Category: Russian Federation

MIL-OSI United Nations: Press Conference by Secretary-General António Guterres at United Nations Headquarters
Source: United Nations 4

Following is a transcript of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ press conference to launch the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report, in New York today:

Dear members of the media,

Today, we launch the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025. Under-Secretary-General Li will go through the details. But allow me to kick things off.

We are now 10 years into our collective journey toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Report is a snapshot of where we stand today. Since 2015, millions more people have gained access to electricity, clean cooking and the Internet. Social protection now reaches over half the world’s population — a significant increase from just a decade ago. Access to education has continued to increase and more girls are staying in school. Child marriage is declining. Renewable energy capacity is growing, with developing countries leading the way. And women’s representation is rising — across governments, businesses and societies.

These gains show that investments in development and inclusion yield results. But let’s be clear: we are not where we need to be. Only 35 per cent of SDG targets are on track or making moderate progress. Nearly half are moving too slowly. And 18 per cent are going in reverse. We are in a global development emergency. An emergency measured in the over 800 million people still living in extreme poverty. In intensifying climate impacts. And in relentless debt service, draining the resources that countries need to invest in their people.

We must also recognize the deep linkages between underdevelopment and conflicts. That’s why we must keep working for peace in the Middle East. We need an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of all hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access as a first step to achieve the two-State solution. We need the ceasefire between Iran and Israel to hold. We need a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions. We need an end to the horror and bloodshed in Sudan. From the DRC to Somalia, from the Sahel to Myanmar, we know that sustainable peace requires sustainable development.

In the face of these challenges, the Report we are launching today points the way to progress. Transformational pathways — in food, energy, digital access, education, jobs and climate — are our road map. Progress in one area can multiply progress across all of them. But we must move faster, and we must move together.

That means advancing affordable, quality healthcare for all. Investing in women and girls as a central driver of progress. Focusing on quality education and creating decent jobs and economic opportunities that leave no one behind. Closing the digital divide and ensuring that technologies like artificial intelligence are used responsibly and inclusively. And it means recognizing a fundamental fact. Progress is impossible without unlocking financing at scale.

The recent Sevilla Commitment reflected a commitment to get the engine of development revving again. Through reform of the international financial architecture, real action on debt relief and tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks so countries can better access capital at scale and at a reasonable cost. We have more opportunities to drive these priorities forward — from the High-Level Political Forum to the Second Food Systems Stocktake Summit to the World Social Summit and more. We must maximize these moments for real commitments — and real delivery.

Today’s Report shows that the Sustainable Development Goals are still within reach. But only if we act — with urgency, unity and unwavering resolve.

It’s a pleasure to be with you again and I will give the floor to my dear colleague Li.

Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs:

As the Secretary-General noted, we stand at a very defining moment. This Report of 2025 serves as both our compass and call to action, providing the critical evidence needed to guide discussions at the HLPF and beyond.

The data reveals in the Report a story of remarkable progress alongside turbulent challenges. Over the past decade, we have seen the following tangible victories:
- New HIV infections have decreased by nearly 40 per cent since 2010.
- Malaria prevention efforts have saved more than 12 million lives since 2000.
- [54] countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease.
- An additional 110 million children have enrolled in school since 2015.
- Access to electricity has reached 92 per cent of the global population, with 45 countries achieving universal electricity access in the past decade.
- Internet use has increased by 70 per cent — reaching 68 per cent today globally.
These are not mere statistics; they are the stories of lives transformed — more children in school, more families protected and more communities empowered.

However, the Report also lays bare a harsh reality: a challenging global context is stalling progress. Conflicts are escalating, temperatures are breaking records and debt burdens are rising, while developing countries face an annual $4 trillion SDG financing gap.

