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Category: Russian Federation

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Russia Ukraine War – “Brutal Milestone”: 2000 Attacks on Ukraine’s Hospitals, Clinicians, and Health Infrastructure Since Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion – Physicians for Human Rights

    Source: Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)

    July 17, 2025 – Ukraine has endured 2000 attacks on the country’s health care system, according to documentation and monitoring by human rights and humanitarian organizations. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 Ukraine has experienced:

    • 2000 total attacks on health care
    • 1059 attacks damaged or destroyed hospitals
    • 285 health workers killed
    • 245 health workers injured
    • 105 attacks affecting children’s hospitals
    • 81 attacks affecting maternal health facilities
    • 178 attacks on hospital utilities.

    “This brutal milestone and pattern of attacks clearly illustrates the Russian Federation’s aim to eliminate Ukrainians’ access to life-saving medical care and create conditions that jeopardize basic treatment and survival,” said Uliana Poltavets, PHR’s Ukraine emergency response coordinator. “As Ukrainian civilians across the country – including health workers and patients – come under sustained attack, the global community must prioritize and advance accountability for these crimes.”

    Russia’s escalating assault on Ukraine in recent months has included mounting attacks on the country’s civilian population and infrastructure, including hospitals and health workers.  

    The attacks on health care have picked up pace in 2025 with the intensification of drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. On Monday, Russian forces reportedly attacked a hospital in Sumy region, with 10 people injured. Last week, a Russian drone and missile assault reportedly damaged a maternity hospital in Kharkiv and destroyed a primary care clinic in Kyiv.  

    The new data is from a coalition of global and Ukrainian organizations, including eyeWitness to Atrocities, Insecurity Insight, the Media Initiative for Human Rights, Physicians for Human Rights, Truth Hounds, and the Ukrainian Healthcare Center. The 2000 attacks are depicted on an interactive map (attacksonhealthukraine.org).  

    The organizations have been monitoring and documenting attacks on Ukraine’s health care system since the onset of the full-scale invasion, including through a series of publications. The dataset uses the definitions of attacks on health care as defined by the World Health Organization and used by the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition.  The interactive map is updated with attacks on health care as of April 2025.

    “The global community should safeguard the Ukrainian health workers who risk it all to save lives,” said Poltavets. “Russia’s continued assault on civilian infrastructure underscores the life-saving impact of humanitarian and health aid. At this critical moment, global leadership, particularly sustained support for accountability efforts, is more needed than ever.”

    Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is a New York-based advocacy organization that uses science and medicine to prevent mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Click here for the full document: Attacks on Healthcare in Ukraine. (ref. https://www.attacksonhealthukraine.org )

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Russia Ukraine War – “Brutal Milestone”: 2000 Attacks on Ukraine’s Hospitals, Clinicians, and Health Infrastructure Since Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion – Physicians for Human Rights

    Source: Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)

    July 17, 2025 – Ukraine has endured 2000 attacks on the country’s health care system, according to documentation and monitoring by human rights and humanitarian organizations. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 Ukraine has experienced:

    • 2000 total attacks on health care
    • 1059 attacks damaged or destroyed hospitals
    • 285 health workers killed
    • 245 health workers injured
    • 105 attacks affecting children’s hospitals
    • 81 attacks affecting maternal health facilities
    • 178 attacks on hospital utilities.

    “This brutal milestone and pattern of attacks clearly illustrates the Russian Federation’s aim to eliminate Ukrainians’ access to life-saving medical care and create conditions that jeopardize basic treatment and survival,” said Uliana Poltavets, PHR’s Ukraine emergency response coordinator. “As Ukrainian civilians across the country – including health workers and patients – come under sustained attack, the global community must prioritize and advance accountability for these crimes.”

    Russia’s escalating assault on Ukraine in recent months has included mounting attacks on the country’s civilian population and infrastructure, including hospitals and health workers.  

    The attacks on health care have picked up pace in 2025 with the intensification of drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. On Monday, Russian forces reportedly attacked a hospital in Sumy region, with 10 people injured. Last week, a Russian drone and missile assault reportedly damaged a maternity hospital in Kharkiv and destroyed a primary care clinic in Kyiv.  

    The new data is from a coalition of global and Ukrainian organizations, including eyeWitness to Atrocities, Insecurity Insight, the Media Initiative for Human Rights, Physicians for Human Rights, Truth Hounds, and the Ukrainian Healthcare Center. The 2000 attacks are depicted on an interactive map (attacksonhealthukraine.org).  

    The organizations have been monitoring and documenting attacks on Ukraine’s health care system since the onset of the full-scale invasion, including through a series of publications. The dataset uses the definitions of attacks on health care as defined by the World Health Organization and used by the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition.  The interactive map is updated with attacks on health care as of April 2025.

    “The global community should safeguard the Ukrainian health workers who risk it all to save lives,” said Poltavets. “Russia’s continued assault on civilian infrastructure underscores the life-saving impact of humanitarian and health aid. At this critical moment, global leadership, particularly sustained support for accountability efforts, is more needed than ever.”

    Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is a New York-based advocacy organization that uses science and medicine to prevent mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Click here for the full document: Attacks on Healthcare in Ukraine. (ref. https://www.attacksonhealthukraine.org )

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Valentina Matvienko, Dmitry Chernyshenko and Valery Falkov launched the 1st All-Russian Festival of Student Families

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The first All-Russian Festival of Student Families is taking place in Moscow on the site of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University on July 17 and 18.

    During the plenary session in the question-and-answer format, the Chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, and the head of the Ministry of Education and Science Valery Falkov told students about support measures in the event of starting a family. The event was also attended by the Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Lilia Gumerova and the Head of the Republic of Mordovia, Chairman of the State Council Commission on Family Artem Zdunov.

    Welcoming the festival participants, Valentina Matvienko noted that the number of student families in Russia increased by 17% in 2024, and thanked the Ministry of Education and Science for the work done.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko answered a question from a student family from Volgograd State University, Yakub and Victoria Ziba, about existing and planned measures of support from the state for young families.

    “The day before in Magnitogorsk, our head of state, talking to young guys at the plant, said: “There is no greater happiness in life than children. This is the meaning of life.” Therefore, do not delay this matter. As President Vladimir Putin said, the state will lend a shoulder. We will do everything in this direction. It is gratifying that the majority of Russians would like to have not one or two children, but three or more,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    According to VTsIOM, the trend towards having many children is becoming increasingly stable.

    The Deputy Prime Minister thanked Valentina Matviyenko for the adoption by the Federation Council of laws to increase maternity benefits for female students and to establish the concept of a “student family.”

    He added that key tools for self-realization, including for student families, are included in the national project “Youth and Children”.

    Recently, participants of the youth forum “Territory of Meanings” in “Senezh” proposed to create a year-round center dedicated to family and social policy. In August, Rosmolodezh will announce a competition among the subjects of our country. The winning region will receive up to 150 million rubles for organizing programs in 2026 from the federal budget.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that, on the initiative of Valentina Matvienko, a draft standard for family policy in universities was developed.

    “We will need to standardize family units in dormitories, providing for a separate kitchen, mother and child rooms. We have introduced this as a requirement for competitive selection in world-class campuses under construction,” the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.

    He also noted the importance of developing social volunteering and suggested paying special attention to the families of young scientists at the annual Congress of Young Scientists, which will take place this fall.

    Valery Falkov, in turn, said that in order to increase awareness of support measures, universities have launched a “single window” format for young families, mothers and fathers with children. 458 head universities and 264 branches have already implemented this format. In addition, work is underway together with the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications and the Analytical Center under the Government to create a navigator of support measures for student families on the State Services portal.

    “We have so many student families in many universities that the rector should know them all and treat each of them attentively. Along with the presence of a department, the ability to contact a “one-stop shop”, the presence of the corresponding service, we, of course, count on – and see in many universities – the active, proactive participation of rectors, so do not hesitate to communicate directly with the university management,” the head of the Ministry of Education and Science addressed the students.

    Concluding the meeting, Valentina Matvienko put forward the initiative to hold an All-Russian Forum of Student Families annually.

    In addition, Valentina Matvienko, Dmitry Chernyshenko and Valery Falkov got acquainted with the forum’s exposition dedicated to supporting student families. Today, there are more than 25.7 thousand families in Russian universities, of which about 13 thousand families have children.

    Since the beginning of the 2024/2025 academic year, the job description of vice-rectors for youth policy and educational work has officially included the function of supporting young families. This practice is already used in more than 450 universities.

    The exhibition presented a model of a short-term stay group for children (at the beginning of 2024, there were 40 such rooms in universities, their number has already grown to 207, by 2030, 1 thousand rooms will be opened) and a family room in a dormitory (it is planned to be used as a conditional standard for universities). At the moment, 348 universities provide rooms in dormitories for student families.

    Also, the rectors of five Russian universities (Tambov State University, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Buryat State University, State University of Management and Kabardino-Balkarian State University) presented best practices for working with student families.

    The 1st All-Russian Festival of Student Families is held within the framework of the national project “Family”, among its main goals is the popularization of family values, the institution of family and marriage among student youth.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: Russia is rightfully proud of its mentoring system.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 17, the All-Russian competition “Mentoring” was launched – one of the key projects of the Ministry of Education in the field of mentoring.

    The competition was launched as part of the All-Russian seminar-conference “Mentoring: Traditions, Experience, Cooperation”, which is taking place in Kaluga at the Federal Technopark of Professional Education on July 17-18. The seminar participants will present effective mentoring practices, join the work of pedagogical workshops, round tables and educational events.

    “As our President Vladimir Putin said, issues of training and mentoring are always an appeal to the future. Russia is rightfully proud of its mentoring system, which unites experienced masters and young specialists. It is mentors who tell young people how to become real professionals, support them and help them to reveal their potential, develop and strive for new heights. Continuity of generations is the key to the technological sovereignty of the country,” said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov noted that through mentoring it is possible not only to preserve professional knowledge, but also to increase it, creating a strong connection between the past and the future.

    “The Mentoring competition is of great importance for strengthening the system of training qualified personnel in Russia. Mentoring is a bridge between experience and innovation, between traditions and advanced solutions. It is through the transfer of knowledge, skills and values that we form specialists capable of ensuring the technological leadership of our country. Behind every great achievement there is a mentor who inspired, supported and guided,” the head of the Ministry of Education emphasized.

    Contest will be held in online format in the following nominations:

    — “Mentoring in production”: mentoring practices aimed at the professional development and socialization of the mentee/mentees, adaptation in the work collective;

    — “Mentoring in the field of education, upbringing and youth policy”: mentoring practices of educational organizations (regardless of the level of education, form of ownership and departmental affiliation);

    — “Mentoring in the social sphere and public activities”: mentoring practices in the sphere of healthcare, culture, sports, social protection, including practices aimed at accompanying and supporting mentees who are in a difficult life situation and (or) a socially dangerous situation, in various spheres of life, as well as mentoring practices as a voluntary type of activity of socially active people;

    — “Mentoring in service”: mentoring practices in the system of executive bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, local government bodies of municipal districts, municipal districts or urban districts, aimed at organizing the activities of mentored employees (employees) or students mastering professions of the state civil or municipal service.

    “The All-Russian Mentoring Competition covers various areas of mentoring practice application – these are educational and social spheres, public activities, civil service and production. This is a bright and promising project, which last year brought together more than 20 thousand participants. I am sure that this year their number will grow and relevant and promising solutions will be presented to the competition. And the best of them will find their application not only in the SPO system, but also beyond it,” commented the rector of the Institute for the Development of Professional Education Sergey Kozhevnikov.

