether it’s delivering clean water to communities across Africa; or promoting economic development through education in Mali and small business support in El Salvador; or providing life-saving care in Thailand and Syria; or fighting human trafficking in Nepal and Liberia, thousands of USAID workers and contractors make miracles big and small happen every day.
    But USAID succeeds as more than just a moral matter. Each year, it pours billions of dollars back into the U.S. economy, supporting farmers and businesses that provide food and other supplies. It also helps fight terrorist groups and drug cartels that endanger Americans, while deepening American values and interests in every corner of the globe. But perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of USAID’s work is its singular ability to forge relationships with unlikely partners which help combat the harmful influence of adversaries like China and Russia.
    It’s no surprise, then, that Beijing and Moscow are now cheering on our sudden retreat. They’re not wasting any time filling the void, either. Within days of USAID’s closure, China sent aid and dispatched workers to take on projects we’ve abandoned in the Indo Pacific and Africa. Intended or not, that will be the enduring consequence of this episode of chaos: an emboldened China, all-too-eager to exploit American isolation to grow its own power and influence.
    Like any organization, USAID is not perfect. There are inefficiencies and redundancies, and evolving challenges and emerging technologies present opportunities for improvement. It’s also entirely legitimate to question whether U.S. funding is aligned with our current priorities and interests and seek to adjust it as needed within the four corners of the law. Doing that is one of Congress’ most fundamental responsibilities—and something I was eager to work on when I became the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing foreign aid last month.
    But the abrupt and total shutdown of USAID—in defiance of multiple federal laws through which it was codified and funded—reveals a simple truth: The Department of Government Efficiency is not actually about achieving efficiency. Rather, it’s about Trump trying to wish away whichever parts of the government he doesn’t like. Were a purge of this nature to happen in a country halfway around the world, we would rightly call it an authoritarian takeover. The fact that it’s happening at our own doorstep doesn’t change that.
    Much of what DOGE claims to have newly unearthed are either outright lies or were already publicly available for all to see. Worse, there’s no telling what funding they deem unnecessary—except for vague, baseless descriptions like “woke” and “radical” and “criminal.”
    The way to make reforms is through the lawmaking process—not the lawbreaking process. If you believe that a program needs to be narrowed in scope, reformed a great deal, or even eliminated altogether, the way to do that is by proposing a law—not by rampaging the federal government and stripping it for parts. Our government with three separate but co-equal branches exists precisely to prevent this kind of anarchy operating under a thin veneer of fiscal responsibility and shrewd cost-cutting.
    Moving fast and breaking things may be an acceptable way to conduct business at a tech company. But a break now, fix later strategy doesn’t work when you’re the leader of the free world. What’s on the line is not advertising revenue and the user experience, but lives and livelihoods. Hundreds of millions of them, in fact. People will die, diseases will spread, and famine will grow. Trump is trying to hoodwink Americans into thinking the only way to achieve efficiency is by exacting maximum chaos and cruelty. It’s a false choice and we must reject it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Trump’s plan to cut national debt by selling ‘gold card’ visas for US$5 million each won’t work

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amalendu Misra, Professor of International Politics, Lancaster University

    The US president, Donald Trump, is set to introduce a “gold card” visa that would allow wealthy foreigners to buy permanent US residency – and a path to citizenship – for US$5 million (£3.9 million).

    Speaking at the Oval Office on February 25, Trump said: “I think it’s going to be very treasured. I think it’s going to do very well. And we’re going to start selling, hopefully, in about two weeks.”

    US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick has touted the plan as a way to raise revenue to bring down US national debt, which currently stands at over US$36 trillion. As Trump put it when answering questions from reporters at the White House: “We’ll be able to sell maybe a million of these cards, maybe more than that. And if you add up the numbers, they’re pretty good. As an example, a million cards would be worth US$5 trillion.”

    Trump has also suggested that the gold-card holders can help stimulate the US economy. “They’ll be wealthy, and they’ll be successful, and they’ll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes,” he said. When asked whether Russian oligarchs would qualify for the visa, Trump responded: “Hey, I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people. It’s possible.”

    The idea that wealthy foreigners can address a nation’s faltering economy is not new. Trump’s gold visas will themselves replace the current EB-5 immigrant investor visa, which offers permanent US residency in return for job-creating investments of at least US$1 million.

    In the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, various European nations also floated similar golden visa schemes as a means of reversing their economic downturns. The visas offered by Spain, Greece, Hungary and Portugal, for example, all cost significantly less than Trump’s proposed scheme.

    A Spanish gold visa, which will no longer be available from April 2025, is granted in return for €500,000 (£417,000) in real estate investment. The required investment in Greece and Hungary is €250,000. And people looking to obtain a gold visa in Portugal have two options: a €250,000 donation to the restoration of national heritage, or a €500,000 property investment.

    There is little data to support the argument that such policies boost the national coffers. Some experts have suggested that golden visa schemes typically bring in no more than 0.3% of GDP in revenue. So, it’s no surprise that there is plenty of scepticism around whether Trump’s gold card scheme can reduce US national debt.

    Critics of the plan argue that the scheme will not add trillions of US dollars to the economy, as Trump has claimed. This is because demand for any such programme is likely to be limited to thousands of people.

    In a recent poll conducted by Forbes, 18 billionaires were asked if they would like to take advantage of an American gold card visa. Most of them (13) said they would not be interested. Many of the ultra-rich foreigners interviewed simply did not think they needed American citizenship and don’t want it.

    “If you’re a billionaire, you don’t need it,” said one Canadian billionaire. “I don’t have to come to the United States to invest in the United States.”

    Marginal benefits

    The global rich are unlikely to be queuing up for Trump’s gold cards. At about US$5 million per application, it is “the most expensive” golden visa option in the world. Any potential buyer will carry out cost-benefit analysis prior to committing to such a deal.

    Two reasons a wealthy person might invest in a second or third passport are to ensure greater mobility and protect their wealth.

    US tax laws have traditionally reduced the attractiveness of American residency or citizenship for the global rich. American citizens and residents are required to pay income tax on their US earnings as well as any income they earn overseas.

