Category: Russian Federation

MIL-OSI Russia: “Beryozovo” for employees of SPbGASU: a recreation center and the beginning of big trips

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – View of the bay

SPbGASU employees and their families have a wonderful opportunity to relax on the shore of the Lehmalakhti Bay of Lake Ladoga in a historic mansion, which has become even more beautiful and comfortable after restoration work. We are talking about the departmental recreation center “Beryozovo”, which operates all year round.

Over the long years of its existence, the base has already hosted several generations of our university employees. Many of those who once came here, then choose this place for rest again. Deputy Head of the Personnel Department Svetlana Goltsvart has already visited here twice.

“I was on holiday with my husband and teenage daughter. The first time we went there out of curiosity: it was interesting to see what the recreation centre at our university was like, how the historic cottage had been restored, what the nature was like in this place. That’s why we only planned a 24-hour trip last July. We spent most of our time on the bay. Even the swings that my daughter had chosen had an amazing view of the lake. There was silence, calm and peace here. With such relaxation, the day flew by in an instant, and when we left, we already knew for sure that we would definitely come back here in August for a longer holiday. That’s what we did, and we are very happy about it,” said Svetlana Aleksandrovna.

According to her, they booked a room with amenities, so thanks to the comfort and fresh air, beautiful nature, they had a pleasant experience and gained strength for a long time.

Head of the Department of Structural Mechanics Nikita Maslennikov recalls how he used to vacation in “Beryozovo” as a child with his parents. At one time, his father headed this department for a quarter of a century.

“I know this place well, but after years I wanted to visit it again, see how the cottage has changed after the work was done, and just relax in nature. My wife and I invited two friends for the company, so we rented two rooms. We cooked shashlik, fortunately there is a barbecue here, and swam. The advantageous location of the recreation center makes it possible to think over a meaningful, educational program of excursions both in the surrounding area and over longer distances. In the village of Beryozovo there is a Museum of Living History “Border Outpost”. Priozersk is nearby, where there are many attractions, including the Korela Fortress, founded at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries, Konevets Island, the courtyard of the Valaam Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, from where, if desired, you can go with an excursion group to Valaam. The city has a well-equipped beach. Also nearby is Sortavala, the eco-park “Valley of Waterfalls”. Thus, the recreation center can become a stronghold for a pleasant trip. That’s why my wife and I are planning to come here with our granddaughter. It’s already a family tradition for us,” said Nikita Aleksandrovich.

He is sure that the university management will continue the course of improving the recreation center. He would like an equipped place for swimming in the bay, improvement of the territory of the center, a multifunctional hall for celebrations, expansion of the seating places in the kitchen and an increase in the number of household appliances there.

“Last year we already started improvement work: we fenced the area, built the necessary outbuildings, and outlined further plans in this direction,” said Vladimir Solovyov, Vice-Rector for Security and Administrative and Economic Work at SPbGASU.

“Works on the comprehensive improvement of the territory are planned: the construction of a small beach on the southern – the sunniest shore, the layout of a network of pedestrian paths in the hard surface, the placement of separate areas for recreation, sports games and picnics. Landscaping of the territory is also planned. Decorative shrubs, seasonal flower arrangement should create additional coziness and comfort for vacationers. We consider it necessary to provide for a children’s playground with modern play equipment,” explained the chief architect, director of the design studio of SPbGASU Svetlana Bochkareva.

Recreation center “Beryozovo”

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Facade work on the new building of the State Historical Museum in Moscow is more than half complete

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

New branch of the State Historical Museum

The installation of facades in the new branch of the State Historical Museum near the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow is more than 50% complete, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

“Museum activities play an important role in preserving cultural heritage and forming historical memory. In modern conditions, museums in Russia are acquiring special significance, as they help to cultivate patriotism and strengthen national identity. The Russian construction complex contributes to the development of museum activities. A new branch of the State Historical Museum is currently being built in Moscow. The construction of the exhibition complex will significantly expand the exhibition space and attract more visitors – it will be able to receive up to 400 people per day. The roofing has already been completed, interior decoration is underway, and engineering systems are being installed. Facade work is more than 50% complete,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

The central exhibition of the museum center will be dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Novodevichy Convent, which was celebrated in 2024. It is planned to begin the installation of the exhibition and its semantic content after the completion of all construction and installation works in early 2026.

“Construction work in the new museum building is being carried out within the framework of the comprehensive state program “Construction”, supervised by the Ministry of Construction of Russia. The branch will be equipped with modern technologies, which will improve the quality of exhibitions and increase the level of comfort for visitors. The exhibition center will be equipped with the necessary display and stock equipment. All conditions will be created here for studying and displaying collections, as well as for the safe storage of museum valuables,” said Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Yuri Gordeev.

The area of the modern building will be more than 10 thousand square meters. It will not only house museum exhibits, but also multifunctional and lecture halls, a storage facility, an excursion bureau, as well as premises for holding cultural events.

“The construction of the new museum center started in October 2023. As of today, monolithic works have been fully completed on the site – all five floors of the building, including the underground floor, have already been erected. In the future, the territory of the center will also be landscaped with pedestrian zones, lawns and flower beds, which will contribute to the creation of a comfortable urban environment for residents,” said Karen Oganesyan, General Director of the Unified Customer PPC.

The construction of the new exhibition and display centre is being carried out within the boundaries of the buffer zone of the Novodevichy Convent ensemble, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 13, 2025

MIL-OSI: Valeura Energy Inc.: Record Reserves and Resources at Year-End 2024: 2P Reserves Replacement Ratio of 245%

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE, OTCQX:VLERF) (“Valeura” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the results of its third-party independent reserves and resources assessment as at year-end 2024.

Highlights

Record high year-end reserves: 32 MMbbl proved (1P), 50 MMbbl proved plus probable (2P) and 60 MMbbl proved plus probable plus possible (3P) reserves;
2P reserves replacement ratio of 245% even after annual production increase of 12%;
2P reserves and end of field life (“EOFL”) increased at every field;
2P reserves net present value before tax of US$934 million and US$752 million after tax⁽¹⁾;
Considering year-end 2024 cash position of US$259 million, Company net asset value (“NAV”) is US$1,012 million, equating C$13.6 per common share⁽²⁾;
Contingent resources⁽³⁾ of 48 MMbbl, more than double the total at end 2023; and
Decommissioning costs significantly reduced through engineering studies and increased EOFL to beyond 2030.

⁽¹⁾	^{Discounted at 10% (NPV₁₀)}
⁽²⁾	^{Proved plus probable (2P) NPV₁₀after tax plus cash of US$259.4 million (no debt), using US$/C$ exchange rate of 1.435, and 106.65 million common shares outstanding, as at December 31, 2024}
⁽³⁾	^{Unrisked 2C (best estimate) contingent resources}

Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:

“I am pleased to announce the results of our end 2024 reserves and resources evaluation, which shows again that our aggressive work programme can increase the ultimate potential of our fields and add value to our Company. In our second full year of operations we have again added more than double the reserves we produced, achieving a 2P reserves replacement ratio of 245%. This is a significant feat, considering we also increased production by 12% relative to 2023.

We also added to the ultimate potential of our portfolio, with all Thailand fields now having an economic field life lasting beyond 2030. Since taking over these assets, we have added at least four additional years of production life to each field. This means more years of future cash flow and is therefore a prime example of one key element of our strategy in action – driving further organic growth.

The net asset value of our business is now over US$1 billion – a record high, equating to more than C$13.6 per common share. This is based on our 2P after tax NPV₁₀increasing by 76% year-on-year, coupled with a new record year-end cash position.

In addition to discovering volumes through the drill bit and aggressively working to build our understanding of the intricate subsurface environment, various other financial and engineering studies have also added value. Our field abandonment costs have been reduced further through updated engineering studies which are benchmarked to actual abandonment operations in the Gulf of Thailand. The effect of this, combined with extended field life across the portfolio, is expected to reduce our Asset Retirement Obligation (“ARO”) on our balance sheet by more than 50% since we first assumed operatorship of these assets.

We are relentless in our pursuit of value and we remain focussed on allocating capital efficiently. Moreover, we see exciting reserves-adding opportunities ahead through the potential Wassana field redevelopment, as well as through ongoing infill development and appraisal drilling across the portfolio, and the selective exploration targets we will pursue this year.

At the same time, inorganic growth remains a key part of our strategy, and we are actively evaluating several opportunities to assess fit with our strict screening criteria.”

Valeura commissioned Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (“NSAI”) to assess reserves and resources for all of its Thailand assets as of December 31, 2024. NSAI’s evaluation is presented in a report dated February 13, 2025 (the “NSAI 2024 Report”). This follows previous evaluations conducted by the same firm for December 31, 2023 (the “NSAI 2023 Report”) and December 31, 2022 (the “NSAI 2022 Report”).

Oil and Gas Reserves by Field Based on Forecast Prices and Costs

		Gross (Before Royalties) Reserves, Working Interest Share (Mbbl)
Reserves by Field		Jasmine (Light/Medium)	Manora (Light/Medium)	Nong Yao (Light/Medium)	Wassana (Heavy)	Total
Proved	Producing Developed	5,268	1,370	6,541	2,894	16,073
	Non-Producing Developed	703	433	153	242	1,531
	Undeveloped	4,713	705	3,742	5,490	14,650
Total Proved (1P)		10,684	2,509	10,436	8,626	32,255
Total Probable (P2)		6,108	848	6,500	4,297	17,753
Total Proved + Probable (2P)		16,792	3,357	16,936	12,923	50,008
Total Possible (P3)		3,647	718	4,297	1,027	9,689
Total Proved + Probable + Possible (3P)		20,440	4,075	21,233	13,950	59,697

Summary of Reserves Replacement, Value, and Field Life

As compared to the NSAI 2023 Report, the NSAI 2024 Report indicates an addition of 2.4 MMbbl of proved (1P) reserves and 12.1 MMbbl of proved plus probable (2P) reserves, after having produced 8.4 MMbbl of oil in 2024. This reflects a 1P reserves replacement ratio of 128% and a 2P reserves replacement ratio of 245%.

Based on the mid-point of the Company’s 2025 production guidance of 23.0 – 25.5 Mbbl/d (24.25 Mbbl/d), on a 2P reserves basis as of December 31, 2024, the Company estimates its reserves life index (“RLI”) to be approximately 5.6 years. Using the same 2025 production estimate and 2P reserves as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the RLI was approximately 4.3, and 3.3 years, respectively.

The net present value of estimated future revenue after income taxes, based on a 10% discount rate has increased between the NSAI 2023 Report and the NSAI 2024 Report from US$193.9 million to US$358.6 million on a 1P basis, an increase of 85%. On a 2P basis, the net present value of estimated future revenue after income taxes, based on a 10% discount rate has increased from US$428.5 million to US$752.2 million, an increase of 76%.

The Company estimates that, based on the 2P net present value of estimated future revenue after income taxes in the NSAI 2024 Report, based on a 10% discount rate, plus the Company’s 2024 year-end cash position of US$259.4 million, as disclosed on January 8, 2025, the Company has a 2P net asset value (“NAV”) of US$1,011.6 million. Using the year-end count of common shares outstanding (being 106.65 million) and foreign exchange rates, Valeura’s NAV equates to approximately C$13.6/share.

	1P NPV₁₀		2P NPV₁₀		3P NPV₁₀
	Before Tax	After Tax	Before Tax	After Tax	Before Tax	After Tax
NPV₁₀(US$ million)	360.7	358.6	933.9	752.2	1,339.1	990.2
Cash at December 31, 2024 (US$ million)⁽¹⁾	259.4	259.4	259.4	259.4	259.4	259.4
Net Asset Value (US$ million)	620.1	618.0	1,193.3	1,011.6	1,598.5	1,249.6
Common shares (million)⁽²⁾	106.65	106.65	106.65	106.65	106.65	106.65
Estimated NAV per basic share (C$ per share)⁽³⁾	8.3	8.3	16.1	13.6	21.5	16.8

⁽¹⁾	^{Cash at December 31, 2024 of US$259.4 million, debt nil}
⁽²⁾	^{Issued and outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2024}
⁽³⁾	^{US$/C$ exchange rate of 1.435 as at December 31, 2024}

The NSAI 2024 Report indicates a further extension in the anticipated end of field life for all assets in Valeura’s Thailand portfolio, as compared to the NSAI 2023 Report.

	Gross (Before Royalties) 2P Reserves, Working Interest Share							End of Field Life		2P NPV₁₀After Tax (US$ million)
Fields	December 31, 2023 (MMbbl)	2024 Production (MMbbl)		Additions (MMbbl)	December 31, 2024 (MMbbl)	Reserves Replacement Ratio (%)		NSAI 2023 Report	NSAI 2024 Report	December 31, 2023	December 31, 2024
Jasmine	10.4	(2.9	)	9.2	16.8	324	%	Dec 2028	Aug 2031	81.8	163.9
Manora	2.2	(0.9	)	2.1	3.4	223	%	Jul 2027	Apr 2030	21.2	45.7
Nong Yao	12.4	(3.1	)	7.7	16.9	245	%	Dec 2028	Dec 2033	185.6	416.1
Wassana	12.9	(1.4	)	1.5	12.9	102	%	Jun 2032	Dec 2035	139.9	126.6
Total	37.9	(8.4	)	20.5	50.0	245	%			428.5	752.2

Valeura has demonstrated two consecutive years of growth in both aggregate 2P reserves and the associated after-tax 2P NPV₁₀ value.

	Gross (Before Royalties) 2P Reserves, Working Interest Share (MMbbl)			2P NPV₁₀After Tax (US$ million)
Fields	December 31, 2022	December 31, 2023	December 31, 2024	December 31, 2022	December 31, 2023	December 31, 2024
Jasmine	10.0	10.4	16.8	37.1	81.8	163.9
Manora	1.8	2.2	3.4	12.1	21.2	45.7
Nong Yao	11.2	12.4	16.9	145.5	185.6	416.1
Wassana	6.1	12.9	12.9	66.3	139.9	126.6
Total	29.1	37.9	50.0	261.0	428.5	752.2

The NSAI 2024 Report does not assume a new redevelopment concept for the Wassana field and therefore does not include potential upside volumes associated with the Company’s contemplated redevelopment. Valeura is targeting readiness for a final investment decision (“FID”) in early Q2 2025. Should the Company opt to proceed with the redevelopment, management anticipates a higher production profile, with longer field life than is currently reflected in the NSAI 2024 Report.

Net Present Values of Future Net Revenue Based on Forecast Prices and Costs

Net present values of future net revenue from oil reserves are based on cost estimates as of the date of the NSAI 2024 Report, and forecast Brent crude oil reference prices of US$75.58, US$78.51, US$79.89, US$81.82, and US$83.46 per bbl for the years ending December 31, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029, respectively, with 2% escalation thereafter. NSAI assumes cost inflation of 2% per annum. Price realisation forecasts for each field are based on the Brent crude oil reference prices above, and adjusted for oil quality, and market differentials.

Based on Valeura’s revised corporate structure, as modified by the reorganisation completed in November 2024, values estimated by NSAI assume a combined, single tax filing for all of the Company’s Thai III fiscal concessions, covering the Wassana, Nong Yao, and Manora fields. The Jasmine field, being a Thai I fiscal concession, is outside this scope.

All estimated costs associated with the eventual decommissioning of the Company’s fields are included as part of the calculation of future net revenue, specifically within the Proved Producing Developed category.