The world is not moving fast enough to achieve the SDGs amid overlapping crises. Just to share some sobering facts from the Report:
- Over 800 million people remain trapped in extreme poverty.
- Billions of people lack access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
- Women continue to devote 2.5 times as many hours to unpaid domestic and care work as men.
- Climate change is accelerating, with 2024 marking the hottest year on record at 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Low- and middle-income countries faced record-high debt servicing costs of $1.4 trillion in 2023.
Despite these monumental challenges, the path forward is clear. In the Report, it shows that progress is possible if we scale up solutions and build on hard-won gains. We must focus our efforts on six key transitions that represent our most promising levers for systemic change. Recent global events such as UNOC3 and FFD4 have demonstrated a renewed spirit and commitment to collective action. Let us seize this moment to recommit, to act decisively and deliver on our promise.

Thank you.

**Questions and Answers

Spokesman: Edie, please.

Question: Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary-General, on behalf of the United Nations Correspondence Association for doing this briefing. As you well know, my name is Edith Lederer from the Associated Press. You said that there had been progress on 35 per cent of the SDG targets, but which, if any, of the 17 SDG Goals are on target to be achieved by 2030? And if I may, what is your reaction to President Trump saying just an hour or two ago that if there is no peace deal in Ukraine in the next 50 days, he will impose biting sanctions on Russia. And I think we also would all like to know what, if any, role the UN is being asked to play if there is a new ceasefire in Gaza?

Thank you.

Secretary-General: There are many different questions. [laughing] First, there are only 35 per cent of the Goals that are on target. But that means that 35 per cent of the Goals are on target, and some are extremely important. Extreme poverty has reduced. Child mortality and women’s mortality have dramatically reduced, and the access of girls to education and, in general, the access to education has substantially increased. So, if there were no Sustainable Development Goals, many of these achievements would never have been reached, because the Sustainable Development Goals have created a framework in which Governments and other entities could be united to deliver on some of the key priorities of development in today’s world. So, the Sustainable Development Goals are a success already because at least one third of them are achieving the results that were determined.

Now, but why is it not the same everywhere? Where are the obstacles? Let’s be clear. There is something fundamentally wrong in the structure of the economic and financial architecture and in the way it operates to the detriment of developing countries. And this has nothing to do with the Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals are objectives to improve the living conditions of everybody. The problem is that the Sustainable Development Goals do not include the instruments that would be necessary to make them happen. And that is why we have been strongly insisting for the need to deep reforms in the international financial architecture, and I would say, in the rules of the global economy, in order to make sure that it is possible for countries that are drowning in debt, for countries that have no access to concessional funding, for countries that are marginalized in international trade. We need those reforms to create the conditions for those countries to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

So, I think that the discussion is not whether or not we have reached enough. The discussion is what are the roots in the injustices and inequalities of our global economic and financial system that make it so difficult to implement things that everybody will recognize are the things that are needed for us to live with dignity.

The second question that you have asked is about the sanctions. I would say that what we absolutely need is to have an immediate ceasefire and to have an immediate ceasefire paving the way for a political solution and the political solution based on the Charter, on international law and on the different resolutions of the bodies of the UN. Whatever can contribute to these objectives will, of course, be important if it is done in line with international law.

Question: And on Gaza…

Secretary-General: Gaza is horrific. We all condemned the horrible, terrible, attacks of Hamas, but what we are witnessing in Gaza is a level of death and destruction that has no parallel in recent times. And it is something that undermines, I would say, undermines the most basic conditions of human dignity for the population of Gaza, independently of the enormous suffering that they are having.

We absolutely need a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. And I hope that the parties are able to overcome, both parties are able to overcome the difficulties that they still find for that ceasefire to take place. But the ceasefire is not enough. It is essential that that ceasefire leads to a solution, and that solution can only be possible if both Palestinians and Israelis can have a State where they can exercise their rights. The idea, and that is why we are going to have in July, one conference on the two-State solution, the idea that it would be possible to have 5 million people inside a country, in their own lands, without any rights is something that is totally against humanity and totally against international law.

Spokesman: Sherwin Bryce-Pease.

Question: Secretary-General, Sherwin Bryce-Pease, South African Broadcasting. What is your estimation, sir, of the impact of the decisions by the United States in recent months to withdraw from various development-related initiatives, including climate finance and the recent financing for development conference that you referred to in Sevilla. Its rejection, also, of increased lending by development banks in particular, essentially pushing back at the reforms you are seeking to achieve in terms of the restructuring of the global financial institutions? How are you going to fill the gaps that are going to be left by the United States’ withdrawal from these initiatives?