    Trump has said that gold-card holders would not be subject to taxes on their overseas income. This tax loophole could open the door to more wealthy foreigners looking to protect their wealth. However, many details about the scheme remain unclear.

    Notwithstanding this, golden visas in many other nations provide better opportunities than those offered by a Trump gold card. In terms of mobility, the US passport ranks eighth on an index of 198 different passports. American passport holders can travel to 171 countries without needing a visa.

    Spain ranks second, with a Spanish passport allowing access to 177 countries without a visa. And Portugal, Greece and a host of other European nations follow closely behind, with their passports allowing visa-free travel to 176 countries.

    The most powerful passport in the world is offered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), allowing access to 179 countries visa-free. The UAE government introduced a golden visa in 2019, offering long-term residence in exchange for roughly US$550,000 of investment.

    The US passport is ranked eight in the world by the 2025 Passport Index.
    KieferPix / Shutterstock

    An American passport also has its own inherent limitations and hazards. A US-born colleague of mine who acquired Irish citizenship through lineage has never used his American passport while out of the country.

    He believed that in a crisis situation, such as being taken hostage, a US citizen was far more vulnerable and exposed to danger than a non-American counterpart. In his opinion, people were far more prejudiced and hostile towards a US citizen than those belonging to other nations.

    The return on investment of a Trump gold card remains unpredictable. The asking price is extremely high and the benefits it promises buyers are – at best – marginal. The offer comes with enough holes to sink a ship.

    Amalendu Misra is a recipient of British Academy and Nuffield Foundation fellowships.

    – ref. Why Trump’s plan to cut national debt by selling ‘gold card’ visas for US$5 million each won’t work – https://theconversation.com/why-trumps-plan-to-cut-national-debt-by-selling-gold-card-visas-for-us-5-million-each-wont-work-251183

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vladimir Stroyev took part in an expert discussion on the topic of Russia’s technological sovereignty

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On March 5, 2025, within the framework of the Exhibition and Forum of Educational Technologies, Infrastructure and Intellectual Solutions MMCO.EXPO-2025, an expert discussion “Rectors’ Club” was held, in which the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroev took part.

    The conversation focused on the transformation of the university in the context of adjustments to the higher education system in Russia: the topic of technological sovereignty, the Priority 2030 and Advanced Engineering School projects, and the international track of cooperation. The issue of forming a personnel reserve for rectors in the context of the realities of interdepartmental tasks that university leaders solve was also raised.

    Together with Vladimir Stroev, the discussion was attended by the rector of the Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N. I. Lobachevsky Oleg Trofimov, the rector of the National Research University MPEI Nikolay Rogalev, the rector of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation Stanislav Prokofiev, the rector of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI Vladimir Shevchenko and other heads of universities.

    The speakers said that a large flow of talented young people is flocking to the capital and the largest cities, leaving their native regions. This problem can be solved by developing high-quality distance education. It was also noted that currently there is no need for specialists with a wide profile; it is necessary to concentrate on training professionals in the industries.

    In his speech, the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev noted the importance of education for industry leaders, which instills in them confidence in the successful results of their work, which in turn protects them from stagnation in their positions. Vladimir Vitalyevich also drew the attention of his colleagues to the need to promote domestic technologies on the world market, export and import of education and intensive training of personnel.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/05/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: GAD’s interest rate advice for the Ukraine loan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    News story

    GAD’s interest rate advice for the Ukraine loan

    GAD advised HM Treasury on the interest rate to be charged on the UK’s £2.26 billion loan to Ukraine.

    Credit: Max Kukurudziak, Unsplash

    We analysed and advised HM Treasury on the options around setting an interest rate on UK’s loan to Ukraine.

    The Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukraine’s Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko signed the UK-Ukraine Bilateral agreement at the beginning of March, witnessed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy at a ceremony in Downing Street.

    GAD assessed financial considerations for setting an interest rate on the loan of £2.26 billion to Ukraine. It will be paid back using the extraordinary profits generated on sanctioned Russian sovereign assets held in the EU.

    This is the UK’s contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme, through which G7 countries will collectively provide $50 billion to support Ukraine.

    Repaying the loan

    The loan is novel in that its repayments will be drawn from a future income stream derived from the profits on immobilised Russian sovereign assets. This means that careful consideration of the potential income stream of these assets had to be considered in our calculations.

    Our analysis and supporting assumptions formed the basis of our advice to HM Treasury around the level and structure of the interest rate on the loan.  

    Credit: iStock Photo

    UK commitment

    Deputy Government Actuary Matt Gurden said: “The work we undertook to advise on the interest rate played a key part in ensuring the suitability of the UK government’s loan contribution to Ukraine.”

    The funding will be delivered in 3 equal annual payments of £752m. The announcement of the loan agreement is on top of the £3 billion a year commitment by the UK to provide military aid for Ukraine.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: French nuclear deterrence for Europe: how effective could it be against Russia?

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Benoît Grémare, Chercheur associé à l’Institut d’Etudes de Stratégie et de Défense, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3

    In February 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron said it was time to reflect on the European dimension of French nuclear deterrence. He proposed a strategic dialogue as well as joint nuclear exercises between European partners. Five years later, Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, responded to this call, advocating an extension of the French nuclear umbrella to Germany – while a US led by President Donald Trump no longer appears to be a reliable partner for protecting Europe.

    But does France have the capacity to defend Europe? Would the deployment of the French nuclear umbrella in Eastern Europe make Europe strategically autonomous, giving it the means to defend itself independently?

    French nuclear deterrence against the Russian threat

    France originally developed its nuclear arsenal in response to the threat of Soviet invasion and to avoid any dependence on the US. According to a stable doctrine that political leaders regularly reaffirmed, the state [would use] its strategic arsenal by air and submarine in the event of an attack against its vital interests.

    But the fact remains that without US support, the balance of power appears largely unfavourable to France, which has a total of 290 nuclear warheads compared to at least 1,600 deployed warheads and nearly 2,800 stockpiled warheads on the Russian side.

    Certainly, the explosive power of thermonuclear warheads, combined with the range of the French M51 strategic sea-to-land ballistic missile, would make it possible to destroy the main Russian cities, including Moscow.

    However, the Russians would only need “200 seconds to atomise Paris”, according to an estimate given on Russian television about “Satan II” thermonuclear missiles.