		Before Tax NPV₁₀(US$ million)
Future Net Revenue by Field		Jasmine	Manora	Nong Yao	Wassana	Total
Proved	Producing Developed	(124.7)	(27.6)	146.2	(160.7)	(166.8)
	Non-Producing Developed	35.3	27.9	7.0	16.2	86.4
	Undeveloped	93.6	7.9	108.1	231.5	441.0
Total Proved (1P)		4.2	8.2	261.3	87.0	360.7
Total Probable (P2)		217.4	39.1	204.5	112.3	573.3
Total Proved + Probable (2P)		221.5	47.3	465.8	199.3	933.9
Total Possible (P3)		168.8	29.6	150.7	56.1	405.1
Total Proved + Probable + Possible (3P)		390.3	76.9	616.5	255.4	1,339.1

		After Tax NPV₁₀(US$ million)
Future Net Revenue by Field		Jasmine	Manora	Nong Yao	Wassana	Total
Proved	Producing Developed	(131.4)	(27.6)	146.2	(160.7)	(173.4)
	Non-Producing Developed	33.9	27.9	7.0	16.2	85.1
	Undeveloped	99.6	7.9	108.1	231.5	447.0
Total Proved (1P)		2.1	8.2	261.3	87.0	358.6
Total Probable (P2)		161.8	37.4	154.8	39.6	393.6
Total Proved + Probable (2P)		163.9	45.7	416.1	126.6	752.2
Total Possible (P3)		96.7	20.4	93.3	27.6	238.0
Total Proved + Probable + Possible (3P)		260.6	66.1	509.3	154.2	990.2

Asset Retirement Obligations

During 2024, the Company conducted extensive engineering studies into the eventual decommissioning of its fields. These studies utilised costs benchmarked to current decommissioning activities underway elsewhere within the Gulf of Thailand. Valeura’s work since acquiring the assets in early 2023 has resulted in a reduction of 32% in the anticipated cost to decommission the assets (US$ real basis).

In addition, the significant extensions to the economic life of all of the Company’s fields means the timing for decommissioning expenditure has shifted further into the future. The combined effect is estimated to be a material reduction in the ARO liability to be shown on the Company’s balance sheet. While the final ARO is still to be reviewed by the Company’s auditor, management estimates that the ARO as at December 31, 2024 will have been reduced by approximately 35% from year-end 2023 and more than 50% relative to the Company’s first estimate upon assuming operatorship of the Thai portfolio in Q1 2023.

Resources

NSAI assessed the Company’s contingent resources of its Thailand assets for additional reservoir accumulations and reported estimates in the NSAI 2024 Report, the NSAI 2023 Report, and the NSAI 2022 Report. Contingent resources are heavy crude oil and light/medium crude oil, and are further divided into two subcategories, being Development Unclarified and Development Not Viable (see oil and gas advisories). Each subcategory is assigned a percentage risk, reflecting the estimated chance of development. Aggregate totals are provided below.

Contingent Resources	NSAI 2022 Report Gross (Before Royalties) Working Interest Share		NSAI 2023 Report Gross (Before Royalties) Working Interest Share		NSAI 2024 Report Gross (Before Royalties) Working Interest Share
Contingent Resources	Unrisked (MMbbl)	Risked (MMbbl)	Unrisked (MMbbl)	Risked (MMbbl)	Unrisked (MMbbl)	Risked (MMbbl)
Low Estimate (1C)	10.4	1.8	15.2	6.5	29.4	9.2
Best Estimate (2C)	14.1	2.5	19.9	8.9	48.4	13.5
High Estimate (3C)	22.1	3.9	27.9	11.6	72.1	18.0

Comparing the NSAI 2023 Report to the NSAI 2024 Report, the Company has recorded an increase in the best estimate (2C) unrisked contingent resources of 143%.

The Company last completed an independent assessment of its prospective resources in Türkiye, effective December 31, 2018, which is available under Valeura’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Valeura has no reserves or contingent resources associated with its properties in Türkiye.

Further Disclosure and Webcast
Valeura intends to disclose a summary of the NSAI 2024 Report to Thailand’s upstream regulator later in February 2025. Thereafter, the Company will publish its estimates of reserves and resources in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities along with its annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2025, on approximately March 26, 2025.

Valeura’s management team will host an investor and analyst webcast at 08:00 Calgary / 15:00 London / 22:00 Bangkok / 23:00 Singapore on Thursday, February 13, 2025 to discuss its reserves and contingent resources. Please register in advance via the link below.

Registration link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a527dbad-61ff-47b1-8330-a10c28cfd2ee@a196a1a0-4579-4a0c-b3a3-855f4db8f64b

As an alternative, an audio only feed of the event is available by phone using the Conference ID and dial-in numbers below.

Thailand: +66 2 026 9035,,817613646#
Singapore: +65 6450 6302,,817613646#
Canada: (833) 845-9589,,817613646#
Türkiye: 0800 142 034779,,817613646#
United States: (833) 846-5630,,817613646#
United Kingdom: 0800 640 3933,,817613646#

Phone conference ID: 817 613 646#

For further information, please contact:

Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries) +65 6373 6940
Sean Guest, President and CEO
Yacine Ben-Meriem, CFO
Contact@valeuraenergy.com

Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries) +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495
Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations
IR@valeuraenergy.com

Contact details for the Company’s advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including Auctus Advisors LLP, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), Cormark Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation, and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, are listed on the Company’s website at www.valeuraenergy.com/investor-information/analysts/.

About the Company

Valeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Türkiye. The Company is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.

Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Oil and Gas Advisories

Reserves and contingent resources disclosed in this news release are based on an independent evaluation conducted by the incumbent independent petroleum engineering firm, NSAI with an effective date of December 31, 2024. The NSAI estimates of reserves and resources were prepared using guidelines outlined in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook and in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities. The reserves and contingent resources estimates disclosed in this news release are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves and contingent resources will be recovered.

This news release contains a number of oil and gas metrics, including “NAV”, “reserves replacement ratio”, “RLI”, and “end of field life” which do not have standardised meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Such metrics are commonly used in the oil and gas industry and have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

“NAV” is calculated by adding the estimated future net revenues based on a 10% discount rate to net cash, (which is comprised of cash less debt) as of December 31, 2024. NAV is expressed on a per share basis by dividing the total by basic common shares outstanding. NAV per share is not predictive and may not be reflective of current or future market prices for Valeura.

“Reserves replacement ratio” for 2024 is calculated by dividing the difference in reserves between the NSAI 2024 Report and the NSAI 2023 Report, plus actual 2024 production, by the assets’ total production before royalties for the calendar year 2024.

“RLI” is calculated by dividing reserves by management’s estimated total production before royalties for 2025.

“End of field life” is calculated by NSAI as the date at which the monthly net revenue generated by the field is equal to or less than the asset’s operating cost.

Reserves

Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of commercially recoverable oil, natural gas, and related substances anticipated to be recoverable from known accumulations, as of a given date, based on the analysis of drilling, geological, geophysical, and engineering data, the use of established technology, and specified economic conditions, which are generally accepted as being reasonable. Reserves are further categorised according to the level of certainty associated with the estimates and may be sub-classified based on development and production status.

Proved reserves are those reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves.

Developed reserves are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from existing wells and installed facilities or, if facilities have not been installed, that would involve a low expenditure (e.g., when compared to the cost of drilling a well) to put the reserves on production.

Developed producing reserves are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals open at the time of the estimate. These reserves may be currently producing or, if shut in, they must have previously been on production, and the date of resumption of production must be known with reasonable certainty.

Developed non-producing reserves are those reserves that either have not been on production, or have previously been on production, but are shut in, and the date of resumption of production is unknown.

Undeveloped reserves are those reserves expected to be recovered from known accumulations where a significant expenditure (e.g., when compared to the cost of drilling a well) is required to render them capable of production. They must fully meet the requirements of the reserves classification (proved, probable, possible) to which they are assigned.

Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable reserves.

Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. It is unlikely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of the estimated proved plus probable plus possible reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of the estimated proved plus probable plus possible reserves.

The estimated future net revenues disclosed in this news release do not necessarily represent the fair market value of the reserves associated therewith.

The estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of aggregation.

Contingent Resources

Contingent resources are those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from known accumulations using established technology or technology under development, but which are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable due to one or more contingencies. Contingencies are conditions that must be satisfied for a portion of contingent resources to be classified as reserves that are: (a) specific to the project being evaluated; and (b) expected to be resolved within a reasonable timeframe.

Contingent resources are further categorised according to the level of certainty associated with the estimates and may be sub‐classified based on a project maturity and/or characterised by their economic status. There are three classifications of contingent resources: low estimate, best estimate and high estimate. Best estimate is a classification of estimated resources described in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook as the best estimate of the quantity that will be actually recovered; it is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the best estimate. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50 percent probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the best estimate.

The project maturity subclasses include development pending, development on hold, development unclarified and development not viable. The contingent resources disclosed in this news release are classified as either development unclarified or development not viable.

Development unclarified is defined as a contingent resource that requires further appraisal to clarify the potential for development and has been assigned a lower chance of development until commercial considerations can be clearly defined. Chance of development is the likelihood that an accumulation will be commercially developed.

Conversion of the development unclarified resources referred to in this news release is dependent upon (1) the expected timetable for development; (2) the economics of the project; (3) the marketability of the oil and gas production; (4) the availability of infrastructure and technology; (5) the political, regulatory, and environmental conditions; (6) the project maturity and definition; (7) the availability of capital; and, ultimately, (8) the decision of joint venture partners to undertake development.

The major positive factor relevant to the estimate of the contingent development unclarified resources referred to in this news release is the successful discovery of resources encountered in appraisal and development wells within the existing fields. The major negative factors relevant to the estimate of the contingent development unclarified resources referred to in this news release are: (1) the outstanding requirement for a definitive development plan; (2) current economic conditions do not support the resource development; (3) limited field economic life to develop the resources; and (4) the outstanding requirement for a final investment decision and commitment of all joint venture partners.

Development not viable is defined as a contingent resource where no further data acquisition or evaluation is currently planned and hence there is a low chance of development, there is usually less than a reasonable chance of economics of development being positive in the foreseeable future. The major negative factors relevant to the estimate of development not viable referred to in this news release are: (1) current economic conditions do not support the resource development; and (2) availability of technical knowledge and technology within the industry to economically support resource development.

If these contingencies are successfully addressed, some portion of these contingent resources may be reclassified as reserves.

Of the best estimate 2C contingent resources estimated in the NSAI 2024 Report, on a risked basis: 74% of the estimated volumes are light/medium crude oil, with the remainder being heavy oil; 77% are categorised as Development Unclarified, with the remainder being Development Not Viable. Development Unclarified 2C resources have been assigned an average chance of development for the four fields ranging from 30% to 50% depending on oil type, while 2C Development Not Viable resources have been assigned an average chance of development ranging from 16% to 17%.

Resources Project Maturity Subclass	Light and Medium Crude Oil (Development Unclarified)				Chance of Development (%)
	Unrisked		Risked
	Gross (Mbbl)	Net (Mbbl)	Gross (Mbbl)	Net (Mbbl)
Contingent Low Estimate (1C) Development Unclarified	8,267	7,334	3,108	2,742	38	%
Contingent Best Estimate (2C) Development Unclarified	14,178	12,538	4,227	3,728	30	%
Contingent High Estimate (3C) Development Unclarified	21,072	18,644	5,289	4,673	25	%

Resources Project Maturity Subclass	Heavy Crude Oil (Development Unclarified)				Chance of Development (%)
	Unrisked		Risked
	Gross (Mbbl)	Net (Mbbl)	Gross (Mbbl)	Net (Mbbl)
Contingent Low Estimate (1C) Development Unclarified	7,807	7,358	4,045	3,813	52	%
Contingent Best Estimate (2C) Development Unclarified	10,641	10,029	5,325	5,018	50	%
Contingent High Estimate (3C) Development Unclarified	14,524	13,689	6,560	6,182	45	%

Resources Project Maturity Subclass	Light and Medium Crude Oil (Development Not Viable)				Chance of Development (%)
	Unrisked		Risked
	Gross (Mbbl)	Net (Mbbl)	Gross (Mbbl)	Net (Mbbl)
Contingent Low Estimate (1C) Development Not Viable	11,294	10,502	1,694	1,575	15	%
Contingent Best Estimate (2C) Development Not Viable	21,539	19,965	3,652	3,319	17	%
Contingent High Estimate (3C) Development Not Viable	33,503	30,964	5,363	4,802	16	%

Resources Project Maturity Subclass	Heavy Crude Oil (Development Not Viable)				Chance of Development (%)
	Unrisked		Risked
	Gross (Mbbl)	Net (Mbbl)	Gross (Mbbl)	Net (Mbbl)
Contingent Low Estimate (1C) Development Not Viable	2,069	1,950	310	293	15	%
Contingent Best Estimate (2C) Development Not Viable	2,091	1,971	341	321	16	%
Contingent High Estimate (3C) Development Not Viable	3,003	2,830	815	768	27	%

The NSAI estimates have been risked, using the chance of development, to account for the possibility that the contingencies are not successfully addressed. Due to the early stage of development for the development unclarified resources, NSAI did not perform an economic analysis of these resources; as such, the economic status of these resources is undetermined and there is uncertainty that any portion of the contingent resources disclosed in this new release will be commercially viable to produce.

Glossary

bbl barrels of oil
Mbbl thousand barrels of oil
MMbbl million barrels of oil

Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “target” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s belief that it has added to the ultimate potential of its portfolio; the anticipated economic life of its portfolio; expectations regarding future cash flow; the expectation that ARO on its December 31, 2024 balance sheet will indicate a reduction of approximately 35% versus December 31, 2023 and more than 50% since first assuming operatorship of its assets; business objectives and targets; organic and inorganic growth opportunities; the anticipated end of life for Valeura’s Thailand assets; the potential for adding reserves through the Wassana field redevelopment as well as through ongoing infill development, appraisal drilling, and exploration targets; statements related to the Company’s 2025 production guidance of 23.0 – 25.5 Mbbl/d; estimates of the Company’s RLI; timing for FID readiness on the potential Wassana field redevelopment; management’s anticipation of a higher production profile with longer field life from the Wassana field, should it opt to proceed with the redevelopment; forecast Brent crude oil reference prices; assumption of a single tax filing; estimated costs for the eventual decommissioning of its fields; the intention to disclose a summary of the NSAI 2024 Report to Thailand’s upstream regulator; the anticipated filing date of the Company’s annual information form along with its estimates of reserves and resources; and the timing of the investor and analyst webcast.

In addition, statements related to “reserves” and “resources” are deemed to be forward-looking information

as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the resources can

be discovered and profitably produced in the future.

Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding, among other things: political stability of the areas in which the Company is operating; continued safety of operations and ability to proceed in a timely manner; continued operations of and approvals forthcoming from governments and regulators in a manner consistent with past conduct; ability to achieve extensions to licences in Thailand and Türkiye to support attractive development and resource recovery; future drilling activity on the required/expected timelines; the prospectivity of the Company’s lands; the continued favourable pricing and operating netbacks across its business; future production rates and associated operating netbacks and cash flow; decline rates; future sources of funding; future economic conditions; the impact of inflation of future costs; future currency exchange rates; interest rates; the ability to meet drilling deadlines and fulfil commitments under licences and leases; future commodity prices; the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the impact of conflicts in the Middle East; royalty rates and taxes; management’s estimate of cumulative tax losses being correct; future capital and other expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells and working over existing wellbores; the performance of wells and facilities; the availability of the required capital to funds its exploration, development and other operations, and the ability of the Company to meet its commitments and financial obligations; the ability of the Company to secure adequate processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms; the capacity and reliability of facilities; the application of regulatory requirements respecting abandonment and reclamation; the recoverability of the Company’s reserves and contingent resources; future growth; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the impact of increasing competition; the availability and identification of mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to successfully negotiate and complete any mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to efficiently integrate assets and employees acquired through acquisitions; global energy policies going forward; international trade policies; future debt levels; and the Company’s continued ability to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner. In addition, the Company’s work programmes and budgets are in part based upon expected agreement among joint venture partners and associated exploration, development and marketing plans and anticipated costs and sales prices, which are subject to change based on, among other things, the actual results of drilling and related activity, availability of drilling, offshore storage and offloading facilities and other specialised oilfield equipment and service providers, changes in partners’ plans and unexpected delays and changes in market conditions. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Exploration, appraisal, and development of oil and natural gas reserves and resources are speculative activities and involve a degree of risk. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company including, but not limited to: the ability of management to execute its business plan or realise anticipated benefits from acquisitions; the risk of disruptions from public health emergencies and/or pandemics; competition for specialised equipment and human resources; the Company’s ability to manage growth; the Company’s ability to manage the costs related to inflation; disruption in supply chains; the risk of currency fluctuations; changes in interest rates, oil and gas prices and netbacks; the risk that the Company’s tax advisors’ and/or auditors’ assessment of the Company’s cumulative tax losses varies significantly from management’s expectations of the same; potential changes in joint venture partner strategies and participation in work programmes; uncertainty regarding the contemplated timelines and costs for work programme execution; the risks of disruption to operations and access to worksites; potential changes in laws and regulations, including international treaties and trade policies; the uncertainty regarding government and other approvals; counterparty risk; the risk that financing may not be available; risks associated with weather delays and natural disasters; and the risk associated with international activity. See the most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis of the Company for a detailed discussion of the risk factors.