Thank you.

Secretary-General: The problem is not the presence or not presence in international meetings. The question is that, obviously, we need in an international economic and financial system that is fundamentally wrong and unfair, we need reforms. And to put obstacles to those reforms is indeed something that is extremely negative. And I hope that the countries that lead the global economy, the G7 countries, understand that it is better to lead the reforms of a system today than to wait and one day suffer the reforms of the system that will become inevitable.

Spokesman: Dezhi?

Question: Secretary-General, Xu Dezhi, China Central Television. A similar question with Sherwin. We know that Trump Administration now reversed multiple policies, it’s not only just the international financial institution. It’s also about the clean energy policy. It’s about its tariffs to bring instability of the world economy. How much impact would that be to the SDGs? And given the fact this is only the first year of this Administration, you will have four years, how would, how should other countries to do to achieve the SDGs?

Thank you.

Secretary-General: Well first of all, about clean energy, I think that independently of the will of the Government of any country and in particular, the United States, we are witnessing irreversible movements towards the hegemonic role of renewables. This is moving at a speed that nobody could forecast just a few months ago. And the truth is that even in the United States, you have a number of states that are moving forward very strongly, and you have the private sector that makes their accounts and sees where profits are. And today, the cheapest energy is renewable. And so, you are not intelligent if you invest in more expensive forms of energy or if you invest in things that will be stranded in the near future. So, I am pretty confident that the realities of the global economy will make any attempt to slow down the process ineffective. And I’m optimistic about the capacity of renewable energy to very quickly assume a leading role in the global economy.

About trade, it is clear that any trade war is something in which nobody wins. Everybody loses. And so, I strongly believe that it is absolutely essential to avoid trade wars. And we don’t know yet what is going to happen. Many things are changing every day, but I hope we come to the end of this with a rational global trade system.

Spokesman: Thank you, Pam, and then we’ll have to go.

Question: Thank you very much for a somewhat grim Report, but an optimistic view of it. Pamela Falk from US News and World Report. So, a big picture question. The Pew Charitable Trust, other organizations, look at the UN and favourability around the world. And although it’s still positive, it’s trending downward. What can you do, particularly since global goals like nutrition that overlaps two SDGs, people at the N4D [Nutrition for Development] is looking for private sector funds, clusters of countries. Is that the new multilateralism? And what can you do to bring up the favourability of the UN?

Thank you.

Secretary-General: What we are witnessing in the world today is a progressive trend for a multipolar world. You see the emerging economies growing at a faster rate than developed countries. We can talk about China, but we can talk about India, we can talk about Indonesia, we can talk about so many other countries. So, the global economic relations are changing, and we see a trend more and more for these different entities to network. And in that networking, multipolarity will tend to strengthen multilateralism. So, I’m very optimistic about the future of multilateralism because I’m seeing that every single day, there is a bit more equilibrium in international relations. Every single day, we move a little bit more to multipolarity. And at every single day, we are heading into a direction that, because multipolarity by itself requires multilateralism, we are heading into a direction in which the present trends and the present attacks and the present, I would say, forms of undermining multilateralism, will inevitably fail.

Spokesman: Thank you very much. We need to let our guests go.

MIL OSI United Nations News –
July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Taipower Holds 2025 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting: Continues Strengthening Financial Operations, Calls for Budget Support

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Taipower held its 2025 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting today (June 27), briefing shareholders on its mission to ensure stable power supply for Taiwan while helping the government mitigate the impact of global developments on households and industries in recent years. Taipower noted that despite financial challenges, it sought a total of NT$300 billion in government budget subsidies over the past year, but none were approved by the legislature. To maintain the sustainable operation of Taiwan’s electricity supply, secure the nation’s power needs, and support economic development, Taipower will continue to seek government funding while doing its utmost to improve its own financial operations. Compared with the same period last year, losses from January to May this year have already narrowed by nearly NT$32 billion, a decline of over 50%.