    The organizer of the competition is the Ministry of Education, the operator is the Institute for the Development of Professional Education. The partners of the competition are the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, the autonomous non-profit organization Russia is a Country of Opportunities, the autonomous non-profit organization Mashuk Knowledge Center, the Association of Volunteer Centers, Non-Commercial Organizations and Institutes of Public Development Dobro.RF, the All-Russian public and state movement of children and youth Movement of the First, the All-Russian public and state educational organization Russian Society Knowledge, the youth all-Russian public organization Russian Student Teams, the All-Russian public organization of small and medium entrepreneurship Opora Rossii.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergey Nazarov assessed the progress of investment projects in the Chechen Republic

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 16, 2025, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Sergei Nazarov visited the Chechen Republic on a working visit.

    The program of the visit included a working meeting with the Chairman of the Government of the Chechen Republic Magomed Daudov. The issues of development of the special economic zone of industrial and production type “Grozny”, the course of implementation of the federal and republican investment programs, as well as the development of the all-season tourism and recreation project “Veduchi” were discussed. Special attention was paid to the provision of energy infrastructure for the current residents of the SEZ “Grozny”, as well as strengthening control over the implementation of the objects of the VTRK “Veduchi”.

    “We see the interest of investors, the activity of residents and the significant economic potential of the region. The task is to ensure the full readiness of the infrastructure and precise synchronization of actions at all levels,” noted Sergey Nazarov.

    During the visit, the Deputy Minister also got acquainted with the implementation of the Veduchi VTRK. The participants inspected the engineering and ski infrastructure facilities, including cable cars, trails, pumping stations and an artificial snowmaking system. The site was also attended by the General Director of Kavkaz. RF Andrey Yumshanov, representatives of the Government of the Chechen Republic, employees of contracting organizations and the General Director of the management company OOO CHUS Sulimbek Tsentroyev, who reported on the current stage of work.

    Active construction of all planned facilities is underway. In particular, the construction readiness of the VL1 cable car, the largest facility in the complex, has reached 66%. Its commissioning is expected in 2026. And this year, work is planned to be completed on a number of key facilities, including cable cars, ski slopes and an artificial snowmaking system.

    “Veduchi is one of the most promising tourism projects in the North Caucasus. It has already received serious support and will continue to develop within the framework of the SEZ mechanism. There is a team here that knows what it is doing. It is important for us to maintain the pace and ensure the smooth implementation of all stages,” the deputy minister emphasized.

    Following the visit, proposals were made to federal and regional authorities for further support of the Grozny SEZ and Veduchi VTRK facilities. They will cover priorities in upgrading infrastructure, updating design documentation and financing mechanisms in order to ensure sustainable implementation of strategically important projects.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A record number of applications were received for the competition “Best MFC of Russia”.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    For the All-Russian competition “Best MFC of Russia” in 2024, the subjects of the Russian Federation submitted 186 applications – a record number in the entire history of the competition. Their number increased by 17% compared to the previous year. This became possible due to the expansion of categories within the nomination “Best MFC Specialist”.

    Traditionally, the competition is held in three nominations: “Best MFC Project”, “Best Regional MFC Network” and “Best MFC Specialist”.

    In the nomination “Best MFC Project” 42 applications were submitted: the best projects on work with both internal and external clients are presented. In the nomination “Best Regional MFC Network” MFCs of 41 subjects are presented. As always, the most popular nomination was “Best MFC Specialist”: 103 applications were submitted. Universal specialists of the centers, mentors and specialists of the user support sectors will compete for this title.

    At the next stage, the contestants will have a public defense of their projects (nomination “Best MFC Project”), professional and psychological testing, an interview with members of the central competition committee (nomination “Best MFC Specialist”) and an assessment of their questionnaire data (nomination “Best Regional MFC Network”).

    “Today, there are more than 11.5 thousand My Documents offices operating in Russia, 96% of the population is covered by the network. In 2024, more than 165 million requests were recorded – an annual increase in the number of requests to State Service Centers by 10% confirms the importance of the MFC as the main channel of communication between citizens and the state. Therefore, it is doubly gratifying to note that the interest of colleagues in the competition is increasing every year, they are ready to present and defend their best practices,” commented Kirill Albychev, Director of the Department for Ensuring the Quality of Public Services to the Population and the Performance of State Functions of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.

    The results of the competition will be announced in the fall at the All-Russian MFC Forum.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Simplifying financial requirements for tour operators will make travel to friendly countries more accessible and safer

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The state continues to support the tourism industry, paying special attention to the development of organized tourism to countries with favorable conditions for Russian travelers. The Federation Council approved changes to the legislation that will reduce the financial burden on tour operators working with neighboring friendly states. The list of such countries that meet safety requirements and are popular with Russian tourists will soon be approved by the Russian Government.

    According to the new regulations, tour operators that specialize exclusively in trips to neighboring friendly states will be able to form financial security for liability in the amount of 500 thousand rubles – just like companies working in the field of domestic tourism. The new regulations also stipulate that tour operators will be able to ignore the total cost of tours to these countries when calculating contributions to mandatory funds for tour operators in the field of outbound tourism. This approach will preserve the mandatory nature of these funds aimed at reimbursing tourists and returning Russian tourists from abroad, and will also significantly reduce the costs of tour operators, which will ultimately have a positive effect on the price of tours.

    “Simplifying financial requirements will allow tour operators to more actively develop new routes, offer more vacation options at affordable prices, and most importantly, provide additional protection for tourists. Travel will become more accessible, while the level of protection of travelers’ rights will remain high. It is important to remember that organized tours are safer than independent trips, as they include insurance, emergency support, and a guaranteed return home if necessary,” said Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov.

    For tourists, these changes mean several important advantages. The cost of tours to friendly countries may decrease, as tour operators will be able to optimize their expenses. In addition, reducing the financial burden will help legalize part of the tourism business, which currently operates in the gray zone.

    An increase in the number of companies offering organized vacations will provide greater protection for tourists compared to independent travel: in the event of flight cancellations or other force majeure circumstances, the tour operator is obliged to provide alternative services or organize a return to the home country. Each tourist will be insured by the financial security of the tour operator’s liability and funds of such tour operators, and information about their trip will be recorded in the state system, which will allow prompt assistance if necessary. The transfer of independent travelers to the organized tourist flow will allow better control over the movement of citizens and promptly respond to any crisis situations abroad.

    “This is an important and timely measure. It promotes travel to friendly countries, opens up opportunities for the formation of interesting, competitive price offers. For tour operators working in other outbound destinations, this is an opportunity to minimize the total cost of the tourism product, from which the amount of contributions to the FPO is calculated, and therefore reduce the burden on business,” said Deputy General Director for Government Relations and Communications of the tour operator FUN

    The federal law will come into force on September 1, 2025 – this is another step towards strengthening tourism cooperation with friendly countries and developing mutually beneficial economic ties.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held the 39th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held the 39th meeting of the Federal Headquarters for Gasification. It was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Energy, Gazprom, Gazprom Mezhregiongaz, the Government Coordination Center, the Federal Antimonopoly Service, and regional authorities.

    During the meeting of the federal headquarters, they discussed the progress of implementing the instructions of the President of Russia on connecting households to gas, including those in the territory of gardening non-profit partnerships (SNT) located in populated areas, and social facilities in the first half of 2025, and also determined a work plan for the second half of the year.

    “The President has ordered that natural gas be supplied to 1.6 million households by 2030. An additional task has been set to supply additional gas to gardening associations,” recalled Alexander Novak, opening the headquarters meeting.

    In total, over 1.5 million gas connection contracts have been concluded since the start of the pre-gasification program in 2021. Technical connection capability has been created for over 1.6 million households. Over 1.3 million contracts have been executed up to the boundaries of consumers’ land plots. 1,047 contracts have been concluded with medical and educational institutions.

    According to the Ministry of Energy, the number of households that received the technical capability to conduct gas supply in 2025 increased by 223 thousand. The schedule for additional gasification of SNT includes more than 200 thousand houses, 43 thousand contracts have already been concluded, more than 8650 of them have been executed up to the boundaries of the plots, more than 3.7 thousand gas connections to houses have been made. The process of inventorying SNT and registering residential buildings as property continues, which is a mandatory condition for obtaining the ability to conduct gas supply to them.

    The head of the Mari El Republic, Yuri Zaitsev, and the acting head of the Tambov Region, Evgeny Pervyshov, reported on the progress of additional gasification in the regions. They reported on the fulfillment of planned indicators for gas supply to households, the continuation of work on additional gasification of SNTs, and measures to support preferential categories of citizens when gas is supplied to homes.

    The Deputy Prime Minister instructed the regional authorities to pay attention to the need to increase the number of gas supplies to residential buildings. The heads of regional gasification headquarters were instructed to assess the level of use of funds allocated to support preferential categories of citizens for gas supply.

    Alexander Novak also drew special attention to the need to intensify work on additional gasification of SNT, taking into account the high potential for additional gasification of garden associations located within the boundaries of populated areas.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: BRICS Media and Think Tanks Discuss Advancing BRICS Cooperation and New Vision for the Global South

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    RIO DE JANEIRO, July 17 (Xinhua) — More than 250 representatives from nearly 150 media outlets, think tanks, government agencies and regional organizations from 36 countries gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday for the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum. The event focused on advancing BRICS cooperation and strengthening solidarity among countries in the Global South.

    In his keynote speech, the forum’s chairman and Xinhua News Agency Director General Fu Hua said that cooperation within the “greater BRICS” plays a key role in uniting countries of the Global South, strengthening their influence on world affairs and advancing global governance reform.

    The forum is entering its second decade, Fu Hua said, stressing that Xinhua intends to work with its BRICS counterparts to better cover developments in the Global South, promote joint research on key issues and deepen professional cooperation.

    In a congratulatory letter, Chinese Ambassador to Brazil Zhu Qingqiao praised the inclusion of discussions on artificial intelligence in the forum’s program and emphasized its role in implementing the results of the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting.

    The diplomat expressed hope that the forum would strengthen BRICS’ position as a platform for South-South cooperation and as a voice in support of global governance reform.

    Other speakers echoed these calls. Central American Parliament President Carlos Hernandez said global governance was in dire need of new models and new voices.

    “The countries represented here today are showing the way forward – a path based on equitable development, dignity and multilateralism,” stressed C. Hernandez.

    First Deputy Director General of the Russian news agency TASS Mikhail Gusman noted that the BRICS countries reflect the diversity of emerging economies.

    According to him, against the backdrop of growing global challenges in the media sphere, cooperation between the media of the BRICS countries plays an important role in protecting truth, justice and peace.

    Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly Vice President Tia Zhu praised China’s efforts to bring together countries in the Global South and pointed to the need for media cooperation to increase BRICS’ international visibility and influence.

    Eidkol Polevnsky Hurwitz, Chair of the Mexican Senate Committee on Asia-Pacific Relations, said Mexico shares with BRICS the vision of inclusive growth and fair trade.

    “We cannot allow external interference in our development paths. Together we must build a multipolar world,” she stressed, referring to the Chinese concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

    At the end of the forum, an analytical report “BRICS Cooperation: Promoting Collective Progress in the Global South” was published. In addition, two major initiatives were launched – the Joint Communication Partnership Programme of the Global South and the content collaboration project “Connecting BRICS: Voices from the South”.

    The forum, titled “One BRICS: Opening a New Chapter for the Global South,” was the first full-scale meeting of the BRICS media mechanism since the historic expansion of the group and was co-hosted by China’s Xinhua News Agency and the Brazilian Communications Company. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin held a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Commission on Regional Development

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin held a meeting of the presidium (headquarters) of the Government Commission on Regional Development, where they discussed the preliminary results of the work and the implementation of indicators within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”.