    These scenarios recall the spectre of adversaries destroying enemy cities in a piecemeal atomic exchange, in which Russia could rely on its vastness to win through attrition. This potential for reciprocity must be kept in mind amid the mutual bet of nuclear deterrence.

    To boost the impact of French nuclear deterrence, a partnership could be envisaged with the United Kingdom. A nuclear power since 1952, London now only has ballistic missiles launched by submarine and has decided, since Brexit, to increase its arsenal to 260 warheads. But although they share common interests, these two European nuclear powers are not equivalent.

    Unlike the UK, which is a member of NATO’s nuclear planning group and whose warheads are designed in the US, France produces its weapons on its own territory and is not subject to any NATO obligations. This gives Paris a great deal of leeway in defining its doctrine. France can also speak on behalf of the European Union, of which it has been a part since its creation.

    French nuclear power: an alternative to US deterrence

    France officially became an atomic power in 1960 by relying on its own resources, with US support fluctuating according to events. The emergence of an independent French strategic force long annoyed Washington, which sought to restrict it by means of international accords such as the 1963 treaty limiting atmospheric nuclear tests and the 1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty. Since 1974, the French nuclear force has officially had a specific dissuasive role within NATO, contributing to the overall security of the transatlantic alliance by complicating the calculations of potential adversaries.

    Almost 60 years ago, US president Lyndon Johnson reinforced doubts about the White House’s determination to fully commit to the defence of Europe. Today, Trump’s desire to end US support for Ukraine confirms these suspicions. Consequently, increasingly insistent voices are calling for the acceptance of a French nuclear force that would extend to the European level.

    A French nuclear umbrella in Eastern Europe

    Merz’s call for the French nuclear umbrella to extend to Germany aligns with Paris’s proposal to establish a dialogue involving Europeans in a common approach. As France’s defence minister has pointed out, the precise definition of vital interest is up to its president. However, the use of nuclear weapons to protect Europe requires a strategic discussion to define the power to be acquired, the interests to be defended and the method of nuclear fire command.

    Moving toward a Europeanisation of nuclear force means increasing deterrent capabilities and, therefore, expanding the French arsenal so it can respond to threats affecting all 27 EU member states. This would require the creation of additional stocks of fissile material and the reactivation of production plants in Pierrelatte and Marcoule, which were dismantled in the late 1990s.

    Dogma about what constitutes a sufficient arsenal must also be questioned. If 290 nuclear warheads represent the value that France places on defending its existence, this price seems to neglect the scale of the European continent, and logic confirms it: continent-sized nuclear powers such as the US and Russia – and soon, China – are deploying an arsenal of around 1,000 thermonuclear warheads.

    Ramping up power would take time and require a budgetary effort to increase the number of missiles and carrier aircraft. In addition to the construction of new infrastructure in European partner countries, the cost could exceed €10 billion per year, not including indirect costs related to maintenance and logistics. This is a lot to take into account, especially since the political and strategic offer of extended nuclear protection evolves according to circumstances.

    Until now, Germany preferred that France assume a role that was simply complementary to the extended deterrence of the US, but Washington’s threatened abandonment of Ukraine increases the Russian threat. As Macron has indicated, France could respond by proposing the pre-positioning of its nuclear forces in Eastern European countries with the idea of eventually replacing the US.

    This French nuclear umbrella would give concrete form to European strategic autonomy through the deployment of nuclear-capable combat aircraft, a sign of European political solidarity that would make Moscow’s calculations more difficult.

    The visible presence of these aircraft in Eastern Europe could prevent Russia from attacking countries in the region with conventional means, as such an attack could provoke a French nuclear response on behalf of Europe.

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

    – ref. French nuclear deterrence for Europe: how effective could it be against Russia? – https://theconversation.com/french-nuclear-deterrence-for-europe-how-effective-could-it-be-against-russia-251512

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: There will be no let-up in the UK’s support to Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    There will be no let-up in the UK’s support to Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE

    The UK sets out plan agreed with leaders in London on 2 March to work with Ukraine and the United States on a strong, just and durable peace.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.  On Sunday 2 March, the UK hosted in London leaders from various European countries and Canada, the NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the EU Commission and the EU Council to discuss our support for Ukraine.

    Together we reaffirmed our determination to work for a permanent peace in Ukraine, in partnership with the United States.

    The UK Prime Minister made clear that we must not repeat the mistakes of the past when weak deals allowed President Putin to invade again.  The UK, France and our international partners will work closely with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting.  And we will work directly with the United States on a strong, just and lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

    The plan agreed with leaders in London has four clear principles.

    First, we must keep military aid flowing and keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia.  To that end, we are doubling down on military aid.  At the weekend the UK agreed a new £2.2 billion loan for Ukraine, backed by profits from frozen Russian assets.

    Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security – and that Ukraine must be at the table when negotiating their future.

    Third, in the event of a peace deal, we would continue boosting Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities to deter any future invasion.

    And lastly, we will develop a “coalition of the willing” to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace. Those willing to contribute will intensify planning now.

    Mr Chair, Ukraine has been clear that it wants to reach a durable peace as soon as possible. This can happen only if we continue to show strength and provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself against continued Russian aggression. There will be no let-up in the UK’s support, which we will continue for as long as it is necessary.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 March 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: India expands UK footprint as £41 billion partnership boosts countries’ growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    India expands UK footprint as £41 billion partnership boosts countries’ growth

    Britain and India bolster trade ties during Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar’s visit to UK.

    • Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar visits UK to boost £41 billion trading relationship  
    • UK welcomes the opening of 2 new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester  
    • move set to enhance economic growth and support further regional Indian investments in the UK delivering on the government’s Plan for Change   

    The UK-India partnership will strengthen further with the opening of 2 new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester, boosting regional economic ties and delivering on the growth agenda.  

    It comes as the UK welcomes Indian investment deals worth more than £100 million which is creating jobs, strengthening growth, and helping working people by putting more money in their pockets.   

    Before opening the consulates, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar will meet with Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House.   

    At Chevening, the foreign ministers will drive forward the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This will focus on fostering mutual economic growth, technological innovation, and collaboration on global challenges including climate change. They will also discuss Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the Middle East and other global affairs.  