The 2025 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting was chaired by Taipower Chairman Wen-Sheng Tseng, with President Yao-Ting Wang delivering the 2024 Business Report. During the meeting, shareholders were also briefed on last year’s corporate bond issuance, financial statements, and the approval of its deficit compensation proposal. Additionally, the biennial board member election was conducted during the meeting.

Taipower explained that the Russia-Ukraine war led to surging fuel prices globally. While other countries substantially raised electricity rates, further fueling inflation, Taipower instead chose to absorb nearly NT$600 billion in electricity costs for households and industries over the past three years to protect livelihoods and cushion inflationary pressures, resulting in significant financial losses. In 2023, Taipower recorded total revenue of NT$871.4 billion and expenditures of NT$912.5 billion, with a pre-tax net loss of NT$41.1 billion. After factoring in tax credits, the net loss remained NT$41.1 billion. As of the end of last year, cumulative losses stood at NT$422.9 billion.

Taipower stressed that a stable financial footing is crucial to protecting the public’s right to reliable power and supporting social and industrial development. In April this year, the Electricity Price Review Committee decided, in light of global trade tariffs and political-economic conditions, to freeze electricity prices, meaning Taipower continues to bear external cost pressures on behalf of households and businesses. To maintain financial soundness, Taipower has, over the past year, repeatedly sought a total of NT$300 billion in government funding to cover the costs it has absorbed to stabilize power prices, essentially subsidizing electricity for the entire nation, but these proposals have not been approved by the legislature. Taipower hopes for greater understanding and support from all sectors of society.

In addition to pursuing government subsidies, Taipower is also working to improve its own finances. For electricity price subsidies for schools and social welfare organizations, Taipower has, in accordance with the Electricity Act and the March 2024 resolution of the Electricity Price Review Committee, maintained preferential electricity rates but will reduce its direct subsidies starting this year. Relevant funding will now revert to the respective competent authorities for budgeting, which is expected to increase Taipower’s annual revenue by nearly NT$4 billion. As for subsidized electricity for offshore islands, Taipower has absorbed losses exceeding NT$100 billion to date. Moving forward, Taipower will handle related matters through the national budgeting process under the Offshore Islands Development Act and will actively seek government budget allocations to cover them.

Furthermore, Taipower has adopted four key strategies to boost revenue and reduce expenses to strengthen its financial foundation: On the power generation and procurement side, it has refined its fuel procurement strategies. On the electricity retailing side, it has expanded green power resale and low-carbon power sales. In transmission and distribution, it has reduced expenditures by adjusting line installation fees and optimizing ancillary services. Furthermore, Taipower is investing in asset revitalization to expand revenue sources, making every effort to reduce losses. From January to May this year, Taipower recorded a loss of NT$28.5 billion, nearly NT$32 billion less than the same period last year, marking a reduction of more than 50%.

Spokesperson: Vice President Chih-Meng Tsai
Tel: (02 )2366-6271/0958-749-333
Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Chief Secretary of Board Secretariat Shou-Fu Cheng
Tel: (02 )2366-6210/0900-781-357
Email: u026726@taipower.com.tw

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Trump threatens Russia with tariffs while unveiling new Ukraine weapons plan

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

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States will send weapons to Ukraine through NATO, and threatened “severe tariffs” targeting Russia if a ceasefire deal is not reached in 50 days.

Trump announced an agreement with NATO regarding weapons to assist Ukraine while meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office.

“We are going to be sending them weapons and they’re going to be paying for them,” said Trump, adding that the United States will manufacture those weapons.

“We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days,” Trump said of Russia.

Trump noted there would be “secondary tariffs” of about 100 percent, multiple news outlets reported.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified later that Trump meant “economic sanction” when he threatened “secondary tariffs” against Russia if it did not reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days, The Washington Times reported.

Speaking to reporters after the Oval Office meeting, Trump said that the deal with the NATO allies was done and fully approved, The New York Times reported.