    “On the instructions of the President, we continue to monitor housing construction as a key driver of regional development. This is important for improving the lives of citizens, stimulating the development of related industries and creating conditions for the comprehensive renewal of settlements. Despite the fact that the urban development potential is more than 463 million square meters, which is slightly higher than last year, we still see a cooling of the market. I ask all heads of regions to take personal control of this issue, to work on increasing the urban development potential, and also to work manually with each developer so that all houses are necessarily delivered on time,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    In terms of the implementation of key indicators, Marat Khusnullin noted the Ryazan, Saratov, Lipetsk regions, the republics of Buryatia, Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, and Perm Krai for their high results. Reports were made by the governor of the Ryazan region Pavel Malkov, the head of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Kazbek Kokov.

    Marat Khusnullin also congratulated the headquarters participants on the extension of the federal highway M-12 “Vostok” to Yekaterinburg. On July 16, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched traffic on the new section of the federal highway M-12 “Vostok” from the city of Dyurtyuli to the village of Achit. Now the route between St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg can be covered in an average of 22 hours – almost twice as fast, and the road from Yekaterinburg to Moscow has become 198 km shorter.

    “The new section allowed us to form a high-speed corridor without a single traffic light from St. Petersburg to Yekaterinburg. Travel time to Moscow will be less than 16 hours. At the same time, residents of not only the Urals, but also Siberia will feel a significant acceleration in travel. For Tyumen, Omsk, and Novosibirsk, this entire corridor will also be significant in increasing mobility and saving time. Many thanks to the builders for the excellent facility and to everyone who took part in its implementation,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The issue of road safety was discussed at the headquarters. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that it is necessary to strengthen cooperation with relevant departments, take all measures that will help reduce road accidents, and pay special attention to pedestrian infrastructure and the prevention of road accidents involving children.

    During the meeting, preliminary results of the application campaign for financing projects within the framework of treasury infrastructure loans (TIL), which are being launched this year as a continuation of the mechanism of infrastructure budget loans (IBL), were summed up. The curator of the TIL is the Ministry of Construction of Russia, and the operator is the public-law company “Territorial Development Fund”. TILs will serve the same purpose – improving the quality of life of people.

    In his report, Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Irek Fayzullin spoke about the current status of reviewing regional applications for infrastructure projects planned for implementation using treasury infrastructure loans. “The use of treasury infrastructure loans opens up additional opportunities for implementing housing and public utilities projects and socially significant infrastructure projects in the regions. The activity of 89 regions of the country in the application campaign for the provision of treasury infrastructure loans clearly demonstrates the demand and effectiveness of this mechanism in solving problems of improving the quality of life of Russian citizens, including within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, – said Irek Fayzullin.

    77 regions submitted applications for housing and communal services limits for a total of 183.99 billion.

    “The Territorial Development Fund is actively accepting applications for financing infrastructure projects within the framework of the CIC. The regions mainly plan to use these funds for the modernization of housing and communal services, as well as the implementation of social, road transport, and tourism infrastructure projects. The total volume of treasury infrastructure loans for housing and communal services is 292.79 billion rubles. CICs are a continuation of the infrastructure budget loan program, which has already proven its effectiveness and demand among the regions. To date, thanks to the IBC, 507 objects and events have been completed since 2022,” commented Vasily Kupyzin, General Director of the Territorial Development Fund.

    As reported by Marat Khusnullin, members of the government commission approved a number of applications for the implementation of projects within the framework of the CIC: the construction of the Bolshoy Smolensky Bridge in St. Petersburg with a CIC volume of 15 billion rubles, the purchase of public transport (buses) in the Kirov region with a CIC volume of 1.4 billion rubles, the reconstruction of the Smolensk-Severny airfield and the renewal of the housing and utilities infrastructure in the Smolensk region with a CIC volume of 3.335 billion rubles.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: About 4 million trips have been recorded on the Tver bypass on the M-11 Neva highway since its opening

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The federal highway M-11 “Neva” not only provides seamless communication between Moscow and St. Petersburg, but is also part of the high-speed transport corridors “North-South” and “West-East”. The Northern Bypass of Tver, which Russian President Vladimir Putin opened in July last year, became the final stage of the construction of M-11. To date, since the launch of traffic on this section, about 4 million trips have been recorded. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “The opening of the northern bypass of Tver made it possible to connect the two capitals with a seamless high-speed connection, take transit transport outside the populated areas and significantly increase the comfort for drivers and passengers. In addition, the new section, which became the last link necessary for the formation of high-speed routes from north to south and from west to east of the country, gave a powerful impetus to the development of the regional economy, logistics, and auto tourism. We see that the section is deservedly popular among motorists. Since the launch of traffic on it, users have made about 4 million trips. Largely due to the opening of the northern bypass of Tver, the average daily traffic intensity along the entire M-11 Neva highway has increased by 5% since the beginning of this year. This road is under the trust management of the state company Avtodor, which celebrated its 16th anniversary since its creation. It pays special attention to the creation and development of roadside infrastructure designed to provide comfortable conditions for drivers and passengers on the road. The total length of Avtodor’s high-speed roads today is about 5.5 thousand km. They give a powerful impetus to the socio-economic development of Russian regions and form important international transport corridors,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that the two largest multifunctional road service zones (MFS) in the country operate on the northern bypass of Tver. The area of each of them exceeds 1.5 thousand square meters. All necessary types of services for long-distance and short-distance trips are provided here.

    According to Vyacheslav Petushenko, Chairman of the Board of the state company Avtodor, the MFPs are an important part of the development of the country’s transport infrastructure. In addition, thanks to a full rest on the road, drivers will be able to be more attentive behind the wheel, and this directly affects road safety.

    “We are creating a comprehensive infrastructure on our road network that provides motorists with everything they need for comfortable and safe travel. Multifunctional road service zones give a powerful impetus to the development of auto tourism, become centers of economic growth in regions and points of attraction for businesses, which contributes to the creation of new jobs and affects the improvement of the quality of life of Russians. Thus, today, as part of the corridor from St. Petersburg to Yekaterinburg, 39 MFS are already operating on our highways. When traveling on our high-speed highways, motorists can rest, eat, refuel, use all the necessary services along the way and receive the necessary assistance in case of unforeseen situations,” noted Vyacheslav Petushenko.

    The length of the northern bypass of Tver is just over 62 km. This is a section of the road of the highest technical category with four traffic lanes, separated by traffic flows and lighting along the entire length. The permitted speed on the bypass in the summer is 130 km/h.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held a meeting on the issue of energy supply for mining activities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held a meeting on the issue of energy supply to consumers engaged in mining activities. It was attended by representatives of federal authorities, energy companies, public business associations and industry associations, and State Duma deputies.

    The representative of the Ministry of Energy reported on the current state of regulation of energy supply for mining activities in Russia, including issues of identifying and preventing electricity consumption by miners in regions where this activity is prohibited. A number of amendments to the current legislation were proposed in order to further improve energy supply for mining. This concerns the procedure for using capacity temporarily unclaimed by miners during the period of the ban on their work, increasing liability for violating the requirements for mining cryptocurrency, and a proposal to label and certify foreign equipment for mining cryptocurrency imported into Russia. In addition, the representative of the Ministry of Energy reported on the status of the preparation of regulatory legal acts providing for the creation of a fourth category of reliability of energy supply to consumers, which takes into account the introduction of remote restriction of the consumption mode during peak loads and the threat of energy and power shortages in the region.

    The head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media Andrey Lipov spoke about tools for identifying individuals mining cryptocurrencies by analyzing Internet traffic and electricity consumption patterns.

    A representative of the Federal Tax Service reported on the number of persons registered in the relevant mining registries. This refers to entities or companies mining cryptocurrencies and to mining infrastructure operators.

    Alexander Novak instructed the Ministry of Energy to finalize proposals for the introduction of the fourth category of reliability of energy consumers, and in close cooperation with regional authorities and energy companies to prepare a final proposal on the mechanism for the redistribution of released capacity when limiting mining activities in the region in order to connect socially significant consumers to power grids. The Deputy Prime Minister instructed to work out proposals to increase liability for illegal connection to power grids, theft of electricity, and violation of the ban on limiting mining activities in terms of electricity supply.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia and Thailand held a meeting of the subcommittee on trade and economic cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The fifth meeting of the Russian-Thai Subcommission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (PTEC) after a five-year break was held on July 15-16 in Bangkok. The Russian delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Economic Development Vladimir Ilyichev, and the Thai delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Trade of the Kingdom of Thailand Chanthavit Thanthasit. The subcommission was attended by 60 representatives of Russian and Thai authorities, industry associations and companies.

    During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state of bilateral trade and economic relations and proposed new areas for implementing joint projects.

    “We are seeing positive dynamics in bilateral trade. In particular, according to the results of the first five months of 2025, the trade turnover between Russia and Thailand has grown by almost 10%, and the export of Russian products to Thailand has grown by 50%. At the same time, we see potential for the export of low-carbon energy resources, agricultural and pharmaceutical products, and oil and gas equipment to Thailand. In addition, we note the mutual interest of companies in developing investment cooperation,” Vladimir Ilyichev noted in his speech.

    The Thai side confirmed its interest in developing partnership with Russia.

    “Thailand seeks to develop trade and economic relations with its key partners, and Russia is such a partner for us. We consider trade in agricultural products, green energy, IT and infrastructure development to be priority areas of cooperation with Russia,” Chanthavit Thanthasit emphasized.

    Russian companies and agencies drew the attention of the Thai side to the prospects for joint work in the areas of logistics, medicine, and IT technologies. Deputy Commercial Director for Business Development in Asian Countries of FESCO Integrated Transport LLC Alexander Priskoka suggested that Thai businesses use the company’s regular services for cargo delivery from the port of Bangkok to the ports of Vladivostok (delivery time was reduced to 20 days), as well as to the ports of Novorossiysk and St. Petersburg (delivery time was reduced to 40 days). In addition, the Chairman of the Russian-Thai Business Council Ivan Demchenko announced the imminent launch of a direct line from the port of Novorossiysk to the port of Bangkok.

    Vice President for International Cooperation of AFK Sistema Artem Zasursky revealed the prospects for joint work in the areas of river transport, electronics and forestry industry, IT projects. He placed emphasis on the development of cooperation in the tourism sector.

    “The companies in our portfolio, namely travel booking services, are ready to develop cooperation with interested partners in the hospitality industry. We also inform you about the interest of the Russian operator in developing resort projects in the regions of Thailand that are popular with Russian tourists,” said Artem Zasursky.

    Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries Thansathit Asi and Vice Chairman of the Thai-Russian Business Council Hemmontharop Wiwat confirmed the Thai side’s interest in business cooperation. Thai businessmen noted the prospects for developing cooperation with Russia in the field of medicine, as well as in the field of cybersecurity and decarbonization of production.

    During the meeting of the PTES, special attention was paid to cooperation in the creative economy.

    “In February, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Agency for Creative Industries of Thailand. We are developing a roadmap for cooperation in the creative industries. We also invite specialized Thai associations to join the joint work and take part in the first International Conference on Creative Economy, which will be held on October 8-9 in St. Petersburg,” said Ekaterina Cherkes-Zade, Director of the Center for Creative Economy Development at the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, in her speech.

    To develop business contacts between Russian and Thai businesses, Ivan Demchenko invited the PTEC participants to take part in the Russian-Thai Business Forum, which the Russian-Thai Business Council is holding on November 26–28 in Phuket.

    “I hope that we will see concrete results of our joint work in the near future. We count on the support of the Thai side in expanding the bilateral economic dialogue between our countries,” Vladimir Ilyichev summed up following the meeting.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia maintains its leading position in foreign trade with the CIS countries.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Russia remains one of the key trade and economic partners of the CIS member states. According to the results of January-April 2025, it ranks first in the foreign trade turnover of Belarus and Armenia, second in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and third in Azerbaijan.