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:   

    One of my first visits as Foreign Secretary was to India because deepening our partnership for our shared growth and security is a key part of this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Dr Jaishankar and I are supercharging our £41 billion trading relationship with India, after trade talks were relaunched in Delhi. It is the floor, not the ceiling of our ambitions that will benefit both our economies.  

    The opening of new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester demonstrate the growing links between our peoples and how we are working together to deliver growth not only in London, but right across the UK. This expansion of India’s diplomatic presence will further boost our trading relationship and support the valued Indian community in the UK.

    Ministers are also set to discuss the Technology Security Initiative, launched during the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Delhi in July 2024. They will touch on the opportunities for citizens in both countries that will come from closer collaboration in sectors such as artificial intelligence, telecoms and critical minerals. Opportunities include more effective and affordable healthcare and more resilient supply chains, as well as greater innovation, investment and job creation.  

    And the visit will highlight the living bridge between the UK and India, including a special reception with Chevening scholars at Chevening House, celebrating India’s position as home to the world’s largest Chevening programme.  

    Background  

    • Chevening is the UK government’s flagship international scholarships and fellowships programme. It offers fully funded scholarships (including tuition, travel and living expenses) for a one-year postgraduate course in the UK
    • it also offers short term fellowships to mid-career professionals in cyber security, science and innovation, journalism, and leadership and excellence
    • it is mandatory for scholars and fellows to return to their home country upon completion of their course
    • the Chevening programme in India is the largest in the world, benefiting over 3,900 scholars and fellows since 1983. Over 40% of Chevening scholars in India come from outside metro cities, are first generation learners, and belong to lesser privileged groups

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Phillips 66 Issues Letter to Shareholders

    Source: Phillips

    Confirms Elliott Investment Management’s Nomination of Director Candidates

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) (the “Company”) today issued the following letter to its shareholders. The Company values shareholder feedback and is fully committed to continuing open engagement with all shareholders. This has been consistently demonstrated and expressed over the course of nearly two dozen meetings with Elliott Investment Management (“Elliott”) since October 2023, including the most recent meeting on March 3, 2025.
    The Company also confirmed Elliott has nominated seven directors for election to Phillips 66’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) at the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting. As the Company disclosed on February 19, the Board will present its recommendation regarding the director nominations with its definitive proxy statement to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and made available to all shareholders eligible to vote at the 2025 Annual Meeting.
    Following the proper procedures and in accordance with the Company’s By-Laws, the Board intends to put forward another management proposal to declassify the Board at our 2025 Annual Meeting and notes that it has done so five times since its 2015 Annual Meeting.
    Fellow Shareholders:
    At Phillips 66, we are committed to maximizing value for our shareholders through operational excellence and disciplined capital allocation.
    We have a strong track record since our formation in 2012. We have built out a large-scale, competitive, high return Midstream platform, enhanced our chemicals position through Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (CPChem) and have made sustainable improvement to refining operations. These actions have positioned Phillips 66 as the leading energy business it is today.
    Moreover, these actions have delivered substantial value for our shareholders. This includes total shareholder returns of 474%1 and returning $43 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Most importantly, we have done all this while sustaining industry-leading safety performance.
    We Have Made Significant Progress on our Strategic Priorities
    Phillips 66 has taken substantial action to deliver on our objectives that we laid out in 2022, and further enhanced in 2023. Our actions have led to significant progress and achievements, enhancing shareholder returns and operational efficiency. We are a business that will always act decisively when we can realize sustainable long-term growth to the benefit of our shareholders and all stakeholders.
    Delivering strong total shareholder returns of 65%2since Mark Lashier became President and CEO of Phillips 66 on July 1, 2022, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Energy Index (33%2) and our proxy peer group median (22%2)
    Returning significant capital to shareholders with $13.6 billion in share repurchases and dividends from July 2022 through year-end 2024, exceeding our shareholder distribution target
    Reducing refining costs by $1 per barrelsince 2022 and committing to continued improvement
    Maximizing value from our wellhead-to-market strategyby capturing $500 million of run rate synergies from our DCP Midstream acquisition (above our initial target of $300 million) and increasing our Midstream segment’s adjusted EBITDA by $1.5 billion since 2022
    Maintaining our financial resiliencewith strong investment grade credit ratings (A3 / BBB+), engaging in a business optimization that has resulted in over $3 billion in non-core asset divestitures to date and capturing significant cost reductions since 2022 totaling $1.2 billion on a run-rate basis
    Earning industry recognition for our exemplary safety performancein Midstream, Refining and Chemicals in 2022 and 2023
    We Continue to Strengthen Our Business and Our Board
    Below is an update on a number of our key strategic objectives and the actions underway:
    Optimizing Our Business We have demonstrated a commitment to evolving the business over time. We continue to high-grade our assets and capitalize on our growth platform to generate strong returns and significant free cash flow. We have simplified our business with over $3 billion in divestitures in the past year and returned over $5 billion to shareholders through a combination of share repurchases and dividends. We anticipate that our integrated NGL value chain growth strategy will be significantly strengthened with the pending EPIC acquisition.
    Maintaining a Culture of Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence and Cost Discipline Our culture of continuous improvement demands, and will continue to demand, that we consistently and rigorously evaluate opportunities to optimize our cost structure and operational efficiency to maximize value for shareholders. While we have successfully reduced refining costs per barrel since 2022, as noted above, we recognize that we have more work to do in operations and costs. We are prioritizing our most competitive refineries and continuing to identify and execute cost-savings opportunities. Recently, we announced that we would cease operations at our Los Angeles Refinery in the fourth quarter of 2025, which will allow us to further high-grade our business. We continue to evaluate additional opportunities for efficiency enhancements.
    Returning Cash to Our Shareholders As previously outlined, our 2025–2027 strategic targets include returning over 50% of net operating cash flow to shareholders while driving strong operational performance, implementing further cost reductions and continuing our focus on disciplined capital allocation.
    Ensuring Strong Corporate Governance and Board Oversight We recognize the importance of strong corporate governance and have taken proactive steps to ensure that our Board remains aligned with shareholder interests and is best positioned to oversee the Company’s strategy. Over the past four years, we have welcomed five new independent directors to the Board, including two in 2024. Bob Pease, a director we identified in partnership with Elliott Investment Management (“Elliott”), brings extensive experience in refining and the energy industry broadly. Grace Puma, our most recent addition to the Board, brings strong supply chain experience. Additionally, as we have many times before in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2023, we will be seeking shareholder approval of a management proposal to declassify the Board at our 2025 Annual Meeting. Our Board is committed to an evolution that will be responsive to shareholders and beneficial to the business for the long-term.
    We are Listening to Our Shareholders
    We regularly engage with our shareholders through our cross-functional shareholder engagement program to obtain feedback and respond to investor input. In 2024, we engaged with shareholders representing over 60% of our outstanding shares and we will continue to build on that momentum in 2025. It was in this spirit that we first engaged with Elliott in October 2023, to hear their ideas and work together collaboratively. Constructive discussions led to the realization of a common focus on our ambitious goals to maximize shareholder value. We continued constructive dialogue with Elliott throughout 2024, including adding Bob Pease to our Board in February 2024 with Elliott’s support.
    Despite several attempts to reach agreement on adding another director to Phillips 66’s Board, Elliott has chosen to forego constructive dialogue with us and launch their activist playbook. This included a series of attacks and proposals regarding the monetization of certain business units and, for the first time in our discussions, floating the idea of a separation.
    Nevertheless, we remain fully committed to constructive engagement and finding a path forward with Elliott that will benefit all shareholders.
    On Monday, March 3, our team travelled to New York and met with Elliott to express our continued commitment to finding a constructive path forward and offering to interview their director nominees. The meeting ended with Elliott representatives stating there were no immediate next steps. The next day, Elliott leaked their slate of director nominees to the media, issued a press release and filed a preliminary proxy statement. Our leadership team and Board stand ready to engage constructively when Elliott is ready despite these actions, which showed no genuine interest in engagement with Phillips 66.
    The Board continuously and aggressively evaluates the portfolio and other alternatives with a view to maximizing long-term shareholder value – and is willing to take decisive action to achieve this goal. As always, we seriously and comprehensively review shareholder feedback with a focus on creating long-term value.
    The Bottom Line
    Phillips 66 is dedicated to transparency, accountability, and sustainable value creation for shareholders.
    We have made substantial progress and realize there is more work to be done. We will continue to pursue opportunities that strengthen our position to the benefit of our shareholders. We look forward to your input and to provide further updates on our progress.
    Sincerely,
    Mark E. Lashier Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
    Glenn F. Tilton Lead Independent Director