Certain forward-looking information in this news release may also constitute “financial outlook” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Financial outlook involves statements about Valeura’s prospective financial performance or position and is based on and subject to the assumptions and risk factors described above in respect of forward-looking information generally as well as any other specific assumptions and risk factors in relation to such financial outlook noted in this news release. Such assumptions are based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and any financial outlook included in this news release is made as of the date hereof and provided for the purpose of helping readers understand Valeura’s current expectations and plans for the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on any financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes or in other circumstances and that the risk factors described above or other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from any financial outlook.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such offer would be unlawful. This news release is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

The MIL Network –

February 13, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: 80 years since the liberation of Budapest

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

On February 13, 1945, the Budapest operation of Soviet troops during the Great Patriotic War ended, as a result of which the central regions of Hungary, including its capital, were liberated, and the puppet “Government of National Unity” lost power over the country.

By the end of 1944, Germany’s position was already unenviable, it had to fight on three fronts: in Italy, France and against the Red Army rapidly advancing from the east. The defense of Budapest was of paramount importance, because its loss meant the loss of the last major source of oil, so Hitler even declared that it was better to surrender Berlin than to lose Hungarian oil. The Germans built three lines of defense around Budapest and significantly fortified the city itself, which was defended by Army Group South and the remnants of the Hungarian armed forces.

The Soviet offensive on Budapest began on October 29. They failed to take the city on the move. The second attempt also met with fierce resistance. In December, the Germans even attempted to counterattack and pushed the Russians back in some areas of the front. However, on December 26, their forces were completely surrounded, with 188,000 people trapped in the cauldron. And they had no intention of surrendering; moreover, they shot the envoys sent with an ultimatum to capitulate. Their counterattacking tanks numbered 50-60 units per kilometer of front – a density of equipment unseen throughout the war. Having had the bloody experience of the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Kursk, the Red Army responded with a deeply echeloned defense, effective reconnaissance, and preemptive strikes. The Germans were unable to break out of the encirclement, and in early February, their counteroffensive finally petered out in all directions.

The heaviest urban battles in some areas began on January 18. That same day, our troops liberated about 70,000 Jews from the Budapest ghetto. Now, when the organized counteroffensive of the Germans had failed, they rushed out of Budapest chaotically and with particular despair. From the memoirs of Soviet Major General Andrei Kovtun-Stankevich:

“Everyone takes part in the battle, including the telephone operators. Telephone operator Zoya Vasilchenko destroyed up to 15 fascists with a machine gun. The battalion captured more prisoners than it had personnel.”

“The commander of the medical battalion, Krutilov, arrived and proudly handed me a “combat” report. It turns out that the medical battalion had fought a battle today, as a result of which 49 Germans were killed and 56 were taken prisoner. Everyone took part in the battle, including the wounded who were able to fire. Even the pharmacist, an elderly woman, fired a pistol.”

On February 13, 1945, the German group in Budapest was finally liquidated. The commander, SS-Obergruppenführer Karl Pfeffer-Wildenbruch, dressed in a soldier’s uniform along with all the staff officers, surrendered on his own initiative to the head of the chemical service of the 180th rifle division, Major Skripin.

In honor of this victory, a salute of 24 salvos from 324 guns was given in Moscow. The result of the successful operation was the complete liquidation of the enemy forces and the withdrawal of Hungary from the war. In addition, the advancement on the remaining sections of the Soviet-German front was noticeably facilitated by the transfer of German troops to Budapest. A threat was created to the Balkan group of the Wehrmacht, which was forced to accelerate its withdrawal from Yugoslavia.

The State University of Management congratulates on this memorable date and recalls our scientific regiment – employees awarded the medal “For the capture of Budapest”:
-Hero of the Soviet Union, Alexander Davydov, Guard Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Head of the Nile MIE-MIU department from 1962 to 1985;
-Gennady Belykh, Colonel, Head of the educational and methodological department of the MIU;
-Peter Burov, Major Engineer, Vice-Rector for the Academic Affairs of MIEI from 1952 to 1962;
-Ivan Steel, Major Engineer, chief of staff of the railway troops of the 3rd Ukrainian Front, associate professor of the Department of structures and structures of MIEI.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/13/2025

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: NSU scientists have come up with a way to fix urban infrastructure defects using artificial intelligence

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

Employees Center for Artificial Intelligence of Novosibirsk State University (NSU Center for Information Technologies) received a patent for a utility model of an electronic computing device for detecting defects in urban infrastructure and making decisions on how to eliminate them.

— In essence, this is a hybrid boxed solution, which is an intelligent system that, using video recording cameras installed in the city and a specially trained neural network, can identify various defects in urban infrastructure and utility lines with great accuracy (non-working light poles or traffic lights, potholes in the roads, etc.), and then, using a logical-semantic block, formulate a solution to eliminate these problems, — said one of the authors of the development, head of the research department of the Sigma project at the NSU Center for Information Technologies, PhD in Physics and Mathematics Andrey Nechesov.

“Sigma” is a flagship project, a framework for developing digital twins of smart cities, which allows integrating other practical implementations using the API mechanism. As emphasized by the NSU Center for Informatics, the framework is not only an engineering solution, but also a very serious scientific project based on the achievements of the Siberian school of artificial intelligence, headed by academicians of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yu. L. Ershov and S. S. Goncharov.

The success of ChatGPT and DeepSeek and other large language models (LLM) has generated a lot of interest in this area. LLM capabilities are constantly growing, and today they are already solving a number of important problems. Of course, this is a huge success, but there is a downside to the models themselves – the black box problem, the hallucination problem, the audit problem, deepfakes, and so on. Therefore, in vital areas, these intelligent systems should be used with caution or under the control of more reliable systems, say, based on logic, which would partially or completely check the work of the LLM. This is the approach taken by the participants of the Sigma project.

— By combining the vast experience of my colleague and co-author of the patent Andrey Andreev in inventing and managing large industrial enterprises, as well as my experience in mathematics, blockchain technologies, smart contracts and building trusted intelligent systems, we outlined a plan for formalizing and implementing key aspects in building a framework and simultaneously patenting them, — noted Andrey Nechesov.

The first stage of the plan was an electronic computing device for detecting defects in urban infrastructure; work is currently underway on several more useful models and inventions. As a result, a whole line of solutions will be formed, which will then be integrated into the Sigma framework and can be used to optimize monitoring and management of the state of the urban environment.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Vice-Rector of SPbGASU presented a medal and books to the Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Evgeny Korolev (center) and employees of the Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences: Elena Ermoshina, head of the collections and services department; Olga Skvortsova, director; Natalia Kolpakova, deputy director for research, and Natalia Volkova, head of the spr

Vice-Rector for Research, Professor, Head of the Department of Construction Materials Technology and Metrology at SPbGASU, Academician of the Russian Engineering Academy Evgeny Korolev presented the Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences with a medal “For outstanding achievements in the field of popularization of engineering knowledge” and a set of rare books.

“The Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg was founded in 1714 by Peter the Great and is the oldest in Russia. Today, it is one of the largest libraries in our country and the world. Its collections contain millions of storage units and many unique literary monuments. The library staff supports scientific and research activities, provides a wide range of services, thereby contributing to the popularization of science in general and engineering knowledge in particular. In gratitude, the Presidium of the Russian Engineering Academy decided to award the institution a medal. This award is our appreciation for the work of all library employees,” noted Evgeny Korolev.

On behalf of SPbGASU, the vice-rector donated rare editions to the library: “Brick Outfit of Nevsky Prospect” and “Brick Saint Petersburg in the 18th–19th Centuries”. Their author is Vsevolod Inchik, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Advisor to the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences, Full Member of the Petrovskaya Academy of Sciences and Arts, and the creator of the unique Museum of Saint Petersburg Brick at SPbGASU.

The library management and staff thanked the Russian Engineering Academy for the high assessment of their work, and SPbGASU for valuable publications. They expressed hope for further fruitful cooperation for the benefit of Russian science and education.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 13, 2025

MIL-OSI: Siili Solutions Plc, Financial statements bulletin, 1 January–31 December 2024 (unaudited)

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Siili Solutions Plc, Financial statements bulletin, 1 January–31 December 2024 (unaudited)

YEAR 2024 FOR SIILI: Profitability affected by declined revenue, successful launch of the new data and AI focused strategy

Siili Solutions Plc Financial statements bulletin 13 February 2025 at 9:00 am (EET)

In 2024 we clarified our new strategy and successfully launched its implementation. We focused on strengthening our competitiveness and securing profitability in a continuously challenging market situation. However, the challenging market situation affected negatively on Siili’s revenue and growth both domestically and internationally.

July-December 2024

Siili published its new strategy in August
Siili signed an agreement to purchase majority stake of the Finnish Integrations Group Oy
Siili appointed Maria Niiniharju as Siili’s VP, Private Business and member of Siili’s management team
Revenue for the second half of the year was EUR 52,713 (57,414) thousand, representing decline of 8.2% year on year
Adjusted EBITA for the second half of the year was EUR 2,100 (3,732) thousand, which corresponds to 4.0% (6.5%) of revenue

January-December 2024

We focused on streamlining our organization and creation of our new strategy
We strengthened data and AI expertise through training and recruitment
We achieved 10th place in the Young Professional A raction Index survey by Academic Work
Full-year revenue amounted EUR 111,899 (122,702) thousand, representing decline of 8.8% year on year
Adjusted EBITA was EUR 5,409 (8,742) thousand, which corresponds to 4.8% (7.1%) of revenue

	H2/2024	H2/2023	2024	2023	Q4/2024	Q4/2023
Revenue, EUR 1,000	52,713	57,414	111,899	122,702	28,589	30,365
Revenue growth, %	-8.2%	-3.4%	-8.8%	3.7%	-5.9%	-6.7%
Organic revenue growth, %	-8.2%	-5.5%	-8.8%	0.1%	-5.9%	-6.7%
Share of international revenue, %	30.2%	27.7%	29.0%	26.7%	28.8%	25.8%
Adjusted EBITA, EUR 1,000	2,100	3,732	5,409	8,742	1,403	2,471
Adjusted EBITA, % of revenue	4.0%	6.5%	4.8%	7.1%	4.9%	8.1%
EBITA, EUR 1,000	2,058	3,399	4,752	8,409	1,361	2,138
EBIT, EUR 1,000	1,482	2,763	3,592	6,909	1,075	1,844
Earnings per share, EUR	0.20	0.18	0.43	0.61	0.18	0.14
Number of employees at the end of the period	942	1,007	942	1,007	942	1,007
Average number of employees during the period	954	1,034	975	1,026	944	1,030
Total full-time employees and subcontractors (FTE) at the end of the period	1,033	1,091	1,033	1,091	1,033	1,091

Outlook for 2025 and financial goals for 2025-2028

Revenue for 2025 is expected to be EUR 108-130 million and adjusted EBITA EUR 4.7-7.7 million.

On 26 November 2024, the company announced the financial goals for the years 2025–2028 as follows:

Annual revenue growth of 20 percent, of which organic growth accounts for about half.
Adjusted EBITA 12 percent of revenue.
The aim is to keep the ratio of net debt-to-EBITDA below two.
The aim is to pay a dividend corresponding to 30–70 percent of net profit annually.

CEO TOMI PIENIMÄKI:

2024 was another challenging year from a market perspective, both for Siili and the entire IT service sector. During the year, we focused on crystallising our strategy and creating a foundation for stronger competitiveness and profitability.

The market situation affected both Siili’s revenue and the rate of growth both domestically and internationally. Full-year revenue amounted to approximately EUR 112 million, representing a decline of 9% year on year. The share of international operations in the Group’s revenue continued to increase and rose from the previous year’s level of 27% to 29% in 2024.

The slowdown in growth also weighed on profitability. Adjusted EBITA for the year was EUR 5.4 million, which corresponds to about 5% of revenue. This year, we aim to improve Siili’s profitability by focusing on operational efficiency and growth with focus on the Data and AI business.

Despite the challenges of the operating environment, last year was, however, successful for Siili in many ways. During the first half of the year, we focused on designing our new strategy and streamlining the organisation. We also launched a three-level training programme in artificial intelligence for our consultants and continued to strengthen the data and AI expertise of the Siili team through both training and recruitment throughout the year.

Our new strategy has been well received

In the new strategy published in August, we placed data and artificial intelligence at the core of the strategy. Our objective is to be a pioneer in the AI transition as a developer of generative AI solutions and as an AI partner that reinforces its customers’ competitiveness.

We have now three strategic priorities that strengthen our position as a leader in leveraging AI:

Significant growth in Data and AI business
Pioneer in AI-powered digital development
Community of top talent

Our updated strategy and our promise “Impact driven, AI powered” have been well received in the markets. During the year, we were selected as a partner for several AI and data projects in line with our strategy. Towards the end of the year, we had many successful openings consistent with the strategy in projects dealing with, for example, AI strategies, training, and implementation. We will continue to focus on expanding our business with strategic customers and building long-standing partnerships.

We focus on improving our profitability

We continue to improve our operational efficiency. We will focus in particular on capacity and utilization management, cost efficiency, offer development and pricing optimization. Improving profitability is progressing according to plan in stages. We have made a concrete action plan to improve our efficiency and profitability and we will implement it with determination and monitor its progress.

Last year, we also started to develop our operating models towards more data-driven decision-making and better forecasting. In addition, we are strongly investing in the implementation of a new management model that increases efficiency, recruitments that support the strategy and optimization of subcontracting. We strive to seek profitable growth in growth areas in line with the strategy, while firmly protecting profitability in more challenging market segments.

We are strengthening our community of top talent

At the beginning of November, we strengthened the data and AI expertise of the management team when Maria Niiniharju took up the position as the leader of Siili’s Private Business and became a new member of Siili’s management team. In accordance with our strategy, we also expanded our competence through recruitment of data and AI experts, who we have now 43% more compared to previous year. Towards the end of the year, we strengthened our integration expertise by signing an agreement to purchase a majority stake in Integrations Group Oy. With Integrations Group, we will be a stronger partner for our customers in various demanding AI and data integration projects.

We aim to be the best community for digital development professionals, and we continued to develop our culture and leadership further last year. Our efforts to develop Siili’s community were recognized in autumn when Siili achieved 10th place in the Young Professional Attraction Index survey by Academic Work.

In 2025, we will celebrate Siili’s 20th anniversary. With two decades of innovation and growth under our belt, this is a good time to continue Siili’s journey by focusing on the implementation of the strategy and the improvement of profitability during the year. Although we cannot see immediate signs of an improvement in market conditions, our successes in 2024 have proven the performance of our strategy. I want to extend my thanks to the entire Siili team and our customers for the past year. I am looking forward to the opportunity to build new and innovative solutions at the cutting edge of the AI transition.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTY FACTORS

Siili is exposed to various risk factors related to its operational activities and business environment. The realisation of risks may have an unfavourable effect on Siili’s business, financial position or company value. The most significant risks related to Siili’s operations are described below, along with other known risks that may become significant in the future. In addition, there are risks that Siili is not necessarily aware of and which may become significant.

The loss of one or more key clients, a considerable decrease in purchases, financial difficulties experienced by clients or a change in a client’s strategy with regard to the procurement of IT services could have a negative effect on the company.
Failure to achieve recruitment goals in terms of both quality and quantity, and failure to match supply to customer demand in a timely manner.
Probability and adverse effects of the realisation of the aforementioned risks are more likely in an uncertain economic environment.
Failure in pricing, planning, implementation and improving cost efficiency of customer projects.
Loss of the contribution of key personnel or deterioration of the employer’s reputation.
Realisation of information security risks, for example, as a result of data breach and/or human error by an employee.