    This was stated by Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Vladimir Ilyichev, commenting on the results of the 106th meeting of the CIS Economic Council, which took place in Moscow. The Russian delegation at the event was headed by Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexey Overchuk.

    The meeting participants discussed a wide range of issues, including cooperation in energy security, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the development of forestry, the construction industry, as well as measures to combat dangerous animal and bird diseases. Particular attention was paid to the macroeconomic indicators of the CIS countries for 2024.

    According to preliminary estimates, the combined GDP of the Commonwealth states grew by 4.5% in 2024. The unemployment rate fell by 14% and amounted to more than 3% of the workforce. “All these economic indicators indicate that the Commonwealth of Independent States is a strong and sustainable integration entity,” Vladimir Ilyichev emphasized.

    According to the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, in January-May 2025, the growth of Russia’s GDP and agricultural production amounted to 1.5% each, industrial production – 1.3%. At the same time, the economies of the CIS partners are also demonstrating positive dynamics.

    The meeting participants approved a number of documents aimed at further developing cooperation, including the Declaration on Regional Energy Security, the Action Plan for the Use of Nuclear Energy until 2030, and the Concept of Pricing in Construction. These initiatives will be considered in September at a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government.

    The successful implementation of the program for the reclamation of uranium sites in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan was also noted. In addition, the Russian Research Institute of the Bakery Industry received the status of a basic organization of the CIS for training personnel for this industry.

    The parties reviewed information on the progress of the Action Plan for the implementation of the first stage of the CIS Economic Development Strategy until 2030.

    The next meeting of the CIS Economic Council is scheduled to be held in September 2025 in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, which holds the CIS presidency this year.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Draft agenda – Tuesday, 9 September 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    68 Waste Framework Directive: textiles and food waste
    Anna Zalewska (A10-0144/2025)      – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 3 September 2025, 13:00 51 Package travel and linked travel arrangements: make the protection of travellers more effective and simplify and clarify certain aspects
    Alex Agius Saliba (A10-0140/2025)      – (if requested) Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 3 September 2025, 13:00 22 Circularity requirements for vehicle design and management of end-of-life vehicles
    Jens Gieseke, Paulius Saudargas     – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 3 September 2025, 13:00 66 EU-Kyrgyz Republic Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (Resolution)
    Nacho Sánchez Amor (A10-0111/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 3 September 2025, 13:00 19 Role of cohesion policy in supporting the just transition
    Ciaran Mullooly (A10-0137/2025)      – Alternative motion for a resolution Wednesday, 3 September 2025, 13:00     – Joint alternative motions for resolutions Thursday, 4 September 2025, 12:00 16 Role of cohesion policy investment in resolving the current housing crisis
    Marcos Ros Sempere (A10-0139/2025)      – Alternative motion for a resolution Wednesday, 3 September 2025, 13:00     – Joint alternative motions for resolutions Thursday, 4 September 2025, 12:00 28 Possibilities for simplification of cohesion funds
    Vladimir Prebilič (A10-0138/2025)      – Alternative motion for a resolution Wednesday, 3 September 2025, 13:00     – Joint alternative motions for resolutions Thursday, 4 September 2025, 12:00 25 2023 and 2024 reports on Ukraine
    Michael Gahler     – Amendments Wednesday, 3 September 2025, 13:00 70 Strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian hybrid threats and malign interference     – Motion for a resolution Wednesday, 3 September 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Friday, 5 September 2025, 12:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Friday, 5 September 2025, 13:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 5 September 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 8 September 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 9 September 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 10 September 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Danish Presidency debriefs EP committees on priorities

    Source: European Parliament

    Denmark holds the Presidency of the Council until the end of 2025. This text will be updated regularly as the hearings take place.

    Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

    On 15 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, said that the Presidency will focus on easing the administrative burden for farmers while continuing to promote the green transition and animal welfare. Concluding the current negotiations on the common agricultural policy (CAP) simplification package and starting discussions on the post-2027 CAP will also be priorities.

    Several MEPs called for fair conditions between farmers inside and outside the EU in connection with the Mercosur Agreement and animal welfare. They asked how the presidency will help guarantee the EU’s protein and fertiliser self-sufficiency and support organic farmers. Others raised the issue of ensuring that the green transition does not compromise the agriculture sector’s sustainability.

    Regional Development Committee

    On 15 July, Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre argued that cohesion policy should continue to play a crucial role in the EU budget, as the Presidency works on proposals for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). She said that funding should also support competitiveness and be flexible in the face of unexpected events. Ms Bjerre highlighted the need to strengthen rule of law conditionality in the allocation of EU funds.

    MEPs agreed on the need to modernise cohesion policy and make it more flexible, but asked for the Presidency’s support in defending the policy’s core purpose – reducing inequalities between regions – and the role of regions and local authorities.

    Legal Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stressed the need to boost EU competitiveness but also to protect common values while advancing the green and digital transition. He committed to make progress on draft bills on the protection of adults and insolvency, while promoting rules on parenthood.

    Morten Bødskov, Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, will strive to simplify existing rules for the benefit of EU businesses in the upcoming negotiations on sustainability reporting and due diligence obligations. Mr Bødskov also intends to advance the patent package and the “28th regime” initiative (a single set of EU rules to support innovation).

    MEPs inquired about plans to strengthen the rule of law, fight illegal migration and improve licensing, considering the planned withdrawal of the proposal on standard essential patents. They also asked for work to move ahead on the special tribunal for the crime of aggression, for measures to ensure that simplification does not lead to deregulation, and for efforts to balance rights and copyright in the context of new technologies.

    Foreign Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre said that the Presidency wants to advance EU accession negotiations with all candidate countries. She also added that the EU must act more independently to ensure its security. The dialogue with Türkiye will continue, but its accession negotiations will remain on hold.

    MEPs called for more support for some candidate countries on their EU path. They also enquired on possible new strategic partners for the EU, given recent developments in relations with the US, and called for the deepening of relations with Latin America. They also asked what steps the Presidency intends to take to help the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

    Environment, Climate Change and Food Safety Committee

    On 15 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, highlighted the need to simplify EU legislation for farmers and food producers, and to promote innovation through tools such as new genomic techniques, on which the Presidency aims to strike a deal with Parliament. He stressed the importance of making the EU’s agri-food sector more competitive while maintaining high standards of sustainability and food safety. Other priorities include an EU strategy for plant-based proteins, animal welfare, and action to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

    MEPs raised questions about the future of the CAP, demanding greater fairness, increased support for smaller farms, and clear targets for pesticide reduction. MEPs also enquired about trade agreements, such as with Mercosur, and a possible ban on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

    Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, stressed the importance of reaching an agreement on the EU 2040 climate target, to offer clear guidance for climate action, investment, and industrial competitiveness. He underlined the need for an agreement before the COP30 in Brazil on 10–21 November 2025, to show EU leadership and unity.

    Some MEPs raised concerns about energy affordability and the social impact of the new emissions trading system, while others stressed excessive flexibility would undermine the 2040 target.

    Civil liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said the Presidency would prioritise work on the fight against serious cross-border and organised crime, action to improve victims’ rights, and police cooperation to counter migrant smuggling. The Presidency will also advance work on the directive and regulation to combat child sexual abuse.

    Torsten Schack Pedersen, Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, called for implementation of the “Preparedness Union” strategy to strengthen EU security, resilience and preparedness. The Presidency will advance work on the reformed EU civil protection mechanism, the stockpiling strategy and measures to protect critical infrastructure.

    MEPs asked the Presidency about progress on the directives on combating corruption and victims’ rights. According to the Justice Minister, work on both will continue promptly as a priority. MEPs and the Ministers also discussed law enforcement access to data, and measures against terrorism and online radicalisation.

    Kaare Dybvad, Minister for Immigration and Integration, emphasised the need to implement the Asylum and Migration Pact in full. The Presidency will work on proposals on safe third countries, safe countries of origin and a common approach to returns. He also mentioned the possibility of developing external partnerships and possible return hubs in third countries, stressing the need to uphold international law and human rights. Other priorities are action to combat migrant smuggling and the EU talent pool.

    On Migration and Asylum Pact implementation, MEPs asked about the solidarity platform, protection of human dignity, and cooperation with third countries. The minister replied that priority should be given to people in need of refugee status. Economic migrants must use legal channels, and those with no right to stay need to be returned to their home countries.

    Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs, said the Presidency aimed to strengthen the link between respect for EU values and access to EU funds, enhance the Council’s rule of law dialogues, and support tools such as the Commission’s rule of law report. It will also work to reinforce the conditionality mechanism in the next long-term budget, by increasing funding for it and ensuring more automatic application.

    Some MEPs raised concerns about the situation in Hungary, and called for a stronger conditionality mechanism and better protection of media freedom and civil society. Others called for clarity on the definition of rule of law, and raised the issues of spyware use against journalists and the situation in Gaza.

    Employment and Social Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen stressed that the Presidency would focus on investing in skills, fair labour mobility, strengthening social dialogue, and occupational health. She aims to advance the revision of the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (CMRD) and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers. Minister for Social Affairs and Housing Sophie Hæstorp Andersen highlighted the need to improve independent living for persons with disabilities and to improve access to sustainable and affordable housing.

    MEPs highlighted the lack of legislative proposals in social areas and voiced concern about the future of the European Social Fund+. They stressed the need to strengthen the European Labour Authority, and addressed the working conditions of non-EU nationals, the lack of skilled workers, and the migration of qualified workers. Others asked for action on employment rights for persons with disabilities, the coordination of social security systems, and the European Child Guarantee.

    Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee

    On 15 July, Caroline Stage Olsen, Digital Affairs Minister, emphasised the need for action to boost investment and cut red tape. Special attention will be given to protecting minors online through firm Digital Services Act enforcement, new age verification rules and action to tackle addictive design. She supported postponing elements of the AI Act to give business, especially smaller companies, more time to comply.

    Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, stressed the Presidency’s intention to tackle customs challenges, unfair competition, slow growth and job loss. The minister also expressed strong support for the green transition and the need to advance work on simplification packages and regulatory burden reduction targets.

    MEPs asked about the Presidency’s plans to work on e-commerce, the posting of workers, attracting talent and the “28th regime” (a single set of EU rules to support innovation). They also enquired about digital policy loopholes and the Digital Fairness Act, and the need to advance negotiations on the late payments regulation and the European defence industrial strategy.

    Development Committee

    On 15 July, Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called for a stronger Team Europe approach, given the widening gap between humanitarian needs and the resources available. Presidency priorities include the Global Gateway, the Samoa Agreement, the EU-African Union (AU) Summit, human rights and the sustainable development goals. The Presidency will champion external action in negotiations on the next long-term EU budget.

    MEPs stressed the importance of development aid and the need to make sure foreign investment upholds human rights, while also voicing concern over irregular migration. They called for a broader EU presence at the next EU-AU Summit, and asked about the Presidency’s plan for the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

    Public Health Committee

    On 16 July, Sophie Løhde, Danish Minister for Interior and Health, highlighted the need to strengthen EU preparedness through efficient medical countermeasures, ensure better access to medicines, and address antimicrobial resistance. She shared the Presidency’s commitment to finalising the Council’s position on the critical medicines act, hoping an agreement with Parliament could be reached on the pharmaceutical package by the end of the year.

    MEPs quizzed the minister on medicine affordability, rare diseases, and healthcare workforce shortages. Some called for a greater focus on women’s health, action against PFAS contamination, and improved EU coordination of health and military crisis preparedness.

    Constitutional Affairs Committee

    On 16 July, European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre said the Presidency priorities were to advance a merit-based EU accession process and uphold the rule of law. She also highlighted the need to reinforce democratic resilience, for instance through the Commission’s Democracy Shield and improved transparency of foreign interests. The Presidency is also committed to strengthening interinstitutional cooperation and pursuing institutional reforms within the existing treaty framework.