    1 Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) from May 1, 2012 to March 4, 2025.

    2 Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) from June 30, 2022 to March 4, 2025.

    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
    Forward-Looking Statements
    This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to Phillips 66’s operations, strategy and performance. Words such as “anticipated,” “commitments,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: changes in governmental policies or laws that relate to our operations, including regulations that seek to limit or restrict refining, marketing and midstream operations or regulate profits, pricing, or taxation of our products or feedstocks, or other regulations that restrict feedstock imports or product exports; our ability to timely obtain or maintain permits necessary for projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum, renewable fuels and natural gas prices, and refining, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for renewable fuels; potential liability from pending or future litigation; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under existing or future environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs for constructing, modifying or operating our facilities; our ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that we have announced or may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting our products; the level and success of drilling and production volumes around our midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; lack of, or disruptions in, adequate and reliable transportation for our products; failure to complete construction of capital projects on time or within budget; our ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with laws; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets, which may also impact our ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends; potential disruption of our operations due to accidents, weather events, including as a result of climate change, acts of terrorism or cyberattacks; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including armed hostilities (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), expropriation of assets, and other diplomatic developments; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and property and equipment and/or strategic decisions with respect to our asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of environmental rules and regulations; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates); political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to our business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of equity affiliates we do not control; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Phillips 66’s businesses generally as set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
    Additional Information
    Phillips 66 plans to file a proxy statement and accompanying WHITE proxy card with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”) and its solicitation of proxies for Phillips 66’s director nominees and for other matters to be voted on. Phillips 66 may also file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding its solicitation of proxies for the 2025 Annual Meeting. PHILLIPS 66 SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (AND ANY AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT SOLICITATION MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders may obtain copies of the proxy statement, any amendments or supplements to the proxy statement and other documents (including the WHITE proxy card) as and when filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC without charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at Phillips 66’s investor relations website at https://investor.phillips66.com or upon written request sent to Phillips 66, 2331 CityWest Boulevard, Houston, TX 77042, Attention: Investor Relations.
    Certain Information Regarding Participants
    Phillips 66, its directors, certain of its executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in connection with the solicitation of proxies from Phillips 66 shareholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of such directors and executive officers and their respective interests in Phillips 66, by securities holdings or otherwise, is available in Phillips 66’s proxy statement for the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 3, 2024 (the “2024 Proxy Statement”), including in the sections captioned “Executive Compensation Program Overview,” “Director Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Compensation Tables” and “Beneficial Ownership of Phillips 66 Securities.” To the extent that Phillips 66’s directors and executive officers have acquired or disposed of securities holdings since the applicable “as of” date disclosed in the 2024 Proxy Statement, such transactions have been or will be reflected on Statements of Changes in Ownership of Securities on Form 4 or Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3 filed with the SEC, including: Form 4s filed by Gregory Hayes on April 2, 2024, May 2, 2024, June 4, 2024, July 2, 2024, August 2, 2024, September 4, 2024, October 2, 2024, November 4, 2024, December 4, 2024, January 3, 2025, January 17, 2025, February 4, 2025 and March 4, 2025 ; Form 4s filed by Richard G. Harbison on December 9, 2024, February 11, 2025 and February 13, 2025 ; Form 4s filed by Mark E. Lashier on April 2, 2024, May 16, 2024, December 9, 2024, February 11, 2025 and February 13, 2025 ; Form 4 filed by Glenn F. Tilton on January 17, 2025 ; Form 4s filed by Brian Mandell on December 9, 2024, February 11, 2025 and February 13, 2025 ; Form 4s filed by Kevin J. Mitchell on August 19, 2024, December 9, 2024, February 11, 2025 and February 13, 2025 ; Form 4s filed by Zhanna Golodryga on December 9, 2024, February 11, 2025 and February 13, 2025 ; Form 4 filed by Marna C. Whittington on January 17, 2025 ; Form 4s filed by Vanessa A. Sutherland on January 21, 2025, February 11, 2025 and February 13, 2025 ; Form 4 filed by Douglas T. Terreson on January 17, 2025 ; Form 4 filed by Denise R. Singleton on January 17, 2025 ; Form 4 filed by Denise L. Ramos on January 17, 2025 ; Form 4 filed by Julie L. Bushman on January 17, 2025 ; Form 4 filed by Lisa A. Davis on January 17, 2025 ; Form 4 filed by John E. Lowe on January 17, 2025 ; Form 4/A filed by Gary K. Adams on March 20, 2024 and Form 4 filed by Gary K. Adams on January 17, 2025 ; Form 4 filed by Charles M. Holley on January 17, 2025 ; Form 4 filed by Robert W. Pease on January 17, 2025 ; Form 3 filed by Ann M. Kluppel on May 16, 2024 and Form 4s filed by Ann M. Kluppel on December 9, 2024, February 11, 2025 and February 13, 2025 ; Form 3 filed by Don Baldridge on June 5, 2024 and Form 4s filed by Don Baldridge on December 9, 2024, January 3, 2025, February 13, 2025 and March 3, 2025 ; Form 3 filed by Grace Puma on October 11, 2024 and Form 4s filed by Grace Puma on October 11, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Additional information can also be found in Phillips 66’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 21, 2024.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow’s “Night at the Skating Rink” event attracted over 6,700 people