“We’ll send them a lot of weapons of all kinds,” Trump said. “And they’re going to deliver those weapons immediately to the site, to the site of the war, different sites of the war, and they’re going to pay for 100 percent of them.”

Trump also told reporters that some Patriot systems will arrive in Ukraine within days, according to ABC News.

Trump said European countries that have Patriots will transfer them to Ukraine and “they’re going to start arriving very soon,” ABC News added.

MIL OSI China News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Joint Statement from Senators Graham and Blumenthal

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) today made this joint statement after President Trump made a series of announcements regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, including his intention to impose secondary tariffs on Russia if they do not agree to a ceasefire in the next 50 days.

Graham and Blumenthal have introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which would impose secondary tariffs and sanctions on countries that continue to fund Putin’s barbaric war in Ukraine. Their legislation has 85 cosponsors in the Senate.

“President Trump and his team have made a powerful move, implementing a new approach to end this bloodbath between Russia and Ukraine.

“Selling American-manufactured weapons to NATO – that will be used by Ukraine to defend themselves – is smart military policy and will enormously benefit the U.S. economy. Not only will these weapons be made in America, creating jobs for Americans, but they also will be purchased by the Europeans. This is a win-win scenario.

“However, the ultimate hammer to bring about the end of this war will be tariffs against countries, like China, India and Brazil, that prop up Putin’s war machine by purchasing cheap Russian oil and gas. President Trump’s decision to announce the implementation of 100 percent secondary tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas if a peace agreement is not reached in the next 50 days is a real executive hammer to drive the parties to the negotiating table. The goal is not more tariffs and sanctions – the goal is to entice Putin to come to the peace table.

“It is long overdue for the financial backers of Russia’s atrocities in Ukraine to pay a price for buying cheap energy products and marking it up in order to benefit their economies. The days of doing this without consequences are coming to an end.

“Finally, as President Trump indicated, we will join our colleagues in continuing to work with the White House on our bipartisan Russia sanctions legislation that would implement up to 500 percent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas, and do not help Ukraine. The congressional legislation authorizing tariffs and sanctions would truly be a sledgehammer for President Trump to end this war, and it will allow for maximum flexibility to achieve that end. The benefit of our approach is that it blends congressional authorization of tariffs and sanctions with flexibility for presidential implementation, making it rock solid legally and politically.

“This bill has 85 cosponsors in the Senate and it would pass incredibly quickly. We will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate, and with the Trump team to have this legislation ready to go at a moment’s notice.

“The combination of more American-made, European-purchased weapons for Ukraine and tariffs on the financial backers of Putin’s brutal war has changed the game. We sincerely believe President Trump has set in motion a new approach that has the highest likelihood yet of ending this bloodbath in the right way.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Belarus plans to transport about 7 million tons of cargo via the Russian port of St. Petersburg in 2025

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

MINSK, July 14 /Xinhua/ — Belarus plans to transport about 7 million tons of cargo via the Russian port of St. Petersburg “Bronka” in 2025. This was stated on Monday by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting with St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov. The relevant information was published by the press service of the Belarusian head of state.

A. Lukashenko noted that the project to build a Belarusian port facility for handling cargo at the Bronka sea handling complex is supported by the Russian leadership. The Belarusian leader noted that much has already been done on the territory of the complex.

“We will transport about 7 million tons of various cargo through this port this year. Both bulk cargo and oil products. We will develop this port. We also plan to go to Murmansk. This is a reserve location, but this port needs to be built there, and it will take many years,” A. Lukashenko said. -0-

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: The number of inspections is at a historical minimum.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Reducing the number of inspections while maintaining the level of security, confirming the effectiveness of the risk-oriented approach and new digital tools for remote control – the Government presented a report on the state of the state and municipal control system in the Russian Federation to the State Duma and the Federation Council.

The State Duma and the Federation Council reviewed the Government’s annual report on state control (supervision) and municipal control in the Russian Federation for 2024.