    MEPs raised questions on the link between internal EU reforms and future accessions, the use of qualified majority voting to overcome institutional deadlocks, the right of inquiry, and electoral reform. Bjerre replied that the lack of consensus among member states on possible treaty changes made that a less feasible path.

    Security and Defence Committee

    On 16 July, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that one of the priorities was to continue to support Ukraine politically, militarily and financially, and work on integrating the Ukrainian defence industry into the EU one. This includes paving the way for Ukrainian companies to set up facilities in the rest of Europe. He also mentioned the need for Europe to be able to defend itself by 2030 by increasing its defence readiness and production, and freeing up defence financing.

    MEPs questioned the minister on a range of topics, including the use of frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, a dedicated European defence fund, removing hurdles to support the Ukrainian defence industry, and the pros and cons of non-EU country access to EU defence funds.

    Fisheries Committee

    On 16 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, said the Presidency would prioritise the green transition, simplification, including for the Ocean Pact, and better regulation of fisheries. They will also focus on fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Baltic Sea for 2026 to allow fishers to plan early.

    MEPs highlighted fleet renewal, the Baltic Sea’s herring situation and the MFF’s role in achieving sustainability, simplification, and climate goals. They expressed concern over the 24-metre fleet renewal restriction and called for specific funding mechanisms for the Ocean Pact. Finally, they welcomed the focus on 2026 fishing quotas and sustainability objectives.

    Transport and Tourism Committee

    Boosting competitiveness, easing the administrative burden, ensuring a green transition in transport and tourism, but also military mobility, are the main drivers of Danish presidency, said Thomas Danielsen, Minister of Transport on 16 July. He hoped to start talks with MEPs on passenger rights and rules on counting CO2 emissions, as well as to finish negotiations on railway capacity infrastructure. Morten Bødskov, Minister of Business, Industry and Financial Services, added the Presidency perspective on shipping transport and upcoming EU ports and maritime industry strategies.

    The majority of transport committee MEPs welcomed the Presidency priorities, the ambition to reach a Council position on weights and dimensions rules, while some questioned the focus on the green transition. On passenger rights, MEPs were frustrated with the Council decision to force into a tight deadline to reach a deal on future rules, and asked the minister not to forget the multimodal part of the package.

    Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee

    On 16 July, Minister for Environment and Gender Equality, Magnus Heunicke, outlined priorities including combating gender-based violence, promoting equal opportunities by involving men and boys, and strengthening LGBTQI equality amid rising hate and harassment. He announced that a Council meeting on 17 October would focus on equality and non-discrimination.

    MEPs raised concerns about the absence of an EU-wide consent-based definition of rape, the lack of progress on the revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive, the under-representation of women in government, and the stalled horizontal anti-discrimination directive. In response, Heunicke confirmed that there would be a discussion on a consent-based rape definition, and that finalising the Victims’ Rights Directive negotiations was a priority.

    International Trade Committee

    On 16 July, Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen named agreements on the revised general scheme of preferences (GSP) and the foreign investment screening review as being among his priorities. The phasing-out of Russian gas imports and ratification of the trade agreement with Mercosur are also high on the agenda. The Presidency will also work to negotiate a new trade relationship with the US, while being prepared for other scenarios.

    MEPs welcomed the priorities, particularly on concluding the Mercosur Agreement, phasing out Russian gas imports and concluding the revision of the GSP. Some MEPs also questioned the Presidency on how EU-Israel trade relations should evolve given the humanitarian situation in the Middle East.

    Culture and Education Committee

    On 16 July, Mattias Tesfaye, Minister for Education and Youth, said that Presidency wanted to make vocational education and training more attractive, ensure learning mobility, and focus on how the digitalisation affects learning outcomes. The Presidency will also prioritise negotiations on the next generation of Erasmus+ and on the European education area.

    Many MEPs expressed their concerns about the future of the Erasmus+ programme and enquired about the protection of children online, recognition of competences, and the safety of young students in the workplace.

    Jakob Engel-Schmidt, Minister for Culture, Media and Sports Policy, highlighted the need to prohibit the use of images, voice and other personal features in deepfakes or lifelike imitations. The EU Copyright Regulation should be updated to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to the cultural and creative sectors, either by guaranteeing fair remuneration for rights holders or by achieving the best possible conditions for licensing agreements. In sport, the Presidency promises to do more to uphold democratic values and integrity in the awarding of international sports events.

    MEPs asked for measures to help EU countries implement the European Media Freedom Act and highlighted the revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. MEPs also raised issues such as protecting heritage against natural disasters and gender equality programmes in sport.

    Industry, Research and Energy Committee

    On 16 July, Caroline Stage Olsson, Minister for Digital Affairs, outlined two priorities: enhancing digital competitiveness and protecting minors online. She advocated for reducing the administrative burden on business and for strategic investment for a more sovereign Europe. She also highlighted work on enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA), stricter regulations for age verification and data protection, and the establishment of a competitiveness fund.

    Some MEPs stressed the need to reduce dependency on non-European tech companies and to balance regulation with simplification, to foster innovation while protecting consumers. Questions were asked about the impact of the DSA on free speech and privacy, and about investment in less connected regions.

    Troels Lund Poulsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, outlined four priorities: enhancing Europe’s defence capabilities, supporting Ukraine, fostering cooperation with NATO and strengthening the EU’s defence against hybrid threats. He also stressed the importance of the European defence industry programme (EDIP) to this end.

    Torsten Schack Pedersen, Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, focused on cybersecurity and highlighted three priorities: strengthening EU cyber resilience, framing a robust EU response to cyber crises, and simplifying the EU cyber legislation framework.

    MEPs enquired about the creation of a unified European defence market, the standardisation of defence products, and the need for joint procurement to enhance defence capabilities. Questions also focused on Baltic Sea security and measures to counter potential sabotage. Concerns were voiced about Europe’s dependency on non-European defence suppliers.

    Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, emphasised the importance of a secure, clean and affordable energy supply, as well as of a stronger energy sector, focusing on renewable and clean energy produced locally. He called for an approach that would balance environmental protection with economic competitiveness and for Europe to phase out its dependency on Russian energy.

    Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs focused on competitiveness and highlighted the need for increased investment in green technologies and new critical technologies such as life sciences, artificial intelligence, biotech, and quantum. Mr Bødskov also stressed the need to simplify regulations to foster innovation and growth.

    MEPs stressed the need for a more efficient regulatory environment to foster innovation and competitiveness. They expressed concerns about high energy prices and highlighted the importance of investing in clean energy technologies and infrastructure to achieve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several MEPs questioned the balance between environmental protection and economic competitiveness, and called for a more pragmatic approach to regulation that would not stifle innovation and growth.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ricketts Fights to Protect America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the One Big Beautiful Bill and his work to protect America.
    Watch the video here.
    “Lasting prosperity depends on lasting security,” said Ricketts.  “No nation can thrive without secure borders and a strong military.  The One Big Beautiful Bill is the strongest national security and border security package in American history.  This bill protects the good life in Nebraska.”
    TRANSCRIPT:
    Senator Ricketts: “Thank you for joining our press call today. 
    “Lasting prosperity depends on lasting security.
    “No nation can thrive without secure borders and a strong military.  
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill is the strongest national security and border security package in American history.  
    “This bill protects the good life in Nebraska.
    “Under the Biden Administration every state was a border state. 
    “Illegal immigration has real consequences for every state, including Nebraska.  
    “We have seen the flow of fentanyl, the rise of human trafficking, and its terrible consequences on Nebraskans.
    “We have lost young lives like Taryn Lee Griffith.
    “This bill gives law enforcement the tools to fight back and protect our communities while restoring the rule of law.   
    “Nebraska families deserve a federal government that secures our border and enforces the law.  
    “President Biden oversaw 10.5 million illegal border encounters.  
    “We are still seeing the effects of the Biden Border Crisis in Nebraska.  
    “Just last week, authorities arrested two members of the violent MS-13 gang in Omaha.  
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill responds with a historic investment in border security.  
    “It includes $46.5 billion to complete the border wall system, including roads, fiber, sensors, and cameras.  
    “It provides $10 billion in grants to reimburse states for the costs of Biden’s federal failure.  
    “Another $6.1 billion goes to cutting-edge surveillance tools that will give Border Patrol agents better eyes on the ground.  
    “The bill also creates jobs by providing funding for the hiring of 16,000 new immigration and customs agents while expanding detention capacity to end catch-and-release.
    “The security threats we face do not stop at our borders, we must also deter foreign adversaries and threats.
    “Nebraska’s airmen, missile programs, and military bases help defend our country every day.  
    “We are proud to host key parts of America’s defense infrastructure, and we understand the importance of peace through strength.
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill includes over a $150 billion dollar in investment in America’s defense, making it clear to Communist China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea that we will meet any threats with force and resolve.   
    “It strengthens the Defense Production Act, so our military supply chains remain resilient and ready for any challenge. 
    “It includes $25 billion for the Golden Dome, a layered missile defense shield that will protect Americans from evolving threats.  
    “It provides $29 billion for shipbuilding and expanding the maritime industrial base, that includes funds for a Virginia-class submarine, two destroyers, new oilers, and unmanned surface vehicles.
    “Our Coast Guard will be bolstered, to be able to counter drug and human trafficking as well as deter adversaries in the Arctic.
    “This is through funding for 17 new icebreakers, 21 new cutters, and more than 40 helicopters and 6 new planes.
    “There’s funding for the advanced X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, developing the B-21 bomber fleet, ramping up munitions production, and applying artificial intelligence to the battlefield.
    “Through these investments, we are demonstrating peace through strength. 
    “The bill also helps reverse dangerous recruitment trends in our military.  
    “Under President Trump, we are seeing record-breaking recruitment numbers.  
    “We are renewing the warrior spirit.  
    “That is good news for America’s readiness and morale.  
    “It’s bad news for America’s adversaries.
    “For Nebraska, the bill brings real investment.  
    “It includes $2.5 billion for risk reduction activities tied to the Sentinel ICBM program, which will be partly based in Western Nebraska.  
    “It also includes $168 million to accelerate production of the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, also known as SAOC, at Offutt Air Force Base.  
    “These investments will mean more jobs, more innovation, and a stronger defense posture right here in Nebraska.
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill keeps America secure and protects Nebraskans.  
    “It honors the brave women and men who serve in uniform, defend our borders, and operate from bases across the state.  
    “As President Trump responds to rising global threats and reverses Biden’s open border policies, this bill gives our nation the resources to act.  
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill protects Nebraska and protects America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: At the 1st All-Russian Festival of Student Families, Vladimir Stroev spoke about demographic support measures at the State University of Management

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Official website of the State –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 17, 2025, the 1st All-Russian Festival of Student Families started at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, in which the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroev took part.

    The plenary session of the Festival turned out to be very representative: Chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Liliya Gumerova, Chairperson of the State Council Commission on the “Family” Direction, Head of the Republic of Mordovia Artem Zdunov.

    Valentina Matviyenko said that on the eve of the Festival, the Federation Council approved a law that significantly increases the average amount of maternity benefits for women studying at universities, organizations of additional professional education, and scientific organizations, as well as a law that enshrines the concept of a “student family” in the legal field.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that on the initiative of Valentina Matvienko, a draft standard for family policy in universities was developed. In accordance with it, it will be necessary to standardize family blocks in dormitories, providing for a separate kitchen, mother and child rooms. These standards have become mandatory for competitive selection in world-class campuses under construction.

    Valery Falkov said that in order to increase awareness of support measures, universities have launched a “single window” format for young families, mothers and fathers with children. In addition, work is underway with the Russian Ministry of Digital Development and Communications and the Analytical Center of the Government of the Russian Federation to create a Navigator of support measures for student families on the State Services portal.