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    More than 6.7 thousand people joined the annual “Night at the Skating Rink” event in Moscow. At sites in different parts of the city, it was possible to skate for free and take part in master classes.

    “The campaign united 17 capital locations. The leader in attendance was Gorky Park, in second place was Sokolniki Park, in third place was Mitino Landscape Park,” said

    Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

    In 2025, the main theme of the “Night at the Skating Rink” was Maslenitsa and its traditions. For example, guests of the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve were invited to listen to Russian folk music, and visitors to the N.E. Bauman Garden were offered to make kokoshniks with their own hands. Relay races and games were held for city residents and tourists at the skating rink in Perovsky Park.

    This year, the “Night at the Skating Rink” was held as part of a large-scale project “Winter in Moscow”. He united about 53 thousand seasonal events in the open air, in cultural and sports institutions. Almost 30 million people took part in them, for whom concerts, master classes, immersive shows, quests, excursions, lectures, film screenings, fairs and much more were organized.

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

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150964073/

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05.03.2025, 14-15 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the SU26231RMFS9 security (OFZ 26231) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05.03.2025

    14:15

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 05.03.2025, 14-15 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 13.39) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 154.56 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 50.0%) of the SU26231RMFS9 security (OFZ 26231) were changed.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Reconstruction of the overpass on the Adler bypass is 50% complete

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Reconstruction of the overpass at the 6th km of the A-149 Adler – Krasnaya Polyana highway

    March 5, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Modernization of the road network is one of the fundamental tasks for ensuring the dynamic development of the entire country. For this purpose, bypasses of cities are being built. In particular, the Adler bypass project is being implemented, within the framework of which the overpass at the 6th km of the A-149 Adler – Krasnaya Polyana highway is being reconstructed. Today, the readiness of this artificial structure is 50%, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

    “Today, domestic tourism is actively developing in the country, including car travel, so it is important that the southern regions of the country and coastal areas are easily accessible. We are adding a new facility to the road framework in the Krasnodar Territory – the Adler bypass is under construction. It will increase the tourism potential of the region, and with the commissioning of this road, drivers will be able to get to the Sochi airport and Krasnaya Polyana faster. In addition, the new route will ensure the withdrawal of transit transport outside the resort area of Adler, which will help create comfortable conditions for local residents and tourists. The environmental situation in the coastal area of the Black Sea will also improve. Now, as part of this project, specialists are reconstructing the overpass at the 6th km of the A-149 Adler – Krasnaya Polyana highway, which previously had only one direction of traffic. After completion, the overpass will be expanded to two lanes. The overall readiness of the overpass has reached 50%, “said Marat Khusnullin.

    According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the builders are currently gradually transferring sections of the overpass to temporary supports. Metal consoles are attached to them, which will increase the dimensions of the structure. 24 out of 34 consoles have already been secured. At the moment, the site has gained good momentum. Traffic on the updated artificial structure is planned to be launched at the beginning of the resort season this year. Residents and guests of Sochi will be able to move along the overpass in both directions. And in the future, the overpass will become part of a large interchange at the Eastern Portal of the Adler Bypass.

    Chairman of the Board of the state company Avtodor Vyacheslav Petushenko added that work to expand the dimensions of the overpass began in November last year, and in the second quarter of this year, the installation of road surface layers will begin at the site.

    “We will use a comprehensive technology for manufacturing asphalt concrete using the Superpave method on the overpass. With the help of this advanced system for designing the composition of the asphalt concrete mixture, the road surface on the overpass will be more resistant to cracking due to low temperatures, deformation and fatigue failure. The key advantage of this technology is the ability to predict the condition of the road surface over time, taking into account the influence of climatic factors in a particular region, as well as traffic intensity,” said Vyacheslav Petushenko.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Stronger winds are expected in the capital

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    According to weather forecasters, from March 5 to 6 the capital is expected to experience strong winds with gusts of up to 18 meters per second.

    Residents are asked to be careful on the streets and not to be near unstable structures. Motorists are advised to carefully monitor the traffic situation and not to leave cars near trees and power lines.

    In an emergency, you must call emergency services on a single number: 112.