“The government is consistently improving the control and supervisory sphere in Russia. We have abandoned unnecessary inspections and are introducing digital forms of control. This allows us to reduce the administrative burden on businesses and remain on guard of the rights of our citizens. Now the number of inspections is at a historical minimum: in 2024, there were fewer of them than in the COVID-19 year of 2020,” commented Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.

According to the data presented, during the reporting period, the number of inspections decreased by 8.2% compared to 2023 and by more than 23% compared to 2020, when temporary restrictions related to the pandemic were in effect. Thus, in 2024, about 312 thousand inspections were carried out, in 2023 – 340 thousand, in 2020 – 408 thousand.

It is important that, despite the multiple reduction in the number of inspections, the overall level of safety is maintained. This became possible due to the introduction of a risk-oriented approach, including inspections by regulatory authorities based on the triggering of risk indicators.

Traditionally, risk indicator checks are among the most effective. In 2024, their effectiveness was 87.3%. For comparison, in 2023, this figure was 76.6%.

Special attention in 2024 was paid to the development of digitalization and the introduction of remote forms of control. An experiment was conducted on remote inspections of companies using the Inspector mobile application. Since this year, the use of the mobile application has been enshrined in law.

Another digital tool is also growing in popularity: the pre-trial appeal service on the public services portal. It enables entrepreneurs to challenge decisions of regulatory bodies without resorting to legal procedures and proceedings. In 2024, more than 7.5 thousand complaints were received from businesses, and the number of petitions more than doubled. These appeals serve as feedback for the Government on the quality of the state’s control and supervisory function.

The Government also receives feedback from citizens through various surveys. Thus, in 2024, RANEPA conducted a survey among citizens on the level of protection of legally protected assets. The survey is conducted on those risks that are controlled by control bodies operating within the framework of the Law on Control. According to the survey results, the level of protection is growing.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Alexey Khersontsev: the effectiveness of supervisory measures demonstrates steady growth

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Alexey Khersontsev presented the main provisions of the Consolidated Report on State Control (Supervision) and Municipal Control in the Russian Federation for 2024 to the State Duma and the Federation Council. The activities are carried out under the supervision of Deputy Chairman – Chief of Staff of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Grigorenko.

“The government is consistently improving the control and supervision sphere in Russia. We have abandoned unnecessary inspections and are introducing digital forms of control. This allows us to reduce the administrative burden on businesses and remain on guard of the rights of our citizens. Now the number of inspections is at a historical minimum: in 2024, there were fewer of them than in the COVID-19 year of 2020,” commented Dmitry Grigorenko.

According to Alexey Khersontsev, large-scale changes have occurred over several years of reform of control (supervisory) activities. The transformations, based on the introduction of a risk-oriented approach, revision of inspection planning, digitalization of control processes and strengthening of the role of preventive measures, affected all levels of government bodies – from federal to municipal.

“2024 has become an important stage in the development of these transformations. Throughout the entire period, comprehensive work was carried out to reduce the number of excessive inspections, increase the transparency of supervision and reduce the administrative burden on entrepreneurs. At the same time, the key priority remained maintaining the necessary level of protection of citizens’ rights and ensuring the sustainability of the economic system,” said Oleksiy Khersontsev.

The main trend of the past year was the reduction of control (supervisory) activities. Compared to 2023, their number decreased by 8.2% and by more than 23% compared to 2020. This was achieved by enshrining the principle of priority inspections only for high and extremely high risk categories. That is, only those organizations and enterprises are inspected where there is a risk of harm to the life and health of citizens or harm to the environment.

At the same time, a quarter of all inspections were carried out on small and medium-sized businesses. Of these, 75% concerned microenterprises, and most often, inspectors visited retail and catering facilities.

“This is explained by the high social significance of these areas and the need for constant quality control of products and services,” emphasized Alexey Khersontsev.

According to the Deputy Minister, the effectiveness of inspections based on risk indicators is growing — 87.3% in 2024 (76.6% in 2023). This is accompanied by the development of new indicators, the number of which has increased almost threefold compared to 2022: in 2024, their number reached 542. When developing them, the opinion of businesses participating in specialized working groups of the Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation is taken into account.