    Participants of the plenary session familiarized themselves with stands with information about how higher education institutions help young families. Five universities were represented at the stands, including the State University of Management. Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev spoke about measures to support young families and projects being implemented, in particular about the educational and enlightening course for students “Architecture of Relationships” and the 2nd International Scientific Conference “Family in Modern Russian Society” held in the spring.

    “The State University of Management will significantly expand its support measures for student families in 2025. Today, we have more than 100 students with children. We have 2 mother-and-child rooms for them, and in the 4th quarter of this year, we plan to open 2 more such rooms, including as part of the construction of a new student coworking space. The total amount of payments provided for families with children is growing every year. Among other support measures, there is a special remote work program for pregnant employees in the first 3 months, an adaptation system for returning to work after maternity leave, and the possibility of remote work for family teachers,” said Vladimir Stroyev.

    Photos taken from the websites of the Federation Council of Russia and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump’s Chaos Jeopardizes America’s Farmers, Duckworth Discusses Agriculture Priorities with Illinois Corn Growers and Illinois Soybean Association

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 17, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) yesterday met with leaders and members from the Illinois Corn Growers and the Illinois Soybean Producers to discuss their shared priorities to grow Illinois’s agriculture industry and support our farmers. Duckworth and the members discussed the importance of supporting our family farmers by expanding the biofuels market, increasing agricultural exports and improving farm safety net programs as Donald Trump continues to threaten critical federal agricultural programs. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Corn Growers can be found on the Senator’s website. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Soybean Producers can be found on the Senator’s website.

    “America has always depended on our nation’s farmers to grow the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to advocate for them on both the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “The work of Illinois’s farmers is so important to the strength of our state and our nation, and I will continue to do everything I can to support the Illinois Corn Growers, the Illinois Soybean Association and our farmers across the state at the federal level.”

    In the Senate, Duckworth has been a leader in supporting biofuels, including expansion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and permanent authority to use E15 fuel year-round. Duckworth, the founding co-chair of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Caucus, helped introduce the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and the bipartisan Next Generations Fuel Act to allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Duckworth additionally helped introduce the bipartisan Home Front Energy Independence Act to ban Russian oil and expand use and production of biofuel that’s grown in the American heartland, while providing American families with a less expensive option to fuel their vehicles. Previously, she introduced the SAF Accuracy Act and helped introduce the Farm to Fly Act and to help accelerate the production and development of SAF.

    As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth has been an advocate for Illinois agriculture across the globe and helped secure significant wins for Illinois and American agriculture. After Duckworth’s visit in 2023, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy, and following a prior trip to Taiwan in 2022, she helped secure a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of our Illinois’s corn and soybeans.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump’s Chaos Jeopardizes America’s Farmers, Duckworth Discusses Agriculture Priorities with Illinois Corn Growers and Illinois Soybean Association

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 17, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) yesterday met with leaders and members from the Illinois Corn Growers and the Illinois Soybean Producers to discuss their shared priorities to grow Illinois’s agriculture industry and support our farmers. Duckworth and the members discussed the importance of supporting our family farmers by expanding the biofuels market, increasing agricultural exports and improving farm safety net programs as Donald Trump continues to threaten critical federal agricultural programs. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Corn Growers can be found on the Senator’s website. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Soybean Producers can be found on the Senator’s website.

    “America has always depended on our nation’s farmers to grow the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to advocate for them on both the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “The work of Illinois’s farmers is so important to the strength of our state and our nation, and I will continue to do everything I can to support the Illinois Corn Growers, the Illinois Soybean Association and our farmers across the state at the federal level.”

    In the Senate, Duckworth has been a leader in supporting biofuels, including expansion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and permanent authority to use E15 fuel year-round. Duckworth, the founding co-chair of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Caucus, helped introduce the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and the bipartisan Next Generations Fuel Act to allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Duckworth additionally helped introduce the bipartisan Home Front Energy Independence Act to ban Russian oil and expand use and production of biofuel that’s grown in the American heartland, while providing American families with a less expensive option to fuel their vehicles. Previously, she introduced the SAF Accuracy Act and helped introduce the Farm to Fly Act and to help accelerate the production and development of SAF.

    As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth has been an advocate for Illinois agriculture across the globe and helped secure significant wins for Illinois and American agriculture. After Duckworth’s visit in 2023, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy, and following a prior trip to Taiwan in 2022, she helped secure a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of our Illinois’s corn and soybeans.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Senate passage of recissions package

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after the Senate passed a rescissions package that cut roughly $9 billion from federal spending. The bill passed 51-48, with every Democrat opposing the bill: 

    “Tonight, Republicans in the Senate voted to further weaken our nation’s reputation as a good and reliable partner.

    “This is not about tackling our national debt. After all, it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the trillions of dollars in tax breaks for the wealthy and increased debt that these same Republican senators passed just days ago. Cutting foreign aid and disaster assistance leaves people in dire situations across the world to fend for themselves or walk into the arms of China, Russia, and terrorists who seek to exploit them.

    “For decades, when the world cried out in pain America answered, because it was right, and because it made us safer. These cuts fly in the face of Jesus’ call to love our neighbors as ourselves. They fly in the face of national security experts who say that these investments make us a more respected and stronger country. They fly in the face of human decency.

    “As I said on the floor of the Senate earlier, the passage of this bill and its cruel cuts to foreign assistance would make Jesus weep.”

    Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Will Donald Trump get Vladimir Putin (before Maga gets Trump)?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    This article was first published in The Conversation UK’s World Affairs Briefing email newsletter. Sign up to receive weekly analysis of the latest developments in international relations, direct to your inbox.

    You know when the Kremlin is worried about something – it starts talking about nuclear weapons. And so it was, just two days after Donald Trump revealed he had decided to lift his administration’s pause on the supply of US-made weapons to Ukraine, that Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, raised Russia’s nuclear doctrine. In response to a handy question from a friendly reporter as to whether Russia’s nuclear doctrine was still active, Peskov said: “Russia’s nuclear doctrine remains in effect, and thus, all its provisions continue to apply.”

    By saying “all its provisions”, he was emphasising the changes made in December last year which significantly lowered the bar for Russia to use its nuclear deterrent. It states that Russia “reserves the right to employ nuclear weapons” in response to nuclear weapons or “other types of weapons of mass destruction” against itself or its allies.

    Whether Putin and his team consider the sorts of weapons the US is prepared to allow Ukraine to use against Russia as weapons of mass destruction is not clear as yet. The US president specifically said that a fresh supply of Patriot systems was already en route to Ukraine from Germany. But he also hinted that other more offensive weapons could also be in the mix. And in a July 4 phone call he is reported to have asked the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, whether he could hit Moscow or St Petersburg, to which Zelensky replied: “Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons.”

    Trump is reported to have gone on to say that it was important to “make [Russians] feel the pain”.

    At the beginning of the week, the US president was also keen for Russia to feel the economic pain of indirect sanctions, with 100% tariffs promised against any country buying Russia’s oil. Could this be a turning point?

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    Interesting question, says David Dunn. Dunn, professor of international relations at the University of Birmingham, says Trump’s decision – if he follows through with it – pretty much brings the US back in line with its policy under the Biden administration. Particularly now that Trump appears to have ruled out, for the time being, allowing Ukraine to use long-range offensive missiles against targets in Moscow.

    As Dunn points out, there’s no sense that Trump has changed his overall tack on what he is looking for from Putin: a ceasefire, rather than, as Biden repeatedly insisted, a settlement that respects Ukrainian sovereignty and restores the land occupied illegally by Russian troops.

    Meanwhile the economic pain he promised to inflict on Russia has been scheduled to begin in 50 days. This – as many commentators have been quick to point out – has irresistible echoes of his off-again, on-again tariff regime. So will these sanctions actually happen?



    Read more:
    What Trump’s decision to send more weapons to Ukraine will mean for the war

    The Russian stock market certainly wasn’t that worried. Shortly after trump made his announcement, the Moscow stock exchange increased by 2.7% and the rouble strengthened. Oil markets also appear to have relaxed, suggesting traders see no imminent risks. Maybe this is another case of “Taco” (Trump always chickens out)?

    Patrick O’Shea, an international relations and global governance specialist at the University of Glasgow, believes that the markets’ reaction is more than just indifference to what Trump was threatening. It was relief.

    “Trump’s threat isn’t just non-credible, the positive market reaction in Russia suggests it is a gift for Moscow,” O’Shea writes. “The 50-day ultimatum is seen not as a deadline but as a reprieve, meaning nearly two months of guaranteed inaction from the US.”

    What has not been widely reported in the UK is that a bipartisan bill making its way through the US congress would have been far more punitive that anything Trump is threatening. Now this has been paused pending Trump’s initiative in 50 days’ time.



    Read more:
    Why Russia is not taking Trump’s threats seriously

    Back in Europe, meanwhile, Ukraine’s allies got together in Rome last weekend to discuss what will be needed to rebuild the war-torn country and how to raise the necessary funds. Stefan Wolff was watching proceedings and believes that while countries in the “coalition of the willing” are ready to open their coffers to help Ukraine get back on its feet, the funds so far pledged will not touch the sides.

    Ukraine’s allies at the conference have pledged more than €10 billion (£8.7 billion). But, Wolff – an expert in international relations at the University of Birmingham who has contributed regular analysis of the war in Ukraine – points out that this sum looks minuscule alongside the World Bank’s latest assessment that Ukraine will need at least US$524 billion (£388 billion) over the next decade to fund its recovery.

    There have been some fairly upbeat forecasts about Ukraine’s potential for growth. The IMF forecasts growth for Ukraine of between 2% and 3% for 2025, which is likely to grow to over 4% in 2026 and 2027. But it cautions that this will not happen without considerable overseas support. And an end to the war. Neither is certain anytime soon.



    Read more:
    Over €10 billion has now been pledged for Ukraine’s recovery. It’s nowhere near enough

    Maga moves – but will Trump take responsiblity?

    To Washington, where the US president is having what would probably count as the worst week of his second administration so far. Large sections of his faithful Maga base are in almost open revolt at his seeming reluctance to release what have become known as the “Epstein files”. You may remember he littered his election campaign last year with dark hints about the revelations the files must surely contain about the possible involvement of the rich and powerful in child-sex exploitation. But this week he essentially said it was old news, which was “pretty boring”, adding that “I think, really, only pretty bad people, including fake news, want to keep something like that going.”

    This is not only at odds with what he spent much of 2024 saying. It also flies in the face of what his own attorney general, Pam Bondi, said in February when she said Epstein’s client list was “sitting on [her] desk right now to review”. Now of course, the justice department says there is no list. This is not what much of his base wants to hear.

    Rob Dover, an intelligence specialist at the University of Hull who has researched conspiracy theories and the people who obsess about them, says this is a dangerous moment for the Trump presidency. He points to Maga unrest over Trump’s decision to bomb Iran and to resume military aid to Ukraine, both of which appear to contradict his pledge to keep the US out of foreign conflicts. Trump’s “big beautiful bill”, which has cut medicaid and other benefits to the poorest people in the US, will also inflict hurt on many is his base. Even his recent musing that he agrees with his health secretary’s questionable assertion that Coca-Cola should be made with sugar cane not corn syrup to “make America healthy again” is sure to anger corn farmers in the Midwest, another core Trump constituency.

    “Maga is not a uniform group in belief or action. But if Trump loses either the loyalty of some or they refuse to flex their beliefs as they have done before, it will be politically dangerous for him,” Dover concludes.