     

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150958073/

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05.03.2025, 11-03 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JWTN2 (Rostel1P1R) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05.03.2025

    11:03

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 05.03.2025, 11-03 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 108.05) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1221.18 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 10.0%) of the security RU000A0JWTN2 (Rostel1P1R) were changed.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05.03.2025, 11-16 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A102FQ5 (Sber Sb20R) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05.03.2025

    11:16

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 05.03.2025, 11-16 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 100.26) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1078.34 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 12.5%) of the security RU000A102FQ5 (Sber Sb20R) were changed.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05.03.2025, 12-17 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A1065C9 (Rosseti1P9) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05.03.2025

    12:17

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 05.03.2025, 12-17 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 93.01) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1017.98 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 22.5%) of the security RU000A1065C9 (Rosseti1P9) were changed.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin visited OOO Teplichny Kompleks – Podosinki in Dmitrov, Moscow Region

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    OOO Teplichny Kompleks – Podosinki has been operating since 2005. Its main assets are two greenhouse complexes for growing roses in closed ground. Flowers are delivered to the Central and Southern Federal Districts and sold under the brand name “Rosy Line”.

    Mikhail Mishustin visited Teplichny Kompleks-Podosinki LLC in Dmitrov, Moscow Region. With Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, First Vice-Governor of the Moscow Region Ildar Gabdrakhmanov, founder of Teplichny Kompleks-Podosinki LLC Yulia Charyshkina

    March 5, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    The complex, located in the Moscow region (Dmitrov), has been operating since 2006. The total area of greenhouses is 9 hectares. More than 30 varieties of roses are grown here. The production volume is 17 million pieces per year. The staff is 170 people.

    The greenhouse complex is equipped with climate control systems (lighting, ventilation, curtains, fogging, heating, nutrition, CO2 fertilization) and a program for automatic climate control.

    The fight against plant pests is carried out using an integrated protection system, including the introduction of predatory insects and treatment with safe chemicals. The treatment is automated and is carried out on special equipment – “Mikoton” – a self-propelled unit that moves along a rail.

    The main parameters of a rose in commerce, in addition to the variety, are the length of the stem, the shape and size of the bud. After cutting and soldering, roses are sorted on special equipment. Depending on the size of the flower bud, the machine determines the length of the stem and cuts off the excess. The larger the bud, the longer the stem.

    The main aspect of the greenhouse complex is the continuity of production: all systems operate around the clock, and cutting is carried out daily in the same amount.

    In October 2021, OOO TK – Podosinki acquired another greenhouse complex with a similar profile in Ramenskoye. The complex employs 200 people. Two blocks of greenhouses, 6 hectares each, were launched, where about 50 varieties of roses are grown.

    In addition, a department for testing new varieties of roses and a department for cuttings have been built and put into operation here.

    Also, active construction and equipping of the third block of greenhouses with a total area of 6 hectares is underway on the territory of the complex.

    The planned volume of cut flowers for 2025 is 21 million pieces.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05.03.2025, 14-10 (Moscow time) the values of the lower boundary of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A10AF49 (MTS 2P-03) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05.03.2025

    14:10

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 05.03.2025, 14-10 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 98.22) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 957.53 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 15.0%) of the security RU000A10AF49 (MTS 2P-03) were changed.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Gazprom Job Fair at Polytechnic: Current Offers for Students and Graduates

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On March 4, the Polytechnic University hosted a job fair for Gazprom subsidiaries and organizations. The companies presented current job vacancies and internship opportunities throughout Russia. The Polytechnic University is Gazprom’s flagship university. The event was organized by the Career Development Department of the Directorate of Basic Educational Programs at SPbPU.

    In the research complex “Technopolis Polytech” students and graduates got acquainted with the offers and conditions, filled out questionnaires. Representatives of subsidiaries and organizations held thematic quizzes, quizzes and gave gifts.

    Polytechnic University as a flagship university of Gazprom provides students with unique opportunities. This includes practice on real cases of subsidiaries and organizations across the country, training in joint specialized courses, access to Gazprom digital laboratories at the university. All this allows for a seamless transition from student to employee and provides young specialists with sought-after competencies at the request of enterprises, commented Lyudmila Pankova, Vice-Rector for Educational Activities at SPbPU.

    Gazprom’s career offers cover all areas of training, from mechanical engineering to law and information technology.

    Gazprom Transgaz Saint Petersburg includes 18 branches, six of which are located in the Leningrad Region. The company’s plans are related to the implementation of the investment project “Volkhov-Murmansk Main Gas Pipeline”, students from the Institute of Economics, Institute of Economics and Technology, and Institute of Metallurgy and Metallurgy are invited for cooperation.

    Gazprom Energo is engaged in the design, construction, operation of energy supply facilities, technological connection of gas production, processing and transportation facilities. The company is waiting for students of IMPEiT and GI.

    Gazprom Neft is one of the three largest Russian companies in terms of oil production and refining volumes, and operates in key Russian oil and gas regions. It is of interest to representatives of the Institute of Scientific Research, the Institute of Petroleum and Oil Industry, the Institute of Physics and Mechanics, and the Institute of Petroleum Engineering and Technology.

    Gazprom International Limited invites students from the Institute of Petroleum Engineering and the Institute of Mining and Gas Engineering to undergo industrial practice and internships at production facilities with the subsequent possibility of employment on staff.

    Gazprom Flot’s main activities are fleet operations, development and operation of coastal support bases and port infrastructure, creation of specialized vessels and construction of wells on the continental shelf, as well as participation in the implementation of LNG projects. They need students from IPMET.

    “Gazstroyprom” is the parent company of a multi-profile holding company that carries out a full range of work within the framework of projects for the extraction, processing and transportation of natural gas. The company’s representatives need talented young specialists for the high-quality development of their potential.

    At the job fair, activists of the St. Petersburg regional branch of the youth all-Russian public organization “Russian student brigades” presented their activities with the assistance of students of SPbPU. At the stand, they talked about their internship in the brigades, trips to various enterprises in Russia, including Gazprom.

    Also, representatives of SPbRO held a meeting with experts from Gazprom, RSO Engineering and Polytechnic University student teams. The event was attended by the Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies of SPbPU Maxim Pasholikov and the Head of the Youth Policy Department Ivan Khlamov. They discussed prospects for cooperation and interaction between the organizations.

    We paid special attention to the possibilities of involving Polytechnic teams in Gazprom’s labor projects. We discussed indexation of student salaries, receiving subsidies for professional training in special specialties, – shared the commander of the SPbPU student teams headquarters Anri Oganisyan.