General negative or weakened economic development and the resulting uncertainty in the clients’ operating environment. The general economic cycle and changes in the clients’ operating environment can have negative effects through slowing down, postponing or cancelling decision-making on IT investments.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has not had and is not expected have a direct impact on Siili’s business. However, the general uncertainty and inflation in 2024 continued to affect in particular our clients’ investment decisions, thereby also weighing on Siili’s business. Slow recovery of the economy is expected to continue to affect Siili’s business and growth opportunities also in the current financial year. According to management observations and estimates, the impacts of the market environment in the financial year 2024 were moderate, and they are expected to reduce in 2025. We prepare for these effects by taking care of customer satisfaction and cost efficiency.

EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR

Acquisition of Integrations Group Oy

On 18 November 2024, Siili Solutions Plc announced it had signed an agreement to purchase a stake of 51% of the shares in the Finnish company Integrations Group Oy. The transaction in Integrations Group Oy shares was completed on 2 January 2025. Siili is committed to purchasing the remaining 49% of shares in Integrations Group Oy over the coming years in parts as detailed in the shareholders’ agreement; hence, Integrations Group Oy is consolidated 100% in the Siili Group as of 2 January 2025.

Integrations Group Oy is a company specialising in integration implementations and services, based in Espoo and Tampere. The company’s unaudited revenue for the financial year 2024 was EUR 2.2 million, and its operating profit amounted to EUR 0.3 million. The company has 13 employees. Integrations Group Oy will continue to operate as a stand-alone company under its own brand.

The acquisition of the majority stake in Integrations Group executes on Siili’s strategic objective to expand its business in the growing data and generative AI market.

The acquisition does not have a material effect on the Siili Group’s revenue, adjusted EBITA or balance sheet values. The company will prepare an acquisition cost calculation under IFRS 3 during the first year-half.

DIVIDEND PROPOSAL

In line with the dividend policy approved by its Board of Directors, Siili seeks to distribute 30–70% of its profit for the period to shareholders. In addition, an additional profit distribution can be made.

On 31 December 2024, the distributable assets of the parent company of Siili Solutions Plc amounted to EUR 35,291,522.61, including the profit for the period EUR 1,629,162.50. The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting 2025 that a dividend of EUR 0.18 per share be paid for the financial year 2024. According to the proposal, a total dividend of EUR 1,460,215.62 would be paid. The proposed dividend represents approximately 42% of the Group’s profit for the financial year.

No significant changes have taken place in Siili’s financial position since the end of the financial year. The company has a good level of liquidity, and the Board believes that the proposed dividend will not pose a risk to liquidity.

FINANCIAL CALENDAR FOR 2025

Siili will hold a results announcement event for analysts, portfolio managers and the media on 13 February 2025 at 1:00 p.m. The presentation materials will be published on the company website after the event.

The Annual Report 2024 will be published in electronic format on the company website on 14 March 2025.
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 8 April 2025.
The business review for 1 January–31 March 2025 will be published on 22 April 2025.
The half-year report for 1 January–30 June 2025 will be published on 12 August 2025.
The business review for 1 January–30 September 2025 will be published on 21 October 2025.

Helsinki, 13 February 2025

Board of Directors, Siili Solutions Plc

FURTHER INFORMATION:

CEO Tomi Pienimäki

tel. +358 40 834 1399

CFO Aleksi Kankainen

tel. +358 40 534 2709

SIILI SOLUTIONS IN BRIEF:

Siili Solutions Plc is a unique combination of a digital agency and a technology powerhouse. We believe in human-centricity in everything we deliver. Siili is the go-to partner for clients seeking growth, efficiency and competitive advantage through digital transformation. Siili has offices in Finland, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Austria and USA. Siili Solutions Plc shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. Siili has grown profitably since it was founded in 2005. / www.siili.com

Attachment

Siili Solutions Plc Financial Statements Bulletin 2024 (unaudited)

The MIL Network –

February 13, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Gazprom Transgaz Saint Petersburg Continues Cooperation with Polytech

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

On February 12, Georgy Fokin, CEO of Gazprom Transgaz Saint Petersburg, and Andrey Rudskoy, Rector of Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU), signed a new version of the cooperation agreement.

At the meeting held at the university, prospects for further cooperation were discussed. One of the important achievements is the creation in 2014 of the basic department of the company “Gas Turbine Units for Gas Pumping Stations” as part of the Institute of Energy and Transport Systems of SPbPU, where joint scientific research is carried out in priority areas of science and technology applicable to the gas industry and the fuel and energy complex. Training is conducted according to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Since 2012, Gazprom Transgaz Saint Petersburg LLC and Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University have had a cooperation agreement in the area of developing joint educational, scientific and research activities.

According to the terms of the agreement, university students undergo industrial and pre-graduation practice at the enterprise’s facilities, take part in conferences for young workers and research projects, and participate in a competition to receive the Society’s Personal Scholarship. The most promising of them receive the opportunity for employment and professional development at Gazprom Transgaz Saint Petersburg.

Gazprom Transgaz Saint Petersburg LLC is a 100% subsidiary of Gazprom PJSC. The company transports gas to Saint Petersburg, Leningrad, Novgorod, Pskov, Kaliningrad, Tver, Smolensk, Bryansk regions, the Republic of Karelia, and the Republic of Belarus.

The company operates over 12 thousand kilometers of gas pipelines. The enterprise’s area of responsibility includes 34 compressor shops with 206 gas pumping units, 251 gas distribution stations, heat, power and water supply facilities, communications, metrology and automation. The company has 18 branches, including 14 linear production departments of main gas pipelines.

The company’s staff numbers over 7,000 people. The head office is located in St. Petersburg.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Outlines How Trump’s Attack on USAID is Hurting National Security and All Americans

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
February 12, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—outlined how President Donald Trump’s illegal foreign assistance freeze and dismantling of USAID undermines our national security, empowers our adversaries and jeopardizes Americans’ economic security. Her discussion with the panel highlighted how USAID programs abroad help improve the global competitiveness of American products. Video of Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
“Donald Trump promised he’d lower costs and keep Americans safe, but his attack on USAID is doing the opposite: hurting our national security and empowering our adversaries,” Duckworth said. “The only people winning here are our adversaries and those who thrive on chaos—whether that be the PRC, Russia or Elon Musk. Meanwhile, Trump’s destructive actions are causing real harm to people’s lives and their livelihoods.”
Duckworth has repeatedly called out President Donald Trump and his Administration’s illegal attack on USAID. Last week, Duckworth led her fellow SFRC Democratic colleagues in demanding immediate answers from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on how much it will cost American taxpayers to pull USAID workers off the job overseas and relocate them back to the United States. Duckworth also spoke out against Trump’s ongoing illegal power grabs—including the shuttering of USAID—on the Senate floor as part of Senate Democrats’ 30-hour protest opposing Project 2025 architect Russell Vought’s nomination to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). As a result of Trump’s ongoing lawlessness, Duckworth also announced that she will be a blanket-no on all remaining top-level cabinet nominees.
-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Sally Sara, ABC Radio National

Source: Minister for Trade

Sally Sara: Well, Australian industry is on tenterhooks, awaiting indications on whether there’ll be an Australian exemption from US tariffs on steel and aluminium. The Trade Minister, Don Farrell, has his bags all but packed, ready to fly to the US to meet his US counterpart, Howard Lutnick, as soon as Mr Lutnick is confirmed in the role. But before that, Mr Farrell is at the centre of electoral forms. He has negotiated with the Coalition in what integrity experts have called an affront to our democracy.

Don Farrell is with me in the studio. Don Farrell, welcome to Radio National Breakfast.

Minister for Trade: Nice to be with you, Sally.

Sara: You’ve got quite a bit on in your portfolios at the moment. Let’s start with the question of tariffs. Has Australia been killing the American aluminium market as Donald Trump’s senior trade adviser, Peter Navarro has accused Australia of doing?

Minister for Trade: I don’t believe we have, Sally. We make a terrific product here in aluminium. It’s a high-quality product. Australian companies do really well in the export market, and we sell our product to willing purchasers in the United States. I think we the reason we’re making those sales, of course, is the high quality and the high value of the product we sell. And I don’t believe we have done at any stage anything that has not been agreed to by the American Government.

Sara: Has DFAT been reporting the sales of Australian steel and aluminium to the US Commerce Department?

Minister for Trade: Well, I can’t say I know exactly how that information is collected by the Americans. I’m sure they have accurate figures on what we export into the United States. I think it’s important to remember, Sally, that in the relationship between Australia and the United States, it’s overwhelmingly in the United States’ favour. We have trade worth about $100 billion. $30 billion of that is what we sell for the United States, but 70 billion is what the Americans sell to us.

Sara: Minister, I’ll bring you back to the question, though. Have we been – has Australia been reporting the volumes of steel and aluminium exports to the US Commerce Department?

Minister for Trade: I’m sure that we comply with all of the obligations that America imposes on those companies that are supplying into the United States. And it wouldn’t matter whether it was beef or lamb or grain or steel or aluminium, I would be absolutely certain Australian companies comply with all of their obligations in terms of reporting into the United States. But just getting back to my other point —

Sara: But has DFAT been passing on those figures to the US Department of Commerce?

Minister for Trade: I don’t know who is responsible for reporting to the United States, but whoever it would be, would be complying with all of the obligations.

Sara: So, you you’re not sure?

Minister for Trade: Well, I don’t know exactly – I don’t get down into those precise details, but I’m certain that we comply with all of our obligations to report to the United States Government in terms of whatever exports that we might be passing on into the United States.

Sara: There’s a bit of a tangle of words here on the previous exemption what’s your understanding? Did the Coalition Government give a verbal agreement about limiting Australian aluminium being exported into the United States, which it then didn’t abide by?

Minister for Trade: You’d have to ask Mr. Morrison or —

Sara: What’s your understanding?

Minister for Trade: Well, look, they are matters for Mr Morrison or Mr Birmingham, who was the Trade Minister at the time. What I’m aware of is what we’ve been doing over the last three years, and I think we have been complying with all of the arrangements that were in place and the appropriate arrangements that were in place to ensure that we continued to supply high-quality Australian-made aluminium into the American market.

Sara: Has DFAT been in contact with Australian aluminium exporters urging them to contain the amount of aluminium – Australian aluminium – that’s going into the US, has that occurred?

Minister for Trade: I would say DFAT is very commonly in contact with all of the Australian companies that sell product into the American market. Where there are arrangements in place we would ensure that the companies that export to the United States are fully aware of their obligations.

Sara: How can you comply with a deal when you’re not sure what that deal was?

Minister for Trade: Well, I’m not sure quite what you’re referring to —

Sara: In terms of containing what the previous promise was.

Minister for Trade: I would expect, and I understand that Australian companies that export to the United States are exporting on the basis of what they understand to be the rules.

Sara: What do you understand the rules to be?

Minister for Trade: Well, we were given an exemption by the former, well, President Trump when he was formally president for the first time, and we have supplied aluminium in accordance with that arrangement. I might say the total amount of aluminium that we supply to the United States is a relatively small amount in the scheme of things and –

Sara: What’s your understanding of the deal when it comes to the amount that we are allowed to send?

Minister for Trade: Well, I understand that there’s a ceiling to how much we export to the United States. Of course, in the middle of all of this you had the Russia-Ukraine war. And I understand that because of difficulties in arrangements between getting Russian aluminium into the United States, we increased the amount of aluminium that we supplied into the American market. But all of that was done with the full knowledge of the American Government. We haven’t done, at any stage, anything that the American Government has not been comfortable with.

Sara: Minister, I need to ask you about electoral reforms. After the deal was announced yesterday, the Centre for Public Integrity issued a statement saying they’ve been advocating for political donations reform and transparency for a long time. But in terms of this agreement, they’ve described it as an affront to our democratic process and the legislation went through without proper process and scrutiny. What’s your response to those comments?

Minister for Trade: Well, Sally, I say this. From the time that I became the Special Minister of State three years ago, we have worked on reforming the Australian electoral system. We want to make it easier for ordinary Australians to participate in the electoral process. And you shouldn’t have to be beholden to billionaires in order to successfully run for politics in Australia. I want to see the ideas of Australia being the issue that determines whether or not they are or are not elected, not their wealth. And what we did last night was, as you say, dramatically increase the transparency of the Australian political system. For the first time, when you walk into the ballot place in the election after next, so, it doesn’t apply to this election because we’re so close to the election, for the first time, you’ll know exactly who else is donating to the candidate that you’re contemplating supporting. These are significant reforms. We’re capping the amount of money that you can spend on elections. Instead of the cost of elections blowing out, we are capping those costs.

Sara: Do you understand the criticism of the independents? Because they will be capped with this per candidate cap. But if a candidate is a member of a major party, they’ll have the money under that per candidate cap and then another pot of money that is capped with the party. In other words, they have access to two pots of money.

Minister for Trade: Can I say that they are completely wrong about that assessment. At the moment, there is no cap at all on how much candidates or parties can spend. The major parties, the Labor Party, the Liberal Party, have voluntarily capped the amount of money that they can spend on an election. So, that, in fact, it’s the opposite of the criticism that is being made about this legislation. We’re actually reducing the amount of money that the major political parties can spend on an election and that is to the benefit of all candidates. And can I say this, Sally? We’ve kept the amount of money you can spend on a single electorate at $800,000. If you can’t get your message out to the Australian people with a spend of $800,000, then there’s something wrong with your campaigning.

Sara: Minister, we’ll need to leave it there. You’ve got a lot on your plate at the moment. Thank you so much.

Minister for Trade: Thanks, Sally.

MIL OSI News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville in Yellowhammer: President Trump’s tariffs are Making America Great Again

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

“President Trump is keeping his promises to strengthen and revitalize our nation’s economy”

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) penned an op-ed in Yellowhammer praising President Donald Trump’s recent implementation of reciprocal tariffs to ensure fairness and bolster our national security.

Read excerpts from the piece below or here.

“The media is in full meltdown mode after President Trump imposed duties and retaliatory tariffs this week on countries who have been ripping us off for decades. Apparently, globalists and Democrats are just fine with other countries imposing tariffs on U.S. exports. But, when it comes to President Trump trying to establish a level playing field for domestic producers, well, that’s a bridge too far.

No one should be remotely surprised by President Trump’s actions. He campaigned on this platform three times and has been crystal clear on his intentions – now he is following through on his promises. He views tariffs both as a negotiating tool to get other countries to bend to his will and as a way to boost American manufacturing and put America First.

President Trump has his work cut out for him after the disastrous past four years under President Biden. The Biden administration made it clear to our friends and foes alike that the globalist agenda would take precedent over the safety and wellbeing of the American people.

Thankfully, those days are over. The American people gave President Donald J. Trump a clear mandate to restore our country’s superpower status and put America First. That starts with securing our borders. That’s why President Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada last week unless they start working with the U.S. to secure our borders and stop the flow of fentanyl into our nation.

Over the past four years, the Mexican government turned a blind eye while caravans of illegal aliens flowed through Mexico into the United States. Thousands of women and children were trafficked and raped along the way. Drug cartels were uninhibited from smuggling illicit drugs across the border. That is, until President Trump re-entered the White House on January 20.

President Trump correctly understands that Mexico’s economy is heavily dependent on its trade relationship with the U.S. In fact, more than 80 percent of Mexico’s exports come to the United States. Mexico’s economy would almost instantly feel the effects of a 25 percent tariff, leaving Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum no choice but to come to the negotiating table with master dealmaker Donald Trump. As a result, within hours of President Trump’s announcement, Mexico caved by agreeing to start helping the United States secure the border and crack down on the cartel issue.

Our neighbor to the North also caved to President Trump after a 25 percent tariff was threatened on Canadian imports. Not only are illicit drugs like fentanyl coming into our country from Mexico, but there has also been a 2,050 percent increase from FY 2023 in drugs coming across our Northern Border. In the last fiscal year alone, enough fentanyl was seized at our Northern Border to kill 9.8 million Americans. This is a serious problem.