    Read more:
    Trump’s changing stance on Epstein files is testing the loyalty of his Maga base

    Trouble brewing in Bosnia

    I had the great good fortune to visit Sarajevo in December last year where I spent a few days exploring, taking a walking tour of the old town and a wider tour of the whole city which took us across the notional border with the Republika Srpska, one of the two main constituent parts of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Sarajevo: a beautiful but troubled city.
    Julian Nyča via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-NC-SA

    The country was created by the Dayton accord, bringing an end to the ethnic conflict in the mid-1990s that saw whole populations displaced as ethnic Serbs and Croats sought to create new pure mini-states by expelling mainly Muslim Bosniaks.

    When visiting, I felt a pervading sense that the two parts of the new country sit uncomfortably next to each other – and in recent months the friction has intensified considerably. Birte Julia Gippert of the University of Liverpool, who has researched extensively the conflict in the Balkans and the attempts to bring peace to the region, explains how the situation has become so tense.



    Read more:
    Bosnia and Herzegovina in crisis as Bosnian-Serb president rallies for secession

    Why is Israel bombing Syria?

    Conflict in Syria escalated again this week, with Israeli warplanes launching airstrikes against government buildings in Damascus this week. A Netanyahu government minister, Amichai Chikli, referred to Syria’s leader, Ahmed al-Shara, as “a terrorist, a barbaric murderer who should be eliminated without delay”.

    Mixed up in all this is sectarian fighting in southern Syria was has been going on sporadically since al-Shara took power at the end of last year. But, as Ali Mamouri of Deakin University explains, Israel wants to see the emergence of a federal Syria, which the new regime has ruled out. It also want to retain influence in the region and secure its northern border with Syria.

    While a ceasefire is in place for now, Mamouri sees the situation as extremely fragile with further clashes “not only possible but highly probable”.

    World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get updates directly in your inbox.

    – ref. Will Donald Trump get Vladimir Putin (before Maga gets Trump)? – https://theconversation.com/will-donald-trump-get-vladimir-putin-before-maga-gets-trump-261416

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Peng Liyuan Attends 2025 China-US Youth Friendship Event “Connect with Gulin”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 17 (Xinhua) — Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended and delivered a speech at the 2025 China-US Youth Friendship Event “Connecting with Gulin” at the China People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries on Thursday.

    Peng Liyuan watched a video about the China-US Youth Choir Week “Connecting with Gulin” with Chinese and foreign guests. Elin MacInnis, coordinator of the American organization “Friends of Gulin,” and Luca Berrone, a friend of President Xi Jinping from the US state of Iowa, shared stories about Gulin, as well as their experiences in people-to-people exchanges and regional cooperation between China and the US. They expressed deep feelings for China, thanked President Xi Jinping for his attention to the youth of both countries, and vowed to make new contributions to promoting China-US friendship.

    Representatives of American youth shared joyful impressions of their trip to China. They expressed their desire to become ambassadors of friendship between the USA and China of the new generation and continuers of the exciting stories of friendship between the two countries.

    In her speech, Peng Liyuan noted that the century-long “Gulin story” and the deep 40-year friendship between President Xi Jinping and old friends from Iowa have become the embodiment of friendship between the Chinese and American people.

    Although the two countries have different histories, cultures and languages, the Chinese and Americans love their families, are kind, friendly, hardworking and practical, which means they are quite capable of becoming good friends and partners, the wife of the Chinese president emphasized.

    According to Peng Liyuan, in the more than a year since President Xi Jinping put forward the initiative to invite 50,000 American youth to China for exchanges and studies over the next five years, many young Americans have already visited China. They have personally experienced the real China, made new friends, and are writing new pages in the annals of Sino-American friendship.

    Stressing that young people are the future of the country and the future of friendship, Peng Liyuan called on young people to be the successors of China-US friendship, advocate for peace and friendship, build bridges of friendship between the two countries, and bring youthful energy to the bright future of China and the US.

    Before the event, Peng Liyuan met with E. McInnis and L. Barrone, expressing her gratitude to them for their long-standing dedication to the cause of China-US friendship and calling on them to make active contributions to strengthening exchanges and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia views China as a priority partner in the international arena — Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 17 /Xinhua/ — Russia views China as a priority partner in the international arena, and the two countries’ approaches to key international issues coincide or are close, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in response to a question from a Xinhua correspondent on Thursday.

    “We view each other as priority partners in the international arena, and the approaches of Moscow and Beijing to fundamental issues of the modern world order and key international problems coincide or are close,” she said.

    As M. Zakharova noted, the Russian-Chinese link is the main stabilizing factor in world affairs. “In conditions when the adherents of unilateralism in international relations are trying to maintain their positions, we advocate the promotion of a fair multipolar world order based on the countries of the Global South,” the Russian diplomat emphasized, adding that an important step on this path is the construction of a space of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia.

    The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Russia and China fruitfully cooperate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, the Group of Twenty (G20), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and other international formats. “We are strengthening cooperation between our countries and the countries of the Global South and East in the UN,” she added.

    According to M. Zakharova, one of the key goals of cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is to promote the reform of international architecture with a view to increasing the role of the world majority countries in the decision-making process on issues on the global agenda.

    She also recalled that the Russian foreign policy concept sets out the goal of concentrating creative efforts on those geographic vectors that have obvious prospects in terms of expanding mutually beneficial international cooperation. These, as the official representative emphasized, include the states of the Global South and East. “Many of them are noticeably raising their voices in world affairs, pursuing independent policies based on national interests,” M. Zakharova noted. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: Slovenia Declares Two Israeli Ministers Personae Non Grata

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    LJUBLJANA, July 17 (Xinhua) — The Slovenian government on Thursday declared Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich personae non gratae, claiming that the two far-right ministers are inciting violence and gross violations of Palestinian rights with their “genocidal” statements. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Poland recalls ambassador to Hungary over asylum dispute

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BUDAPEST/WARSAW, July 17 (Xinhua) — Poland has officially recalled its ambassador to Hungary, the Polish Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday.

    Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski told the Polish Press Agency that the mission of Ambassador to Hungary Sebastian Kenczyk officially ended on July 15. “There is currently a temporary chargé d’affaires in Budapest,” Wronski said, signaling a reduction in the level of Poland’s diplomatic presence in Hungary.

    Warsaw described the decision as a response to a “hostile act against the Republic of Poland,” referring to Hungary’s decision to grant political asylum to former Polish Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski.

    Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry State Secretary Levente Magyar acknowledged the downgrade in diplomatic relations in a statement on Wednesday, expressing regret over the developments but calling them temporary.

    “This unfortunate step is the result of a gradual deterioration in our political ties – an unprecedented case in the history of our relations with any partner in Central Europe,” L. Magyar noted.

    The current case highlights the growing political rift between two countries that once closely aligned their positions on many EU policy issues. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Slovenia Declares Two Israeli Ministers Personae Non Grata

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    LJUBLJANA, July 17 (Xinhua) — The Slovenian government on Thursday declared Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich personae non gratae, claiming that the two far-right ministers are inciting violence and gross violations of Palestinian rights with their “genocidal” statements.

    Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon noted that Slovenia was the first EU member state to take such measures against two Israeli ministers.

    The decision came after EU foreign ministers failed to reach a consensus on joint action against Israel during a meeting in Brussels on July 15.

    Slovenia, which officially recognized the State of Palestine in June 2024, criticizes Israel’s intense military operations in the Gaza Strip. Ljubljana calls on the Jewish state to immediately stop the offensive and allow rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Bosnia and Herzegovina in crisis as Bosnian-Serb president rallies for secession

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Birte Julia Gippert, Reader in International Relations, University of Liverpool

    The country of Bosnia and Herzegovina is embroiled in a crisis that may affect its political future and the stability of the western Balkans. Recent events in the bitterly divided country read a little like a spy novel. But the tensions that threaten three decades of tenuous peace since the region was torn apart by ethnic strife in the 1990s are only too real.

    On February 26, 300 armed Hungarian police officers in civilian clothes crossed into Republika Srpska without approval from the Sarajevo state government. Republika Srpska is one of the two territorial entities that make up Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Hungarian police were there, ostensibly, to train local police.

    But they were reportedly sent to be ready to extract Republika Srpska president, Milorad Dodik, who had the same day been convicted by a Bosnian court for “separatist actions”. These included suspending rulings of the Bosnian constitutional court and refusing to publish decisions by the Bosnian high representative, which prevents them from becoming law in contravention of Bosnia’s constitution.

    He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and handed a six-year ban from all political activities. Within days of the verdict, Dodik reacted by banning all Bosnian state prosecutorial, police and court institutions from Republika Srpska, in what the Bosnian constitutional court ruled was a move to “effectively abolish state authority over part of its territory”.

    In March, Bosnia’s state court issued an arrest warrant against Dodik for ignoring a court summons over his alleged secessionist activity. In April, the Bosnian state investigation and protection agency, Sipa, attempted to arrest him in East Sarajevo, which is part of Republika Srpska.

    An armed stand-off followed between Sipa officers and local police. Eventually the Sipa officers withdrew.

    So it came as a surprise for many when Dodik and his lawyer attended a scheduled hearing for his case on July 4. The court duly lifted its arrest warrant pending further proceedings with a requirement that he report in on a periodical basis.

    Two days later, despite only being on conditional release, Dodik restated his claim for the unification of Republika Srpska with Serbia, saying: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a state of Serbs but only a temporary refuge.”

    The burden of history

    The state of Bosnia and Herzegovina emerged from the horrors of the Yugoslav wars in the 1990s. The country’s political form was part of the 1995 Dayton peace agreement, which was both a peace deal and a state-building blueprint.

    To accommodate, rather than solve, the tensions between the three main ethnic groups – Bosniak Muslims, Serbs and Croats – the state was divided into two entities: the Serb-majority Republika Srpska and the Bosniak-Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Both parts of the country hold considerable autonomous powers, but are bridged by the weak federal political institutions. Like many power-sharing deals, Dayton ended the fighting but failed to build an integrated state.

    The two entities guard their autonomy fiercely. Attempts by the European Union to push for constitutional changes to pave the way to closer relations with the Bosnian state, for example by reforming the country’s police force, have been rebuffed by nationalist politicians.

    The Republika Srpska has been vocal in defence of its autonomous rights. And the most prominent voice among them has been Dodik, who consistently portrays Republika Srpska as a bulwark for Serbs against a hostile Bosnian-majority state imposing its will.

    Serbs only account for about 30% of the total population of Bosnia, and clearly chafe at the power-sharing arrangement. Ever since the Dayton accords brought a halt to the fighting, Serb nationalist politicians have toyed with the idea of a “Greater Serbia”.

    This encompasses Serbs living in Serbia, Republika Srpska and Serbia’s breakaway province in Kosovo. Dodik’s statement from July 6 has stirred up these sentiments once more, almost to the day on the anniversary of the first-ever pan-Serbian assembly held in Belgrade on June 8 2024 and co-hosted by Dodik and and the Serbian president, Aleksandar Vučić.

    At a crossroads

    Bosnia is at a crossroads. Internally divided in whether populations see their future in their past, retaining a semi-autocratic, ethno-nationalist government, or whether they see their future as a democratic, accountable and multiethnic state. The former, of course, would look to – and remain within the sphere of influence of – Russia. The latter prefer to look westward for their future.

    Bosnia, like its neighbours, is an EU candidate country. It began accession negotiations in March 2024, but many of the reforms required to meet EU accession criteria clash with Bosnia’s constitution.

    Among other things, this restricts who can join the tripartite federal presidency and the House of Peoples, the upper-chamber of the federal parliament, excluding Jews, Roma and other minorities. This would have to change for Bosnia to join.

    But the Bosnian constitution is anchored in the Dayton peace agreement, so nationalist politicians threaten that constitutional reform will endanger Bosnia’s peace and integrity.

    Embracing constitutional reforms to fulfil EU entry requirements is risky for nationalist politicians as it undercuts their ethnic powerbase. However, turning fully away from the EU, and possibly towards Russia, carries a hefty price-tag in foregone direct financial support and economic integration. So far, Dodik and Vučić have managed to somewhat balance these seemingly contradictory courses of action. However, they are facing increasing headwinds.