    In addition, a tour of the facilities created within the framework of the “PAO Gazprom Flagship University” project was held. The company’s employees visited the laboratories and classrooms of the Polytechnic University, which were modernized with the support of Gazprom.

    Assistant to the Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Gazprom Vyacheslav Kalugin noted the importance of interaction between the university and the company, wished them success and expressed hope for continued fruitful cooperation in this area.

    The final event of the job fair was a round table discussion on “Problems of Forming Interaction between Students and Organizations: Expectation vs. Reality.” The moderator was the curator of the “PAO Gazprom Flagship University” project, Janis Olekhnovich.

    Only close cooperation between students and organizations will make it possible to respond to real market demands, emphasized Janis Aigarsovich.

    During the discussion, university students actively asked questions regarding their future professional development: “Who can I become when I join the organization?”, “How can I get internships and practical training?”, “How can I combine work with study and stay in the company after graduating?” etc. The event became an important step in strengthening the interaction between the educational institution and business, as well as in finding answers to key questions that concern students.

    Photo archive

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has expanded the list of major projects financed from the National Welfare Fund and subject to special state control

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Document

    Order dated March 4, 2025 No. 498-r

    The list of projects financed under state programs, as well as from the National Welfare Fund (NWF), has been supplemented with 12 new items. The order to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    We are talking about projects that are already being implemented in the fields of transport, healthcare, education, culture and environmental management.

    Thus, the list includes the construction of a new stage for the Academic Maly Drama Theatre – the Theatre of Europe in St. Petersburg, the reconstruction of the building of the Institute of Experimental Cardiology in Moscow, and the reconstruction of the Fyodorovsky pressure hydroelectric power station on the Kuban River in the Krasnodar Territory.

    The updated list also includes the creation of new railway infrastructure on the Vladislavovka – Sem Kolodezey section in Crimea, the construction of a depository, restoration and exhibition center in Maly Znamensky and Kolymazhny lanes in Moscow, and the construction and reconstruction of the Solnechny children’s camp, which is part of the Artek International Children’s Center in Crimea.

    The projects presented in the list are subject to special control by state bodies. Such monitoring allows to exclude violations and to increase the efficiency of spending budget funds and funds of the National Welfare Fund.

    The adopted document introduced changes toGovernment Order of March 18, 2016 No. 449-r.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Metro Launches Pilot of Digital Ruble Payments Using Universal QR Code

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Metro

    The Moscow Metro, together with the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBRF) and VTB Bank, is piloting a new method of paying for travel with a digital ruble using a universal QR code. As part of the closed beta testing, the focus group successfully purchased Troika cards and topped up their balance with a digital ruble at ticket offices.

    Moscow metro.. Moscow Metro.

    The innovative system simplifies the payment process:

    1. Passengers use their bank’s mobile app to scan a single static QR code located at the ticket counter.

    2. They choose a digital ruble or a fast payment system (FPS) and confirm the payment.

    Moscow is the world leader in the number of payment methods in public transport. In the future, passengers will be able to pay with the digital ruble along with cash and contactless payments. Currently, we are working with our partners to verify and analyze the accuracy of transactions with digital currency. Following the instructions of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, we are introducing fast, convenient and secure payment solutions, – said Maxim Liksutov.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05.03.2025 the deposit auction of the Moscow Small Business Lending Assistance Fund will take place

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    The date of the deposit auction is 03/05/2025. Placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 160,000,000.00. Placement period, days 92. Date of depositing funds is 03/05/2025. Date of return of funds is 06/05/2025. Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 20.30. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 160,000,000.00. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open). Basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 10:30 to 10:40. Bids in competition mode from 10:40 to 10:45. Setting the cutoff percentage or declaring the auction invalid until 10:55.

    Additional conditions – Placement of funds with the possibility of early withdrawal of the entire deposit amount and payment of interest accrued on the deposit amount at the rate established by the deposit transaction, in the event of non-compliance of the Bank with the requirements established by clause 2.1. of the Regulation “On the procedure for selecting banks for placing funds of the Moscow Small Business Lending Assistance Fund in deposits (deposits) under the GDS” (as amended on the date of the deposit transaction), early withdrawal at the “on demand” rate, interest payment monthly, on the last business day of the month, without replenishment.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Almost 200 thousand people concluded transactions on the Moscow Exchange futures market in February

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    In February 2025, 193 thousand individuals concluded futures and options transactions on the Moscow Exchange (153 thousand in February 2024). Their share in the total volume of exchange derivatives trading was 63%.

    The total volume of transactions on the Moscow Exchange futures market as of the end of February 2025 amounted to 12 trillion rubles (7 trillion rubles in February 2024). The volume of open positions at the end of the month was 2.5 trillion rubles (2 trillion rubles in February 2024).

    The most popular instruments in individuals’ portfolios as of the end of February were quarterly futures on the Chinese yuan – Russian ruble (CNY), US dollar – Russian ruble (Si) currency pairs, perpetual futures on the Chinese yuan – Russian ruble (CNYRUBF) and US dollar – Russian ruble (USDRUBF) currency pairs, as well as quarterly futures on silver (SILV).

    The share of the evening trading session in the total trading volume on the futures market was 17%. Morning trading in February accounted for 4% of the total trading volume.

    Most often during morning trading, clients traded quarterly futures on the US dollar-Russian ruble (Si), natural gas (NG), gold (GOLD), futures on the Moscow Exchange Index (MIX) and on the Chinese yuan-Russian ruble (CNY) currency pair.

    The top 5 popular instruments of the evening trading session on the futures market included quarterly futures on natural gas (NG), futures on the Moscow Exchange Index (MIX), futures on the US dollar – Russian ruble currency pair (Si), futures on gold (GOLD) and the RTS Index (RTS).

    The Moscow Exchange Derivatives Market is the leading platform for trading derivative financial instruments in Russia and Eastern Europe, which combines a developed infrastructure, reliability and guarantees, as well as the most modern technologies for trading futures and options. Today, 27 stock options, three currency options, an option on gold, over 150 futures contracts and options on them are traded on the Moscow Exchange derivatives market, the underlying assets of which are stock indices, shares, currency pairs, precious and industrial metals, oil, gas and other goods, interest rates.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

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