Thanks to President Trump, our North American neighbors to the North and South are making changes that will protect American citizens from deadly drugs, criminals, and human traffickers.

In addition to using tariffs as a negotiating tool, President Trump also views tariffs as a way to right the wrongs of past, ineffective trade deals. That’s why this week he is imposing a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum. Contrary to what the media would tell you, this isn’t unprecedented. […]

The tariffs being imposed this week are an important step in President Trump’s plan to restore fairness to trade, boost domestic manufacturing and put American consumers and producers first. America has some of the best and brightest manufacturers, producers, farmers, and businesses. We shouldn’t be going to other countries for products we can make right here at home.

Three weeks into his presidency, President Trump is keeping his promises to strengthen and revitalize our nation’s economy, stem the flow of illicit drugs and illegal immigration, and make sure our trade deals are fair for taxpayers and the American worker. President Trump is utilizing every tool at his disposal, including tariffs, to usher in the Golden Age of America.”

MORE:
Tuberville Speaks On Importance Of Boosting U.S. Economy To Help Struggling Seniors
Tuberville Praises President Trump For Making Tariffs Great Again
ICYMI: Tuberville Joins “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business
Tuberville Calls for Increase in Agricultural Exports
Tuberville Introduces Bill to End Reliance on Russia, Boost Alabama Businesses and Workers
Tuberville Cosponsors Legislation to Protect American Manufacturing
Tuberville Continues Advocating for Alabama’s Ag Interests in Farm Bill Hearing

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Building Resilience and Boosting Growth in Asia

Source: IMF – News in Russian

Opening Remarks by Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura at the 7th IMF-JICA Conference, Tokyo, Japan

February 13, 2025

Honorable Ministers and Governors, President Tanaka, Vice Minister Mimura, and Ladies and Gentlemen:

Welcome to the 7^th IMF-JICA Conference. I am so pleased to be here. Let me first express my gratitude to our co-organizer, JICA, and to the Japanese authorities for their generous support. My thanks also to the JICA and IMF staff who have been working for months to organize this event.

Let me start with the good news. Despite the shocks of recent years, the global economy has remained surprisingly resilient. Our global projections released in January suggest global growth will hold steady at 3.3 percent this year and next.

Having said that, divergences across countries are widening. The U.S. is outperforming its advanced economy peers with stronger growth than projected. By contrast, growth in the Euro area will increase only modestly due to weak momentum and high energy prices.

For emerging market economies, growth projections remain at 4.2 percent and 4.3 percent this year and next. We revised up our growth forecast for China slightly for this year and next. But growth remains slower than in past years and is now more like that of other emerging market economies.

These forecasts could easily change. There is tremendous uncertainty. The world is changing rapidly: global trade and capital flows are shifting; AI is fast advancing.

Policymakers will need to be agile and focused on building resilience and lifting growth, which is key to raising living standards and creating jobs. We will discuss how to do that in some of the topics covered today but let me focus on three priorities.

First, implementing reforms to lift productivity. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but measures that improve the business environment and encourage entrepreneurship, like cutting red tape and deepening capital markets are important. And through our surveillance, we will work with you to identify the right approach with granular and tailored policy advice.

The second priority is to rebuild fiscal buffers. Public debt and debt servicing ratios in Asia are well above pre-pandemic levels, especially in many Pacific Island countries and emerging markets. Well-designed and growth-friendly fiscal consolidation can reduce debt risks, and create the fiscal space needed to deal with shocks and challenges like ageing or climate change. The Fund can provide useful capacity development in this area, including through peer-to-peer learning.

Finally, strengthening cooperation. By working together, Asian countries can leverage their collective strengths. In a changing world, this can help buffer against shocks and heightened uncertainty.

Among Asian countries, cooperation in the areas of AI, digital connectivity, and cross-border digital payments is moving fast, and could be a big boost to growth.

Let me add one more point as an important message from my end. The IMF continues to play its part at the center of the Global Financial Safety Net (GFSN). My goal—as the Deputy Managing Director that oversees the Fund’s finances—is to ensure that the IMF remains financially strong and sound well into the future. We are also committed to helping Regional Financing Arrangements (RFAs) in Asia be important elements of the GFSN.

In conclusion, I hope that today’s sessions can contribute to strengthening our ties, as we all navigate these uncertain times together.

Thank you.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER:

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

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/13/sp021325-building-resilience-and-boosting-growth-in-asia

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kaine & Colleagues Press Rubio for Answers on Impact of Foreign Assistance Cuts in the Western Hemisphere

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, led his colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio pressing him for answers on the Trump Administration’s cuts to U.S. foreign assistance programs and its harmful impact on U.S. national security, including the abrupt curtailment of efforts to mitigate narcotics trafficking, migration, and cartel violence in the Western Hemisphere. The letter comes after Secretary Rubio made his first trip as Secretary of State to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.
“We welcomed your decision to visit key Latin American countries from February 1-6, 2025 – Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic – for your first trip as Secretary of State,” wrote the senators. “All five countries are also home to important U.S. foreign assistance programs and USAID missions that manage much of this funding.”
“These programs are fundamental to advancing the exact national security priorities you highlighted as the trip’s themes: bolstering regional cooperation, preventing large-scale irregular migration, curtailing cartel activity, countering China and deepening economic partnerships. However, all five countries continue to be subject to a blanket freeze, including on critical national security assistance programming and the suspension of USAID activities on January 24,” they continued.
The senators then provided several examples of how U.S. foreign assistance in Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the DR has helped counter migration and drug trafficking, strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, and boost economic growth in the region. They also emphasized the critical role of U.S. foreign assistance in countering China, which has made significant investments in the region over the past decade in an effort to exert influence and control.
The senators continued, “During your confirmation hearing, you affirmed that our foreign policy should make America safer, stronger and more prosperous. This freeze in foreign assistance runs contrary to your stated goals and only helps the U.S’s adversaries. We urge you to closely consider the disruption caused to U.S. security interests by the blanket freezing of these programs, and by the efforts of Elon Musk and the Trump Administration to destroy USAID.”
“Now that you have returned from your historic trip, we urge you to reflect on the role of U.S. foreign assistance in solidifying our partnerships and advancing our national security interests in Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, as well as throughout the world, and quickly reverse this short-sighted and damaging freeze,” the senators concluded.
In addition to Kaine, the letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear Secretary Rubio:
We welcomed your decision to visit key Latin American countries from February 1-6, 2025 – Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic – for your first trip as Secretary of State. This decision reflects our mutual understanding of the critical role of our Western Hemisphere partnerships in U.S. national security.
All five countries are also home to important U.S. foreign assistance programs and USAID missions that manage much of this funding. These programs are fundamental to advancing the exact national security priorities you highlighted as the trip’s themes: bolstering regional cooperation, preventing large-scale irregular migration, curtailing cartel activity, countering China and deepening economic partnerships. However, all five countries continue to be subject to a blanket freeze, including on critical national security assistance programming and the suspension of USAID activities on January 24.
During your stop in El Salvador, you visited the Aeroman aeronautics plant and used this location as a venue for disparaging the work of USAID and its employees. Although you touted Aeroman as an example of private sector innovation, you may be interested to learn that Aeroman itself is a longstanding beneficiary of USAID’s Bridges to Employment program.
Other examples include:
Migrant return programs supported by USAID have helped El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras receive and process nearly 150,000 returned migrants. Prior to January 24, USAID fostered the sustainable reintegration of these migrants into their communities, significantly reducing repeat migration. At a time in which the Trump administration is pushing these countries to accept more and more deportees, these programs are no longer active.
In Panama, U.S. foreign assistance has supported projects to enhance border security and boost Panama’s ability to counter narcotrafficking routes and networks. The Darien Gap, on Panama’s southern border with Colombia, is the only land route for migrants traveling north from South America. These programs are no longer active.
In El Salvador, Congress has appropriated funds for programs to address the security, economic, and social drivers of irregular migration and to strengthen democratic institutions. With poverty around 30 percent over the last five years and with an economy highly dependent on remittances, mass deportations to El Salvador as well as political instability risk an explosion of gang violence. These programs are no longer active.
In Costa Rica, U.S. foreign assistance has supported Costa Rican law enforcement efforts to dramatically reduce the influence of drug cartels and mitigate other destabilizing security threats – to include helping the country house migrants who would otherwise travel north to the U.S. border. U.S. economic assistance programming has also fostered a ripe investment climate for U.S. firms, including a major Intel computer chip factory that is essential to efforts to counter China’s chipmaking capacity. These programs are no longer active.
In Guatemala, U.S. foreign assistance has promoted democratic resilience and political stability, including the provision of cost-effective development assistance to support job creation and fostering opportunities for foreign direct investment. This has played a major role in stemming migration and creating economic incentives for migrants and Guatemalans to stay in Guatemala rather than traveling north to the U.S. border. As a result of active U.S. partnership, Guatemala remains one of 12 countries to recognize Taiwan, despite significant pressure from China. These programs are no longer active.
In the Dominican Republic, U.S. assistance has supported health programs that have limited the spread of infectious diseases – in a country geographically very close to the United States – and has served to mitigate migrant outflows. These programs are no longer active.
As must have been clear during your trip, U.S. national security interests in every location you visited have been directly advanced by the thoughtful execution of U.S. foreign assistance programming.
Throughout your Congressional career you were a forceful advocate for curtailing Chinese influence globally and advancing the interests of the American people. You spoke eloquently about the essential role of foreign assistance in advancing U.S. interests. You have also rightly asserted that although foreign assistance represents less than 1 percent of the U.S. budget, it is a major force multiplier that keeps our adversaries at bay. During your confirmation hearing, you affirmed that our foreign policy should make America safer, stronger and more prosperous. This freeze in foreign assistance runs contrary to your stated goals and only helps the U.S’s adversaries. We urge you to closely consider the disruption caused to U.S. security interests by the blanket freezing of these programs, and by the efforts of Elon Musk and the Trump Administration to destroy USAID.
What is further clear is that Elon Musk – who maintains deep financial connections to China and engages in secret meetings with Russian officials – does not share your priorities or those of the United States. China and Russia are already moving rapidly to exploit the weaknesses created by the Trump Administration’s global retreat.
The United States is best able to project power around the world when we are comfortable in our own hemisphere. We are safer and more prosperous when our neighbors are safer and more prosperous. Now that you have returned from your historic trip, we urge you to reflect on the role of U.S. foreign assistance in solidifying our partnerships and advancing our national security interests in Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, as well as throughout the world, and quickly reverse this short-sighted and damaging freeze.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Zelensky discussed with Trump ‘opportunities to achieve peace’

Source: China State Council Information Office

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that he discussed ways to bring peace to Ukraine in a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“We long talked about opportunities to achieve peace, discussed our readiness to work together at the team level,” Zelensky said on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Ukrainian leader noted that Trump shared details of his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky also said he discussed Ukraine’s technological capabilities with Trump, including drones and other advanced industries, as well as the preparation of a new document on bilateral security, economic cooperation, and resource partnership.

Zelensky added that he and Trump agreed to stay in contact and plan future meetings.

MIL OSI China News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Putin, Trump talk over phone

Source: China State Council Information Office

The Kremlin announced on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“The Russian president has invited the U.S. president to visit Moscow,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that Putin expressed readiness to receive U.S. officials in Moscow.

The two presidents discussed the situation in Ukraine and the peaceful settlement of the conflict, Peskov said, stressing that Trump embraced a quick ceasefire and peaceful settlement of the problem while Putin underlined the needs to eliminate the root causes of the Ukraine conflict.

“During the talks, they also touched upon the issues of the Middle East, Iran’s nuclear program as well as Russia-U.S. relations in the economic domain,” Peskov said.

He noted that Putin and Trump, during the talks, agreed to keep personal contacts, including arranging a meeting in the future.

The Kremlin spokesman described the phone conversation as an “extensive and substantive dialogue,” which lasted nearly 90 minutes.

MIL OSI China News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI China: US, Russia to begin negotiations toward ending Ukraine crisis

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a phone conversation earlier in the day that Washington and Moscow will immediately engage in direct negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

“I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia,” Trump said, offering his version of the content of the call in a post on Truth Social.

Trump said he and Putin agreed that “we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine.”

“We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations. We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now,” Trump said.

He said he has asked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to lead the U.S. team in the negotiations.

Trump said he felt “strongly” that the negotiations between the United States and Russia “will be successful.”

MIL OSI China News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Trump says Putin agrees to start negotiations to end Ukraine conflict

Source: China State Council Information Office

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a phone conversation earlier in the day that Washington and Moscow will immediately engage in direct negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

“I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia,” Trump said, offering his version of the content of the call in a post on Truth Social.

Trump said he and Putin agreed that “we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine.”

“We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations. We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now,” Trump said.

He said he has asked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to lead the U.S. team in the negotiations.

Trump said he felt “strongly” that the negotiations between the United States and Russia “will be successful.”

MIL OSI China News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Leads Resolution Calling on NATO Members to Meet Defense Spending Commitments for Leadership Roles

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced a resolution that expressed the view that, to maintain leadership roles within NATO and continue receiving benefits from NATO, Allies must now, at a bare minimum, meet the current required commitment with an eye towards likely increases in burden sharing to come.

In 2006, NATO Defense Ministers agreed to commit at least two percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense spending to ensure the Alliance’s military readiness. This resolution asserts that countries not meeting this goal should be excluded from holding leadership positions within NATO or hosting significant NATO events, including summits or foreign ministers’ meetings. Additionally, it calls for members to either meet the two percent commitment or have a plan to do so by the NATO Summit in The Hague in June 2025.

“Given the increased aggression from Russia in Ukraine, provocations from China, and other rising threats, it is crucial that our partner nations not only meet but exceed the current defense spending goals,” said Senator Tillis. “The existing two percent commitment is the bare minimum necessary. We must aim for higher targets, such as the proposed five percent from President Trump, to bolster and strengthen NATO.”

“Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and tensions in the Indo-Pacific threaten our global stability and security,” said Senator Cornyn. “It’s critical for NATO nations to honor their commitments to spend two percent of their GDP on national defense, ensuring military readiness within the NATO alliance.”

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, many of our European allies are finally pulling their weight when it comes to defense spending,” said Senator Daines. “However, the world remains dangerous and it’s time for the remaining European countries to step up. Raising defense spending is an important part of deterrence and the time to act is now.”

Full text of the resolution is available HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New industry bonus opens to support good jobs and low carbon manufacturing factories
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Industrial heartlands and coastal areas will receive a major economic boost as the government backs renewable energy firms investing in industrial communities.
Government launches new investment to support clean energy manufacturing, and highly skilled jobs in industrial towns and cities

offshore wind developers can now bid for financial support if they drive investment in UK’s most deprived regions, build low carbon factories, or support net zero supply chains

the bonus will kickstart growth and support good jobs – delivering the mission to become a clean energy superpower through the government’s Plan for Change

Industrial heartlands and coastal areas will receive a major economic boost as the government backs renewable energy firms investing in industrial communities – backing good jobs through the government’s Plan for Change.

The application window has opened for the Clean Industry Bonus, which provides financial support for offshore wind developers, on the condition they prioritise their investment in areas that need it most, including traditional oil and gas communities – supporting highly skilled jobs such as engineers, electricians or welders.

The support also rewards developers who build more sustainable low carbon factories, offshore wind blades, cables and ports to reduce industrial emissions across the clean energy supply chain.

By encouraging developers to use less polluting suppliers, the bonus will help tackle the climate crisis while also addressing supply chain blockages in renewable technologies driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – supporting industry on the transition to clean, secure, homegrown energy that Britain controls.

The UK produces more offshore wind than any other European country, making it the backbone for plans to deliver a clean power system by 2030 and become a clean energy superpower. This bonus will help accelerate the drive for clean power – incentivising developers to build the infrastructure the country needs to end reliance on unstable fossil fuel markets and help keep energy bills down for good.