    Both the ongoing Serbian protests and recent polls from Bosnia showing that 70% of Bosnians (but only 50% of Bosnian Serbs) want to join the EU, question whether this course remains viable. With increased popular calls for democracy, accountability and fair elections, the recent actions by Dodik and his allies may be a reaction to these demands, rather than a separate agenda.

    An old elite desperately clinging to power? Given the political fragility of Bosnia, reform appears inevitable. But the choice is a contested one.

    One way the country breaks into its constituent parts along ethnic lines. The other prospect is that Bosnia embraces reform and progresses to become a democratic multi-ethnic state with a European future. Either way may spell turbulent times ahead.

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

    – ref. Bosnia and Herzegovina in crisis as Bosnian-Serb president rallies for secession – https://theconversation.com/bosnia-and-herzegovina-in-crisis-as-bosnian-serb-president-rallies-for-secession-260618

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Deputy Secretary General discusses a stronger and fairer NATO, and deterring aggression, at LANDEURO symposium

    Source: NATO

    On Thursday (17 July 2025), NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska addressed the LANDEURO symposium of The Association of the United States’ Army, discussing the role of the Allies’ armed forces and industry in deterring aggression.

    Thank you, General Brown.

    And good afternoon, everyone.

    It’s great to be here in Wiesbaden, home to the US Army’s Europe and Africa Headquarters.

    And a critical hub for America’s efforts to ensure stability across the region, but also beyond.

    Wiesbaden also houses our NATO command, the Security Assistance and Training command for Ukraine.

    With hundreds of personnel from NATO and partner countries who work hard, every day.

    To support Ukraine and to coordinate thousands of movements of military supplies, so that Ukraine can fight for it’s freedom, for peace, and for security.

    So what a better place to discuss the role of our armed forces and industry in deterring aggression.

    Let me start by thanking the organisers, the Association of the United States’ Army, for bringing us together to discuss this and many other important topics.

    Less than a month ago, leaders of all Allied nations gathered for the NATO Summit in The Hague.

    And they all had one clear objective.

    How to keep one billion people living in NATO countries safe today.

    And how to deter any possibility of aggression in the future.

    How to make sure that our Alliance can fulfil and I would say continue, in the next 75 and more years, to fulfil our sacred mission.

    What we saw in The Hague at the NATO Summit was bold decisions from our political leaders.

    A strong demonstration of our transatlantic unity and resolve.

    Allies have managed to agree on a very ambitious Defence Investment Plan, a new one, The Hague one,

    to invest 5 percent of GDP for our security by 2035.

    And this really is a game-changer.

    And I shouldn’t be saying this in this room, because you can understand how much of an impact will this have for our deterrence and our defence.

    It will massively increase NATO’s strength and war-fighting capabilities.

    And it will definitely ensure that we continue what we do best, and this is deliver peace, but through strength.

    At least 3.5% of GDP out of the 5% target will be spent on so called core miliary requirements.

    They will be spend on what one can say is the heavy metal of our armed forces — many of you here today.

    And this is the heavy metal that you all need to deter and defend.

    Among all these capability requirements that all Allies have agreed to even a month before the Hague Summit,

    What we have included in this number is a five-fold increase of our air and missile defence systems,

    thousands more armoured vehicles and tanks,

    and millions more artillery shells,

    and drones, and air jets.

    All these things contribute to the capability targets that we need, and the capability targets that require 3.5% of GDP so that they can be financed in due time.

    At the same time, Allies agreed to spend 1.5% of GDP on defence and security related expenses.

    This means more money to support our militaries and societies to become more secure.

    In a world where microchips matter as much as the latest missiles every part of our society and our economy must step up for security.

    From strong cyber defences to secure supply chains.

    From greater resilience to more investment in roads, railways and ports for the sake of our defence plans.

    This is all about making sure that we can get our forces to the right place at the right time, but equipped with the right capabilities.

    It’s also about responding to the world as it is now, not as we wish it to be.

    Preparing for war costs money, 5% is a lot of money.

    But not preparing for it will cost us far more, both in terms of money and in terms of lives. We are no longer fighting wars of choice, where everything is plannable and we set the timetable.

    It is our adversaries that are setting the pace of production and defining the moment.

    Russia is rearming faster than many people have imagined.

    It is enabled by Chinese technology, Iranian drones, and North Korean missiles but also boots on the ground.

    What’s more, Putin has shown that he will not hesitate to use military force to achieve his goals.

    China is also carrying out its own massive military modernisation.

    It is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, completely unconstrained by any arms control agreements.

    It is flexing its muscles in the South China Sea and sharpening its tools of economic coercion in the Euro-Atlantic.

    And while all this is happening, we also cannot underestimate the persistent instability in the Middle East,

    divisive rhetoric in the Western Balkans,

    and the ongoing threats of terrorism.

    So as the world becomes more dangerous, more turbulent,

    NATO must become stronger, fairer and, and this is the right place to use the word, more lethal.

    To leave no adversary in any doubt that we will do what it takes to protect and defend each other.

    A couple of weeks ago, we bid a fond farewell to General Cavoli, who as you know wore two hats.

    He was both NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, our SACEUR, but also Commander of the US’s European forces.

    And let me use this opportunity to say that he has played really a fundamental role in transforming the Alliance, even prior to the NATO Summit.

    He has really supported us in fostering a stronger bond between NATO’s Supreme Allied Headquarters in Mons, SHAPE, and the United States’ European Command in Stuttgart.

    General Cavoli made sure that we have robust regional plans to defend every inch of Allied territory.

    And that we continue to modernise NATO’s multi-domain warfighting capabilities.

    From the seabed to outer space, we cannot afford to have any weak links.

    The conflicts in Ukraine, but also the instability and the conflicts in the Middle East have transformed modern warfare.

    In Ukraine, we have seen tactics and trench-warfare from the last world wars, combined with the completely new technology from the next.

    Ukraine has pioneered the use of drones, I was able to see remarkable examples for this, but not only in the air domain.

    But also to neutralise the threat of the Russian army in the Black Sea.

    And to strike Russian military targets far beyond the frontlines.

    Both Russia and Ukraine have carried out kinetic and non-kinetic attacks — across land, sea, air, cyber and information space — and all of this simultaneously.

    This was done to certain extent in devastating ways.

    And we need to therefore think differently about how we operate.

    Not in silos — but really seamlessly across all domains — and at the same time.

    So when we develop our capabilities, this is the thinking, this is the logic.

    This is the philosophy that we have to take into account.

    We also need to think about how we integrate the latest technologies with conventional capabilities to gain the maximum effect.

    And this was very much what SACEUR and SACT worked on in the last years.

    But this is why we were also delighted to welcome General Alexus Grynkewich as our new Supreme Allied Commander.

    He has championed innovation and developed cutting-edge capabilities for our armed forces.

    His appointment demonstrates the United States’ ironclad commitment to our shared security.

    As America continues to put forward its brightest and best in service of the United States of America, but also in the service of the Alliance.

    At the Summit, we heard really strong statements from the US leadership, from President Trump, but also from the two Secretaries and all the representatives.

    How dedicated and how committed they are to NATO and to our collective defence.

    The US continues to stand foursquare with its NATO Allies.

    Because it is good for America’s security and it is vital for the transatlantic security.

    The US has played and continues to play an indispensable role in our Alliance.

    Providing critical enablers, reinforcements, and of course its nuclear deterrence – the ultimate guarantor of our security.

    At the same time, America’s Allies, European and Canada, are stepping up.

    All Allies, all 32 of them, will spend 2 percent of GDP on defence this year, as we have agreed time ago in Wales.

    And many are already going much further and much faster.

    Some of them have stepped up and approached 5% even before the Summit. And this is remarkable leadership.

    They are making sure that we have collectively what we need to deter and defend.

    That’s why the other major focus of the Summit in The Hague was defence production.

    Because cash alone does not deter our adversaries. It does not by itself provide security.

    But concrete capabilities do.

    Our adversaries won’t be deterred just because of our statements, because of our pledges, because of our words.

    But by strong defences, well-equipped troops, and the latest weapons systems.

    This is why the Secretary General has been tireless in his efforts to engage not only with Allied leaders or with the militaries, but also with defence industries on both sides of the Atlantic.

    He has been urging them to open new production lines, put in the extra shifts, really ramp up production.

    But also to boost innovation and come up with capabilities that are actually meaningful today and tomorrow.

    And they are.

    They are really prepared for this game-changing environment around us.

    Across the Alliance, industry has opened hundreds of new production lines and expanded existing ones.

    We are now on course to produce more ships, more planes and ammunition than we have done in decades.

    But we still need to do more.

    NATO Allies today are home to world-class defence companies – some of them present today here with us – the best researchers, and the most innovative entrepreneurs.

    But we need to do these things more, better and faster to drive even more production both on the American but also on the European side of the Atlantic.

    And, again, we need to think differently about how and who we partner with.

    This means working with everyone from the defence primes to civilian start-ups to integrate the latest technologies into our defence.

    But it also means working together not among us in the Alliance, but also with our partners, from Ukraine, European Union, to the Indo-Pacific. All of them joined us for the Hague Summit and we agreed to do more, together, including or especially focusing on defence production.

    There is so much we can learn from Ukraine, and we already are learning.

    We have opened a new joint centre in Poland, the so-called JATEC [the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre] to do that exactly. To help Ukraine, but also, in the same way use the experience so that we can create stronger deterrence and defence.

    We are also determined to work even more closely with our partners — Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea — including on defence production.

    They are the source of so many of today’s cutting-edge capabilities.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    NATO is the strongest and most successful defensive Alliance in history of mankind.

    We have done that. We have secured. We have protected one billion citizens.

    Because we combine the finest armed forces, with the most innovative economies.

    And because of our solemn promise to protect and defend each other.

    So this sense of unity, solidarity, joint work is very strong and continues to be very important for us.

    So let me end by thanking all of you here for the vital role you have played in our security.

    I know I can count and we can count on you to keep our Alliance strong and our one billion people safe.

    Thank you very much for your attention and I look forward to our discussions.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Introduces Bill to Strengthen Global Telecommunications Security 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Bill Keating (MA-09) introduced the Securing Global Telecommunications Act to promote secure, trusted telecommunications infrastructure around the world.

    “For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has held the reins on global telecommunications networks—surveilling citizens, cutting off countries’ internet access, and promoting its authoritarian agenda,” said Rep. Young Kim, who serves as chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee. “We must work with our allies and partners to protect the technologies the world relies on each day from the CCP. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill with Congressman Keating and will keep fighting to ensure the United States leads in securing telecommunications infrastructure.”

    “Today, we are reintroducing a bipartisan bill to strengthen our cybersecurity defenses and counter those who seek to exploit our telecommunications networks,” said Ranking Member Keating. “Every day, cybercriminals and hostile actors from Russia, China, Iran, and elsewhere target our critical infrastructure and that of our allies and partners. This legislation helps ensure that the United States can continue to promote the use of secure telecommunication infrastructure around the world.”

    The Securing Global Telecommunications Act would support U.S. efforts to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure globally by requiring the State Department to: 

    • Establish a comprehensive strategy to promote secure telecommunications infrastructure, including mobile networks, data centers, and 6G and emerging technologies, around the world; 
    • Report to Congress on Chinese and Russian efforts to advance their interests at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU); 
    • Identify key opportunities for multilateral collaboration to strengthen and protect trusted telecommunications infrastructure abroad. 

    Rep. Kim introduced this bill alongside Representative Kathy Manning (NC-06) in the 118th Congress, and it passed the House on September 10, 2024. 

    Learn more about the bill HERE.  

    MIL OSI USA News –