Since July, the government has seen £34.8 billion of private investment into UK’s clean energy industries. In November, the government launched its carbon capture and storage industry supporting 4,000 jobs in the North West and Teesside. ScottishPower awarded a £1 billion turbine contract for its East Anglia TWO offshore windfarm to Siemens Gamesa, including blade production at its Hull blade factory – the company employ over 1,300 people in Humberside.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

We are backing our proud manufacturing, coastal and oil and gas communities with good jobs, skills and private sector investment – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, kickstarting growth, delivering energy security and transforming towns and cities as part of the transition – from the ports of Nigg and Leith to the manufacturing hubs of Blyth and Hull.

Steve Foxley, Chief Executive of the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, said:

This news is an important signal from government to industry of intent to grow our offshore wind sector in a way that benefits both our climate and our economy, supporting expansive regional job creation and bolstering national energy security.

Alongside innovating to develop next-generation technologies, delivering the right levels of future deployment and fulfilling the ambitions of the Industrial Growth Plan for offshore wind, it will drive up confidence in our ability to secure the clean investments we need in the years to come.

Dan McGrail, CEO of RenewableUK, said:

The offshore wind industry already employs over 34,000 people in the UK, but there’s an opportunity to treble this number by the end of the decade if we grow the sector’s supply chain. Government initiatives like the Clean Industry Bonus, coupled with industry initiatives to support innovation and the upcoming Industrial Strategy, could drive hundreds of millions of pounds of private investment into new manufacturing.

Whilst we’re right to focus on securing investment in manufacturing new turbine foundations, blades and cables, we shouldn’t forget that there are also thousands of jobs in the construction and maintenance of wind farms too. You can go to places across the country like Grimsby and Great Yarmouth and Buckie on the Moray Firth and see boats full of engineers ensuring our wind farms operate at maximum efficiency.

Dhara Vyas, Energy UK, Chief Executive, said:

Offshore wind is set to become the backbone of a decarbonised power system. To build an industry that is resilient to supply chain challenges, we need a framework that supports sustainable deployment, while fostering investment in the UK’s industrial heartlands.

The Clean Industry Bonus will help to unlock economic growth, create job opportunities, and maintain the UK’s position as a global leader in offshore wind.

Alongside the development of a broader industrial strategy, the Clean Industry Bonus will play an important role in strengthening the Contracts for Difference mechanism. Clarity will be critical in ensuring we can deliver Allocation Round 7, which is likely to be the single most important auction to achieving the Clean Power goal.

The UK is already home to the world’s first floating offshore wind farm and has the highest deployment of offshore wind in Europe. As a result, the UK’s offshore wind industry is supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs across the country.

This latest boost for renewable developers comes after the government delivered the most successful renewables auction round in history last year, securing contracts for Europe’s largest and second largest offshore wind farm projects.

The bonus will come with an initial £27 million per gigawatt of offshore wind projects. That means if developers commit to 7-8 GW of offshore wind, up to £200 million of funding could be made available.

Funding will be allocated competitively with the results announced by the Energy Secretary in the summer.

Notes to editors

The Clean Industry Bonus will apply to all offshore wind projects bidding for funding through this year’s renewable energy auction, Allocation Round 7 of the Contracts for Difference scheme, which is the main mechanism for securing clean energy infrastructure for Britain. September’s auction secured 5 GW for offshore wind, enough to power the equivalent of around 8 million homes.

The funding will come through the government’s Contract for Difference mechanism. The scheme is designed to protect billpayers from high costs with the lowest price bids successful, ensuring value for money.

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Published 13 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Five best articles in Russian for 12.02.2025

MIL Analysis : Here are the top five Russian language articles published today. The analysis consists of five articles that are prioritized at the moment.

Today’s analysis shows economic productivity and the hot topic of cybersecurity of citizens from fraudsters.

Rosneft is expanding contactless fuel payment and has already introduced this system at gas stations in Khakassia. The Moscow subway held the first training sessions with guide dogs this year, 12 future service dogs started their training. Also, free cyber sports tournaments will be held in Moscow, in which everyone can take part.

You can read one of the articles below.

1. Financial news: February 14 at 15:00 will be held a press conference on the results of the meeting of the Board of Directors on monetary policy.

The event will be attended by the Chairman of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina and Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia Alexei Zabotkin.

Elvira Nabiullina will make a statement on monetary policy and medium-term forecast.

2. Financial news: Interview with German Zubarev “Komsomolskaya Pravda”.

“Safe accounts” to save money does not exist

One hundred million rubles. That’s how much financial fraudsters swindle from Russians every day. And this is only official data. Last year, the law that will allow to limit the losses started to work. Cellular operators block suspicious numbers, banks suspend payments and freeze accounts. But criminals still find the keys to our piggy banks.

3. “Rosneft” introduced contactless fuel payment services at its filling stations in Khakassia.

“Rosneft continued joint work with the Yandex Fueling Service to expand the geography of contactless fuel payment. The service became available at all Rosneft filling stations in the Republic of Khakassia. It is already possible to refuel a car using the mobile application at 95% of the network’s stations in almost all regions where the Company operates.

4. Moscow Metro held the first classes with guide dogs this year.

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro held the first training sessions with guide dogs this year, with 12 future service dogs starting their training.

Since 2014, more than 400 guide dogs have been trained in the subway under the guidance of inspectors from the Passenger Mobility Center and specialists from the Guide Dog Training School of the All-Russian Society for the Blind.

5. “Moscow cybersport”: free online tournaments begin in the capital.

Free online cybersport tournaments are starting in Moscow. During 2025 at least 135 online competitions will be held on the cybermos.ru platform. The first meetings are scheduled for February 14-16.

Learn more about MIL’s content and data services by visiting milnz.co.nz.

Regards MIL!

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Japan’s Expertise in International Assistance: Leveraging Experiences Gained in Southeast Asia to Aid Ukraine -The Shared Future of Asia and Japan

Source: Japan Connect

Diplomacy / InternationalAsia & Pacific

In 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. The Russian military has continuously been launching missiles and artillery attacks on civilian facilities, causing great damage to the lives of the Ukrainian people. Japan is offering various assistance through public and private endeavors to rebuild lives, drawing on experiences gained through providing aid to countries in Southeast Asia.

One such example is a water supply aid project. As part of the government’s gratuitous recovery assistance, Japan is sending mobile water purification systems and ready-to-assemble water supply tanks to Ukraine’s cities where water supply networks were destroyed.

As part of this initiative, Nihon Genryo Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of water treatment systems headquartered in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, delivered four Mobile Siphon Tanks, a mobile water purification system, to Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and the southern port city Odesa. The system, developed by Nihon Genryo, does not require filter replacements, which were necessary in previous water purification systems. The company also invited water supply technicians in Kyiv to Japan and conducted training on water purification technology.

Nihon Genryo has been deeply involved in Southeast Asia. In 1982, it delivered fully automatic dust scrapers to the Bangkhen Water Treatment Plant in Bangkok, Thailand, to help remove impurities and provide safe, treated water. It also delivered Mobile Siphon Tanks to cities in Laos and Vietnam as part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and is training local staff on how to use them. In Laos, the company carried out emergency water supply operations during flood disasters in 2013 and 2020. In the Philippines, it provided drinking water to regions without access to a water supply by using river water. It also carried out emergency water supply operations at the request of the Japanese government in the wake of disasters such as Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 and Super Typhoon Rai in 2021. In this way, the company gained extensive experience assisting the lives and lifestyles of people in Southeast Asia, which is now being leveraged to help Ukraine, halfway across the globe in Europe.

In addition to water supply assistance, Japan also has international experience in providing aid to people with disabilities. Since Russia’s invasion, over 300,000 Ukrainian troops and civilians have become disabled as a result of injuries. However, medical equipment is growing outdated due to a shortage of funds, and providing assistance is an urgent matter. Japan provided rehabilitation equipment and welfare vehicles to 11 facilities in Kyiv Oblast through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). In December 2024, a commemorative ceremony was held in Kyiv. Ruslan Kravchenko, the governor of Kyiv Oblast, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We thank the Japanese government and its people for their extensive support. This will allow us to greatly improve the conditions for people with disabilities.”

Japan has also been committed to providing aid to people with disabilities in Southeast Asia. Gratuitous financial assistance was offered to Indonesia, for example, by providing mobile rehabilitation equipment in 1989 and taking part in a project to construct a vocational rehabilitation center for people with disabilities in 1995. In addition to dispatching Japanese specialists and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) to countries like Thailand and the Philippines, Japan also invites trainees from various countries to Japan through JICA initiatives to help raise rehabilitation standards for people with disabilities.

Removing landmines is another urgent issue that must be addressed in Ukraine. It is believed that the Russian military may have planted mines in an area of up to 150,000 square kilometers, which amounts to over a fourth of the country’s land. The Japanese government has been engaged in mine clearance efforts in Cambodia for many years. Drawing on this experience, it is offering comprehensive support to Ukraine by providing resources developed by Japanese companies, such as mine detectors, mine removers and systems using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify areas where mines have been planted, in addition to training on how to prevent injuries and offering aid to victims.

Japan is also working on assisting Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who survived mines but lost their limbs.

Instalimb, Inc. is a startup company headquartered in Tokyo that utilizes digital technology to create prosthetic legs. The company uses a special scanner to capture the shape of a patient’s leg and creates a 3D-printed prosthetic based on data designed by a prosthetist using software.

The CEO of the company, Yutaka Tokushima, said in an interview with the Japanese broadcasting network TBS Television, “One (of the merits) is that we can create prosthetics very quickly. Where it usually takes a month, we can do it in a day (at the quickest) and significantly lower the cost. Another merit is that one professional prosthetist can make many prosthetics.”

Prosthetic legs cost around 400,000 yen in Japan, but Tokushima says the company can reduce it to one-tenth of that amount.

Instalimb has its roots in the Philippines. After working at a computer-related company and as a designer of industrial products, Tokushima joined the JOCV program under JICA and was posted to the Philippines in 2012.

Later, with support from JICA and the Philippine government, he established a laboratory equipped with a 3D printer and laser cutter for industrial development. After he learned that many people in the Philippines needed prosthetic legs as a result of diabetes, he took on the challenge of developing high-performance yet affordable prosthetics. Over the course of four years, he developed a technology that specialized in creating prosthetic legs using 3D printing. These prosthetics are now available to people in the Philippines who cannot afford conventional ones.

As he works on creating prosthetics in Ukraine, Tokushima says, “Many people want to recover and rebuild their lives, but they can’t work because they don’t have access to prosthetic legs. So I want to give them hope, first and foremost. Our current mission is to provide prosthetics to each and every person who needs them as we aim for the ultimate goal of helping all the people of Ukraine regain their bright future.” A Japanese company, born in the Philippines, is now striving to help the wounded people of Ukraine.

Japan is offering aid to Ukraine in a diverse range of fields including infrastructure, education, agriculture, economy, machinery and culture—and much of this expertise comes from the experience Japan gained in Southeast Asia.

By Akio Yaita
Journalist. Graduated from the Faculty of Letters at Keio University. After completing his doctorate at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, he worked as a correspondent for the Sankei Shimbun in Beijing and as Taipei bureau chief. Author or co-author of many books.

*The stories and materials above are provided by JIJI.com or AFPBBNews. Feel free to feature these stories in your own media.

About “Japan Connect”
Bringing you the latest stories about Japan.
This new service is provided by AFPBB News, which AFP launched in 2007.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Citing National Security Concerns on Senate Floor, Shaheen Announces Opposition to Tulsi Gabbard’s Confirmation

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a top member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, took to the Senate floor to underscore her dire national security concerns ahead of the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard to be the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Specifically, Shaheen highlighted Gabbard’s troubling history of siding with America’s adversaries over our own allies and national security interests, detailing the threat her confirmation would pose to U.S. national security and defense. At the conclusion of her remarks, Shaheen announced that she would oppose Gabbard’s nomination. Click here to watch Senator Shaheen’s full floor speech.
Key quotes from Senator Shaheen:
“Our adversaries will be thrilled if we confirm Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence—no one more so than Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ms. Gabbard has not hidden her positive views of Russia and President Putin. While Ukrainians fight valiantly to protect their homeland and defend freedom and democracy, Tulsi Gabbard cozies up to Putin and publicly defends Russia’s brutal invasion.”
“I don’t relish the idea of America’s Director of National Intelligence—a role that includes such sensitive responsibilities such as producing the President’s Daily Brief and setting U.S. Policy for intelligence-sharing with foreign entities—I don’t appreciate the fact that she’s called ‘superwoman’ by a mouthpiece for the Kremlin.”
“To talk amiably about a brutal dictator who is openly opposed to American interests and human rights, a dictator like Assad, and like Putin for that matter, shows at best a lack of judgement and at worst allegiance to our adversaries.”
“I think this chamber faces a choice. We can choose to defend America’s national security and keep our promise to our constituents to protect their lives and safety and their interests or we can choose to give a gift to Vladimir Putin and our adversaries, to usher them into the inner halls of the American intelligence system. I know which choice I intend to make.”
Remarks as delivered can be found below:
Mr. President, I come up to the floor this afternoon to join a number of my colleagues because of my concern for the national security of the United States.

Whether it’s a terror attack, a cyberattack from a non-state actor, whether it is a threat in Russia or China or Iran, we in the United States are the targets of foreign adversaries every single day.
But thanks to our intelligence community and the thousands of Americans who dedicate their lives to our security, we’re safe.
These brave men and women are counting on us to have their backs.
Which is why the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard is so concerning.
Our adversaries will be thrilled if we confirm Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence—no one more so than Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ms. Gabbard has not hidden her positive views of Russia and President Putin.
While Ukrainians fight valiantly to protect their homeland and defend freedom and democracy, Tulsi Gabbard cozies up to Putin and publicly defends Russia’s brutal invasion.
The former Congresswoman has parroted Russian propaganda saying that the war could have been avoided if NATO and the Biden Administration had simply, and I’m quoting, “simply acknowledged Russia’s legitimate security concerns.”
And we know that a nominee is problematic when the Kremlin has such nice things to say about her.
On November 17, 2024, a major Russian state-controlled news agency called Tulsi Gabbard “superwoman” and noted her past appearances on Russian TV.
Well, I don’t relish the idea of America’s Director of National Intelligence—a role that includes such sensitive responsibilities such as producing the President’s Daily Brief and setting U.S. Policy for intelligence-sharing with foreign entities—I don’t appreciate the fact that she’s called “superwoman” by a mouthpiece for the Kremlin.
Not only does Putin have kind words for Ms. Gabbard, but they also share mutual friends—namely, ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Since her clandestine meeting with Mr. Assad in 2017, a visit that took place while she was serving in Congress, former Congresswoman Gabbard has faced numerous questions about why she went to Syria and arranged this meeting in the first place.
She’s answered none of those questions nor has she provided any substantive details on her conversation with Assad.
And in fact, Ms. Gabbard has repeatedly refused to call Assad what he is, and that is an enemy of the United States, a brutal dictator who is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Syrians.
Assad, who’s Putin’s best buddy in the Middle East; Assad, who is backed by Iran, whose regime openly seeks to undermine and destroy American interests and values worldwide.
This is the person who co-Presidents Musk and Trump want to lead our intelligence agencies, to spearhead our national security operations.
Well, that doesn’t make me comfortable sleeping at night.
To talk amiably about a brutal dictator who is openly opposed to American interests and human rights, a dictator like Assad, and like Putin for that matter, shows at best a lack of judgement and at worst allegiance to our adversaries.
And even in cases of proven espionage against the American intelligence community—the very organization that she seeks to lead—Tulsi Gabbard instead has sided with criminals.
Of course, I’m speaking about her support for Edward Snowden.
In 2020, while she was a member of the United States House of Representatives, she introduced a resolution suggesting that the federal government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden.
There’s only one other member who cosponsored this resolution, and that was former Congressman Matt Gaetz.
Now in 2025, Ms. Gabbard still refuses to call Snowden what he is—a traitor to the United States.
When she was asked about that at her hearing, she was given several opportunities to indicate that she understood that Edward Snowden is a traitor who put at risk the lives of thousands of Americans in the intelligence community.
She refused to acknowledge that he’s a traitor.
With such a track record, how are we supposed to expect that she will properly classify our enemies?
How are we to expect that she would label Xi Jinping or Kim Jong Un? As enemies of the United States or simply as foreign leaders, or as friends? Who knows what Ms. Gabbard will do.
I think there’s a stark difference between our adversaries who want to undermine the United States and those who are our allies, and it doesn’t appear that Tulsi Gabbard understands the difference.
So how can the men and women of the intelligence community trust that Ms. Gabbard will protect their secrets? That she’ll protect our secrets, the secrets of the United States?
How many Russians are going to risk their lives to pass along information to our intelligence officers if they’re worried that Ms. Gabbard will sell them out?
How much will our allies in NATO, in the Indo-Pacific share with Ms. Gabbard in charge?
The work of American covert operations and intelligence-gathering is based on one central principle, and that is trust.
I wouldn’t trust Tulsi Gabbard any further than I can throw her.
I think this chamber faces a choice.
We can choose to defend America’s national security and keep our promise to our constituents to protect their lives and safety and their interests or we can choose to give a gift to Vladimir Putin and our adversaries, to usher them into the inner halls of the American intelligence system.
I know which choice I intend to make.
I intend to vote no on Tulsi Gabbard, and I hope that my colleagues, particularly those across the aisle, at least some of them, will have the courage to do the same.
Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
Senator Shaheen is the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and also serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs and Defense. In 2018, Shaheen re-established the bipartisan U.S. Senate NATO Observer Group with U.S. Senator Tillis (R-NC). Senator Shaheen believes that a strong and active United States is fundamental to securing our national interests at home and abroad. She also believes that U.S. global leadership is directly tied to the strength of our ideals, our alliances and our diplomacy, and she is constantly working to ensure our national security policies reflect our broader democratic values.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker Appointed Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission for the 119th Congress

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
WASHINGTON — The Presiding Officer, on behalf of the Vice President, last week announced the appointment of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., as chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, for the 119th Congress.
“I am honored to be named chairman of the Helsinki Commission. European security is always good for the United States. For nearly fifty years, the Helsinki Commission has protected human rights, advanced democracy, and increased economic cooperation across the globe,” said Senator Wicker. “Today’s challenges are no less urgent. I look forward to working on a bicameral, bipartisan basis to seek a just end to Russia’s war on Ukraine, a stronger NATO alliance, and an international order that serves our national interest.”
Senator Wicker assumes the chairmanship at a pivotal moment for transatlantic security. Russia is waging the largest land war in Europe since World War II, threatening not only Ukraine’s future and independence, but also the security and sovereignty of U.S. allies and partners in Europe. In the South Caucasus, Armenia and Azerbaijan have a generational opportunity to reach a durable peace agreement after decades of violence and upheaval. Meanwhile, the republic of Georgia’s democracy stands at a crossroads as the Georgian Dream party attempts to drag the country towards Russia and away from their chosen path of Euro-Atlantic integration. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the broader Western Balkans region must chart a way through the dangers of violent division and toward greater alignment and integration with Western institutions. At this historic juncture, the United States has an opportunity to pursue policies that promote regional stability and strengthen the rules-based international order so that it continues to safeguard American security and prosperity.
Senator Roger Wicker has served on the U.S. Helsinki Commission since 2009, where he has consistently championed democratic values, the rule of law, and peace and security in the OSCE region. He served as a Vice President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) from 2017 to 2024. From November 2014 to July 2017, Senator Wicker chaired the OSCE PA Committee on Political Affairs and Security, where his work centered on sustaining constructive security dialogue among all participating states and ensuring compliance with international commitments.
Senator Wicker is currently the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and serves as a member of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Congressional Board of Visitors. He has also served as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Senator Wicker served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force and then joined the Air Force Reserve. He retired from the Reserve in 2004 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
A native of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Senator Wicker received his B.A. and law degrees from the University of Mississippi. He is married to the former Gayle Long of Tupelo. They have three children and eight grandchildren.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 4)

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

1. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Article 19 of the Law of the Russian Federation “On the Status of Judges in the Russian Federation” and Article 1 of the Federal Law “On Social Guarantees and Compensations for Military Personnel Serving in Military Formations of the Russian Federation Stationed in the Territories of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as Persons Working in These Formations”

The bill is aimed at establishing a uniform level of social protection for judges of military courts stationed outside the territory of the Russian Federation.

2. On the draft federal law “On the creation of state information systems to combat offenses (crimes) committed using information and telecommunications technologies, and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation”

The bill is aimed at preventing, suppressing and increasing liability for illegal acts committed using information technologies.

3. On the draft federal law “On the ratification of the Protocol on Amendments to the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the facilitation of travel for citizens”

The bill aims to ratify the protocol signed in Moscow on August 21, 2024.

4. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Articles 2463 and 427 of Part Two of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation”

The bill is aimed at eliminating the constraints affecting the investment attractiveness of the preferential regime created in the Kuril Islands in accordance with Federal Law No. 50-FZ of March 9, 2022 “On Amendments to Part Two of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation”.

5. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Articles 247 and 2593 of Part One, Articles 689 and 700 of Part Two and Article 1137 of Part Three of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation”

The bill is aimed at amending parts one, two and three of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation in terms of displaying in the Unified State Register of Real Estate information on the existence of rights of third parties in relation to real estate objects that are not their owners.

6. On the allocation of budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the provision of one-time financial assistance in the form of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Kursk region

The draft order is aimed at improving the financial condition of agricultural producers in the Kursk region.

Moscow, February 12, 2025

The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Munich Security Conference: Amnesty’s Secretary General calls on states to resist attacks on human rights protections

Source: Amnesty International –

Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard will be attending the Munich Security Conference from 14 to 16 February, where she will be available for interview and will call on world leaders and senior officials to resolutely come together to resist attacks on human rights and the global multilateral architecture and avoid further harm to human rights protections and the rules-based order.

“The past 12 months have laid bare precisely how hellish the world can be when states don’t apply universal standards and insist that international law and multilateral decisions do not apply to their actions. Consider Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the conflict still raging in Sudan, the worsening catastrophe in Myanmar, and the recent uptick in fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Agnès Callamard said.

“Following the long overdue ceasefire in Gaza and the transition of power in Syria, the question turns to how lasting peace and justice can be achieved in such contexts. States must commit their full support to bodies like the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court in their efforts to uphold the law, as failure to hold perpetrators accountable will only embolden other aggressors and fuel further cycles of violence and destruction.

The past 12 months have laid bare precisely how hellish the world can be when states don’t apply universal standards and insist that international law and multilateral decisions do not apply to their actions.

Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

“In these precarious times, humanity can ill afford further breakdowns in the international order. We do not need more instability, division or turmoil; we do not need more attacks on human rights values and further undermining of our already fragile commitments to address climate change. We need sustainable, future-focused solutions. The multilateral system may be failing us, but the answer is not to abandon it to the abyss. The answer is to strengthen and reform it, grounding it in a common vision so it can make good on its promise of global stability and universal human rights protections. The Munich Security Conference presents a timely opportunity for world leaders to begin to address these challenges and pave the way for a future free of the harrowing conflicts that blight today’s world.”

MIL OSI NGO –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia – RC-B10-0106/2025

Source: European Parliament

Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Antonio López‑Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Reinhold Lopatka, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Inese Vaidere, Michał Wawrykiewicz
on behalf of the PPE Group
Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Tobias Cremer
on behalf of the S&D Group
Adam Bielan, Rihards Kols, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Michał Dworczyk, Roberts Zīle, Marlena Maląg, Ivaylo Valchev, Alexandr Vondra, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Assita Kanko
on behalf of the ECR Group
Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Dainius Žalimas
on behalf of the Renew Group
Reinier Van Lanschot
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

European Parliament resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

(2025/2522(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia, in particular that of 28 November 2024 on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud [1],

– having regard to Georgia’s status as an EU candidate country, granted by the European Council at its summit of 14 and 15 December 2023,

– having regard to Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, which demands the implementation of all possible measures to guarantee Georgia’s complete integration into the EU and NATO,

– having regard to the final report of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the parliamentary elections held in Georgia on 26 October 2024,

– having regard to Rules 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the democratic backsliding in Georgia has dramatically accelerated since the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024, which were deeply flawed and marked by grave irregularities, and failed to meet international democratic standards and Georgia’s OSCE commitments; whereas these elections violated the democratic norms and standards set for free and fair elections, failing to reflect the will of the people and rendering the resulting ‘parliament’, and subsequently the ‘president’, devoid of any democratic legitimacy; whereas from the very beginning of its activity, the current Georgian parliament has operated as a one-party (Georgian Dream) organ, which is incompatible with the essence of pluralistic parliamentary democracy;

B. whereas Article 2 of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement [2] concerns the general principles of the agreement, which include democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms;

C. whereas Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution states that the constitutional bodies must take all measures within the scope of their competences to ensure the full integration of Georgia into the European Union;

D. whereas the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, publicly condemned the parliamentary elections as rigged, declared that she would not recognise them and called for an international investigation; whereas the current Georgian regime, led by the Georgian Dream party and its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has orchestrated an unconstitutional usurpation of power, systematically dismantling democratic institutions, undermining judicial independence and eroding fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, thereby deepening Georgia’s political and constitutional crisis;

E. whereas Georgia has officially held the status of EU candidate country since December 2023; whereas on 28 November 2024, Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would delay initiating accession talks with the EU and reject its financial assistance until the end of 2028, disregarding the country’s constitutional commitment to European integration and effectively undermining Georgia’s sovereign Euro-Atlantic aspirations;

F. whereas on 28 November 2024, peaceful mass anti-government protests began across the country, demanding new, free and fair elections, an end to political violence and repression, and the return of the country to its European path; whereas the protests have been taking place without interruption for over 75 days;

G. whereas on 14 December 2024, the de facto parliament held a ‘presidential election’ with a single candidate from the Georgian Dream party, former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili, elected with 224 out of 225 votes cast;

H. whereas Georgia’s self-appointed authorities have plunged the country into a fully fledged constitutional and political crisis, as well as a human rights and democracy crisis; whereas this has been marked by the brutal repression of peaceful protesters, political opponents and media representatives, with judges, prosecutors and police officers actively fabricating politically motivated administrative and criminal charges against protesters, journalists and opposition figures detained during peaceful anti-government demonstrations; whereas, as of December 2024, more than 460 people have been arrested or punished since the protests began, with this number growing by the day;

I. whereas riot police deliberately lacking force identification numbers have forcefully dispersed protesters with tear gas and water cannons; whereas numerous journalists have reported being targeted and beaten, and having their equipment destroyed and personal items stolen; whereas dozens of protesters have been brutally assaulted, and several hundred people have been arrested; whereas Georgia’s Public Defender has revealed that 80 % of those detained reported experiencing violence and inhumane treatment at the hands of law enforcement officers; whereas despite international condemnation, the illegitimate Georgian Government has awarded medals to officials involved in the crackdown;

J. whereas independent media outlets, including TV Formula, TV Mtavari and TV Pirveli, face severe operational and financial constraints due to the regime’s interference, while dozens of media representatives are being subjected to various forms of intense physical and psychological pressure; whereas numerous violent attacks on journalists have been documented, including the severe beatings of Aleksandre Keshelashvili, Maka Chikhladze and Giorgi Shetsiruli, and the harassment of detained journalist Saba Kevkhishvili; whereas on 12 January 2025, the Georgian authorities arrested journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been in pre-trial detention since then and is on hunger strike in solidarity with all political prisoners in Georgia; whereas she faces between four and seven years in prison;

K. whereas, on the night of 14 January 2025, Giorgi Gakharia, opposition leader of the For Georgia party and former Prime Minister, and Zviad Koridze, journalist and Transparency International activist, were physically assaulted by Georgian Dream officials in separate incidents at the same venue in Batumi;

L. whereas on 2 February 2025, Nika Melia, a leader of the pro-European Akhali party, and Gigi Ugulava, the former mayor of Tbilisi, were arrested during the anti-government protests and subjected to physical violence in detention; whereas on 12 January 2025, Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the Droa political movement, was detained in Batumi;

M. whereas the de facto Georgian authorities have used disproportionate force and excessive violence against peaceful protesters and resorted to arbitrary mass arrests to thwart dissent; whereas independent human rights organisations have reported the systemic mistreatment of detainees, including torture; whereas to date, not a single law enforcement official involved in the brutal crackdowns, arbitrary arrests and mistreatment has been brought to justice;

N. whereas the self-appointed authorities introduced new draconian legislation that came into force on 30 December 2024 and amended the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offences and the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations, imposing further arbitrary restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, introducing, among other things, hefty fines for putting up protest slogans and posters, and granting police the power to detain individuals ‘preventively’ for 48 hours on suspicion of planning to violate the rules governing public assembly; whereas on 3 February 2025, the Georgian Dream party unveiled further draft legislation designed to tighten control, ramping up penalties for a variety of offences directly targeting protestors, critics and political dissent, such as harsher punishments for ‘insulting officials’, the criminalisation of road blocks and an increase in the duration of administrative detention from 15 to 60 days;

O. whereas on 27 January 2025, the Council decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement for Georgian diplomats and officials, but failed to impose individual sanctions in response to the continued crackdown; whereas the Hungarian and Slovak Governments have been consistently blocking impactful EU-wide sanctions, preventing the remaining 25 Member States (EU-25) from effectively introducing sanctions against the self-appointed Georgian authorities;

P. whereas several Member States, including Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Czechia, have imposed bilateral sanctions on some Georgian politicians, judges and other officials responsible for the brutal crackdown on protesters, violations of human rights and abuse of the rule of law; whereas in December 2024, the United States sanctioned Bidzina Ivanishvili, alongside Georgia’s ‘Minister of Internal Affairs’ Vakhtang Gomelauri and Deputy Head of the Special Tasks Department Mirza Kezevadze, for their involvement in brutal crackdowns on media representatives, opposition figures and protesters; whereas the UK and Ukraine have imposed similar sanctions on high-level Georgian officials; whereas Ivanishvili, through hastily adopted laws tailored to his personal situation, is moving his offshore assets to Georgia in anticipation of further sanctions;

Q. whereas on 29 January 2025, Georgian Dream announced that it would withdraw its delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) after it demanded new, genuinely democratic parliamentary elections, the release of political prisoners and accountability for perpetrators of violence; whereas UN experts have condemned the pattern of repression and human rights violations in Georgia, while the OSCE has called this suppression a serious breach of the right to freedom of assembly;

R. whereas the ruling Georgian Dream party convened the new parliament in violation of the country’s constitution, resulting in a boycott of parliament by the opposition; whereas on 5 February 2025, the self-appointed ‘parliament’ voted to approve the early termination of the mandates of 49 out of 61 members of parliament, representing the Coalition for Change, Strong Georgia and the United National Movement, in order to strip them of their immunity and facilitate their arrest and prosecution; whereas the same ‘parliament’ established a commission to punish former ruling party United National Movement;

S. whereas a growing number of civil servants have been dismissed after speaking out against the halting of Georgia’s EU accession process; whereas Georgian Dream has amended laws on public service, simplifying procedures to dismiss public servants, several of whom have been dismissed for participating in protests, in a clear attempt to silence critical voices;

1. Condemns the Georgian Dream ‘authorities’ and urges them to immediately cease the violent repression of peaceful protesters, political opponents and media representatives; underlines that Georgia’s self-appointed authorities are currently violating fundamental freedoms, basic human rights and the core international obligations of the country, thereby undermining decades of democratic reforms driven by the country’s political class and civil society; considers Georgia as a state captured by the illegitimate Georgian Dream regime; expresses deep regret over the fact that the ruling Georgian Dream party has abandoned its path towards European integration and NATO membership; recalls that the ongoing democratic backsliding and adoption of anti-democratic laws has effectively suspended Georgia’s EU integration process; reiterates its unwavering support for the Georgian people’s legitimate European aspirations and their wish to live in a prosperous and democratic country;

2. Does not recognise the self-proclaimed authorities of the Georgian Dream party established following the rigged election of 26 October 2024, which was neither free nor fair, was held in violation of democratic norms and standards, and did not reflect the will of the people of Georgia; underlines that the extensive electoral fraud has undermined the integrity of the election process, cast doubt on the legitimacy of the result and eroded public trust, both domestically and internationally, in any new government;

3. Calls for the EU and its Member States, as well as national parliaments and interparliamentary institutions, not to recognise the legitimacy of the Georgian Dream one-party parliament and their appointed president; calls, therefore, on the international community to join the boycott of the self-proclaimed Georgian authorities;

4. Continues to recognise Salome Zourabichvili as the legitimate President of Georgia and representative of the Georgian people; praises her efforts to peacefully steer the country back towards a democratic and European path of development; calls on the President of the European Council to invite President Zourabichvili to represent Georgia at an upcoming European Council meeting and at the next European Political Community summit;

5. Underlines that the settlement of the current political and constitutional crisis in Georgia can only be achieved by way of new parliamentary elections; demands that new elections take place in Georgia within the next few months in an improved electoral environment, overseen by an independent and impartial election administration and monitored through diligent international observation to guarantee a genuinely fair, free and transparent process; encourages the Member States and EU officials to firmly demand new elections and to make any future engagement explicitly conditional on setting a new date for parliamentary elections and establishing a mechanism to ensure they are free and fair;

6. Calls on the Council and the Member States, particularly the EU-25 on a bilateral and coordinated basis, to impose immediate and targeted personal sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, his family and his companies, and to freeze all his assets within the EU for his role in the deterioration of the political process in Georgia, enabling democratic backsliding and acting against the country’s constitutionally declared interests of Euro-Atlantic integration; calls on the French Government to strip Bidzina Ivanishvili of the Legion of Honour and impose individual sanctions on him; welcomes, in this regard, the sanctions imposed bilaterally by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Czechia, as well as those already imposed by the US and the UK;

7. Calls for the EU and its Member States, in particular the EU-25 on a bilateral and coordinated basis, to impose personal sanctions on the officials and political leaders in Georgia responsible for democratic backsliding, electoral fraud, human rights violations and the persecution of political opponents and activists, including Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili, Vakhtang Gomelauri, Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party Kakha Kaladze, and Chair of the Georgian Dream party Irakli Garibashvili; calls for them to extend these sanctions to judges, including those of the Constitutional Court of Georgia who are passing politically motivated sentences, and representatives of the law enforcement services, as well as to financial enablers tacitly or openly supporting the regime and the owners of regime-aligned media outlets, including TV Imedi, Pos TV and Rustavi 2 TV, for their role in spreading disinformation and seeking to manipulate public discourse in order to sustain the current ruling party’s authoritarian rule;

8. Calls on the Council and the Member States to impose sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili’s network of enablers, elite entourage, corrupt financial operatives, propagandists and those facilitating the repressive state apparatus, including, among others, Ekaterine Khvedelidze, Uta Ivanishvili, Tsotne Ivanishvili, Bera Ivanishvili, Gvantsa Ivanishvili, Alexander Ivanishvili, Shmagi Kobakhidze, Ucha Mamatsashvili, Natia Turnava, Ivane Chkhartishvili, Sulkhan Papashvili, Giorgi Kapanadze, Tornike Rizhvadze, Ilia Tsulaia, Kakha Bekauri, Lasha Natsvlishvili, Vasil Maglaperidze, Grigol Liluashvili, Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Rukhadze, Tinatin Berdzenishvili, Tamaz Gaiashvili, Anton Obolashvili and Gocha Enukidze;

9. Maintains the view that the measures taken so far by the EU in response to the flagrant democratic backsliding and reneging on previous commitments does not yet fully reflect the severity of the situation in Georgia and the latest developments; welcomes the Council’s decision to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials, but considers it as only a first step, which must be followed by tougher measures; deplores the obstruction by the Hungarian and Slovak Governments of the Council decisions on introducing sanctions against individuals responsible for democratic backsliding in Georgia;

10. Emphasises that respect for fundamental rights is vital to the EU’s visa liberalisation benchmarks; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to review Georgia’s visa-free status, with the possibility of suspension if it is considered that EU standards on democratic governance and freedoms are not being upheld;

11. Strongly condemns the brutal violence and repression used by Georgia’s ruling regime against peaceful protesters since 28 November 2024; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and those detained during the anti-government protests; demands the release of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been on hunger strike for over four weeks now because of her unjust detention and risks facing critical, irreversible and life-threatening consequences; denounces the assault and beating of former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, resulting in his hospitalisation, followed by the arrest on 2 February 2025 of political leaders including Nika Melia and Gigi Ugulava, as a shocking escalation of state-orchestrated violence by Georgian Dream and its allies against peaceful demonstrators and political opponents; reminds of the detention of Elene Khoshtaria on 12 January 2025 in Batumi;

12. Reiterates its solidarity with the people of Georgia and its vibrant civil society in fighting for their legitimate democratic rights and for a European future for their country; urges the Georgian Government to reverse its current political course and return to implementing the will of the Georgian people for continued democratic reforms that would reopen the prospect of future EU membership;

13. Strongly condemns the enactment of draconian legislation that imposes unjustified restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and demands the annulment of such recently adopted repressive legislation; urges the Georgian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all individuals detained for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and to ensure prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all allegations of unlawful and disproportionate use of force by the law enforcement agencies; considers that the Georgian justice system has been weaponised to stifle dissent, instil fear and silence free speech;

14. Calls for the ‘Georgian authorities’ to take immediate action to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists and to investigate all instances of violence and misconduct by law enforcement agencies; emphasises the importance of fostering a democratic environment where media, civil society and the opposition can operate freely without fear of retaliation or censorship;

15. Demands an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into police brutality and the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators; calls for those responsible for human rights violations, including law enforcement and government officials ordering acts of repression, to be held fully accountable before the law;

16. Denounces the launch of an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office on 8 February 2025 into non-governmental organisations accused of aggravated sabotage, attempted sabotage and assisting foreign and foreign-controlled organisations in hostile activities aimed at undermining the state interests of Georgia, for which they could receive multiple-year sentences; views this action as further escalation of repression by the regime, misuse of the judicial system and accelerated democratic backsliding;

17. Condemns the broader campaign of attacks by the Georgian authorities vilifying civil society organisations and reputable international donors that support democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Georgia;

18. Denounces the termination by Georgian Dream of the mandates of 49 opposition members of parliament as a sign of further democratic backsliding, and considers this the latest move in Georgian Dream’s attack on political pluralism in the country;

19. Welcomes PACE’s decision to challenge the credentials of Georgia’s parliamentary delegation due to democratic backsliding and human rights abuses; supports PACE’s call for Georgia to immediately initiate an inclusive process involving all political and social actors, including the ruling party, the opposition and civil society, to urgently address the deficiencies and shortcomings noted during the recent parliamentary elections and to create an electoral environment conducive to new, genuinely democratic elections to be announced in the coming months;

20. Notes that Georgia, once a front runner for Euro-Atlantic integration, is undergoing an accelerated process of democratic backsliding, in a seemingly deliberate attempt to demonstrate that the will of the Georgian people no longer determines the country’s future, which could result in the country taking the Belarussian path of political development, transitioning from the current authoritarian state to a dictatorial regime;

21. Deplores the decision of Irakli Kobakhidze to suspend accession talks and reject EU funding until the end of 2028; recalls that all polls consistently show the overwhelming support of the Georgian population for a Euro-Atlantic future; expresses strong support for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Georgian people;

22. Calls for an immediate and comprehensive audit of EU policy towards Georgia due to the democratic backsliding; calls on the Commission to review the EU-Georgia Association Agreement in the light of the self-declared Georgian authorities’ breach of the general principles, as laid down in Article 2, namely respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms; points out that non-fulfilment of obligations may result in the conditional suspension of economic cooperation and privileges afforded by the Agreement;

23. Welcomes the Commission’s decision to cease all budgetary support to the Georgian authorities and to suspend the initiation of any future investment projects; encourages the Commission to terminate all financial support for ongoing projects; calls for a moratorium on all investment projects in the field of connectivity; calls on the Commission to start identifying economic sectors of relevance to the oligarchic interests that support and sustain the current authoritarian rule, with a view to a potential future decision about restrictive measures or economic sanctions; calls on the Commission to start identifying connectivity projects that support and sustain the current authoritarian rule and to consider their suspension until a rerun of the parliamentary elections;

24. Condemns the climate of intimidation and polarisation fuelled by statements by Georgian Government representatives and political leaders, as well as by attacks against political pluralism, including through disturbing cases of intimidation and violence against the Georgian democratic political forces and repeated threats to ban opposition parties, to arrest their leaders and even ordinary supporters, and to silence dissent; underlines that anything but the full restoration of Georgia’s democratic standards will entail a further deterioration of EU-Georgia relations, make any move towards EU accession impossible and result in additional sanctions;

25. Calls on the Commission to swiftly redirect the frozen EUR 120 million originally intended as support for the Georgian authorities to enhance the EU’s support for Georgia’s civil society, in particular the non-governmental sector and independent media, which are increasingly coming under undue pressure from the ruling political party and the authorities, as well as to support programmes supporting democratic resilience and electoral integrity; calls for the EU’s funding mechanisms to be adjusted to take into account the needs that arise in a more hostile and anti-democratic environment; highlights the urgency of the need to support civil society in the light of growing repression and the suspension of activities of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and therefore urges the Commission to ramp up support without delay;

26. Expresses deep concern about the increasing Russian influence in the country and about the Georgian Dream government’s actions in pursuing a policy of rapprochement and collaboration with Russia, in spite of its creeping occupation of Georgian territory; deplores, in this regard, the growing anti-Western and hostile rhetoric of the Georgian Dream party’s representatives towards Georgia’s strategic Western partners, including the EU, and its MEPs and officials, and Georgian Dream’s promotion of Russian disinformation and manipulation;

27. Strongly reiterates its urgent demand for the immediate release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds, specifically for the purpose of seeking medical treatment abroad; emphasises that the self-appointed authorities bear full and undeniable responsibility for the life, health, safety and well-being of former President Mikheil Saakashvili and must be held fully accountable for any harm that befalls him;

28. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Ukraine: The Federal Council adopts the 15th EU sanctions package

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

On 12 February, the Federal Council decided to adopt the measures of the 15th EU sanctions package against Russia. These measures will come into force on 13 February. On 23 December 2024, 54 individuals and 30 entities had already been added to Switzerland’s sanctions list against Russia.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Commission measures to uphold journalists’ rights and protect journalists and publications threatened by the Russian Federation – E-002264/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
As stated in its reply to Written Question P-001987/2024, the EU firmly condemns Russia’s ongoing intimidation, harassment and killing of European journalists and other media workers who report from its war of aggression against Ukraine.

This also includes the use of politically motivated arrest warrants issued by Russia against international journalists reporting from war zones and frontlines[1].

The EU has consistently condemned Russia’s attempts to obstruct the work of European and other journalists and has regularly addressed these issues in multilateral fora like the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe where Russia is present.

The EU will remain steadfast in its commitment to protect media freedom and the safety of journalists around the world and in war zones.

The Commission will ensure the effective application of the European Media Freedom Act[2] and the anti-SLAPP Directive[3]. It will also monitor Member States’ actions to put in practice the recommendation[4] on the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists and the recommendation[5] on protecting journalists and human rights defenders who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings to safeguard the independence of media and journalists and will continue assessing all relevant developments related to media freedom and pluralism in all Member States, including Romania, under the annual Rule of Law Report[6].

[1] Further detailed guidance on extradition to third states and a summary of the relevant case law of the Court of Justice in this respect can be found in the Guidelines on Extradition to Third States of June 2022, see Commission Notice — Guidelines on Extradition to Third States, Official Journal of the European Union, (2022/C 223/01).

[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401083

[3] Directive — EU — 2024/1069 — EN — EUR-Lex.

[4] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/recommendation-protection-safety-and-empowerment-journalists

[5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AL%3A2022%3A138%3ATOC

[6] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/annual-rule-law-cycle_en
Last updated: 12 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Delivers Opening Remarks at HFAC Roundtable with Families of Hostages Held by Hamas

Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Media Contact 202-226-8467

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast delivered opening remarks at a bipartisan roundtable with family members of hostages being held by Hamas following the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel.

WATCH HERE

-Remarks as delivered –

Good morning. Thank you for taking the time to be with us today.

I have some formal remarks to give, but I think – given what occurred yesterday with the return of Marc Fogel and what will occur today – I think it puts us all in a little bit more hopeful light. We know that we are in a different time, a different place, and a different commitment on behalf of the United States of America than what we’ve experienced in the past. I think that’s something that gives every single one of us hope. It should give us all hope. It gives me more hope because I do know the commitment of President Trump, and his commitment is that we don’t leave our men behind.

I want to thank you all for being here today. And, formally, I do want to congratulate President Trump for securing the release of Marc Fogel from Russian captivity. As I just stated, President Trump has a commitment of leaving no man behind. It’s important to reflect on that. President Trump is showing that when an Americans are being wrongfully detained abroad, the U.S. government will move Heaven and Earth to get them back. That is a stark difference from what Marc had experienced before that.

We know that we have Americans and our allies being detained abroad by Hamas in Gaza. I welcome you families who have come here to D.C. to share your stories with us.

I think we all know that there was a bit of a blizzard that took place last night here in Washington and there were questions by a number of individuals – shouldn’t we cancel this roundtable? How can we expect people to come in for this with the snow on the ground? And the response to everybody that had a question was simple: How could we say to any one of you that have individuals being detained in unfathomable conditions that we can’t do something simply because of a little white powder on the ground? And I thought it was just a interesting place to really put in to perspective how we take things for granted in our First World situation that we live in each and every day, that are nothing, nothing compared to what your families have had to go through.

I can only imagine the pain that you and your loved ones, who are held hostage, are experiencing. I can’t put myself into that situation and I pray to God I never have to.

Sixteen months after the brutal October 7 massacre, Hamas still holds dozens of innocent people hostage in Gaza, including six Americans.

We remember each one of them, and we will not rest until they are all safely brought home and Hamas is eradicated.

Today, we will have the opportunity to hear from the family members of six hostages being held by Hamas.

We have Ronen Neutra with us – Orna Neutra, Ilana Gritzewsky, Moshe Lavi, Daniel Lifshitz, Gal Dalal, and Ilay David. Thank you all for being with us today. And you will all have the opportunity to introduce yourselves more thoroughly.

Congress and the world must hear from each of you because there are individuals in Washington and across the globe who will deny, and they will whitewash, and they will simply ignore what has taken place. It’s up to us to make sure that does not take place.

They will make excuses for the terrorists who raped and slaughtered 1,200 innocent Israelis and Americans on October 7th. They will make excuses for the animals who continue to hold Americans hostages in Gaza right now as we speak.

There is no path to ending this conflict without the release of hostages. The purpose of our meeting today is to keep their freedom at the top of the agenda. We need to bring them home now.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ukraine’s ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate – E-001881/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Constitution of Ukraine, as well as related legislation, provides for the right to freedom of religion and belief, as stipulated in the European Convention on Human Rights[1] and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union[2].

The Commission has taken note of Ukrainian Parliament’s adoption on 20 August 2024 of the law of Ukraine ‘On the protection of the constitutional order in the field of activities of religious organisations’, which prohibits the activities of religious organisations affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, on the grounds of national security and prevention of foreign interference from Russia.

The right to freedom of religion and belief is an integral part of the fundamental rights chapter in Ukraine’s accession process. In the Enlargement report issued on 30 October 2024[3], the Commission assessed that in general Ukrainian authorities protect this freedom, and that incidents of hate speech and intimidation based on religion are rare. No infringements of religious rights were reported in government-controlled territories of Ukraine.

The Commission will continue closely monitoring the application of the right to freedom of religion and belief in Ukraine and report on this as appropriate.

[1] https://www.echr.coe.int/documents/d/echr/convention_eng

[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012P/TXT OJEU C 326 of 26.10.2012.

[3] SWD(2024) 699 final.
Last updated: 12 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 13, 2025

Category: Russian Federation

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