Preventive visits have also proven their effectiveness, and their number in 2024 approached 1.2 million. Their assessment by the business community is perceived positively, emphasized Alexey Khersontsev. At the same time, the popularity of the pre-trial appeal service is growing. Last year, more than 3.5 thousand complaints were received from businesses, which is 45% more than the year before. 484 decisions were appealed in court, almost every fifth was overturned. At the same time, the legislation provides for the possibility of appealing both the decisions of inspectors and the assigned risk category.

“The growth in efficiency and effectiveness in terms of key indicators of control (supervisory) activities indicates an increase in the accuracy of inspection planning and the quality of analytical work of control bodies,” Alexey Khersontsev particularly noted, adding that the country’s population feels this security and, according to RANEPA surveys, this level of security is the highest compared to previous years.

The consolidated report also presents a rating of control bodies and subjects of the Russian Federation by the number of inspections. Roszdravnadzor became the leader in 2024, and the top 5 regions included St. Petersburg, Sevastopol, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and Moscow Oblast.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister Fiala of the Czech Republic: 14 July 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

PM meeting with Prime Minister Fiala of the Czech Republic: 14 July 2025

The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, to Downing Street this afternoon.
The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, to Downing Street this afternoon.

The leaders began by reflecting on the close relationship between the two countries, including across defence, trade and energy security.

Both agreed that there were plenty of opportunities to be even more ambitious, which was emphasised by the signing of a civil nuclear memorandum of understanding today.

The agreement would allow both countries to harness the potential of nuclear power and the related technology to drive prosperity, energy security and highly skilled jobs, the leaders agreed.

The Prime Minister also thanked Prime Minister Fiala for the Czech Republic’s strong support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, and the leaders reflected on the strength of solidarity for Ukraine through the Coalition of the Willing.

Both looked forward to speaking again soon.

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Published 14 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China, EU hold 6th High-Level Dialogue on Environment and Climate

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera held the 6th China-EU High-Level Dialogue on Environment and Climate in Beijing on Monday.

Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, called on the two sides, under the strategic guidance of their leaders, to strengthen practical cooperation on environment and climate and make greater contributions to the sustainable development of China, the EU and the world.

The Vice Premier of the State Council noted that China pays special attention to environmental protection and climate change control, has developed and implemented a series of practical measures, and has achieved notable results in the all-round green transformation of socio-economic development.

China will firmly promote green and low-carbon development and take effective measures to participate in global environmental and climate governance, Ding Xuexiang promised, adding that China hopes to work with the EU to maintain high-level dialogue and exchanges, build greater consensus and deepen the green partnership.

According to him, China is ready to adhere to the principles of mutual benefit and win-win with the European Union, continuously expand the depth and scope of cooperation in key areas such as energy and the circular economy, and jointly support the green and low-carbon development of other developing countries.

China also hopes to work with the EU to promote the construction of a fair, reasonable, cooperative and mutually beneficial global environmental and climate governance system, Ding Xuexiang added.

T. Ribera, for her part, said that the European Union hopes to take advantage of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China to further strengthen existing cooperation with China, make efforts to find new opportunities for cooperation, adhere to multilateralism and promote the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: US tariff threat to EU ‘totally unacceptable’: Danish FM

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BRUSSELS, July 14 (Xinhua) — Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Monday denounced the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration’s threat to impose 30 percent tariffs on EU exports as “totally unacceptable” at a joint press conference with European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Brussels.

L.L. Rasmussen said the EU considers this threat “completely unacceptable and unfounded” and is ready to respond if negotiations with Washington do not produce real results.

“We intend to continue working with the United States to find an agreed solution,” the Danish Foreign Minister noted, while stressing that the agreement must be “mutually acceptable” to both sides.

He warned that the EU would respond with decisive and proportionate countermeasures if necessary.

M. Šefčovič, for his part, said that the 27-country union is preparing possible countermeasures worth 72 billion euros /84 billion US dollars/.

“We must be prepared for any outcome, including, if necessary, carefully considered and proportionate measures to restore balance in our transatlantic relations,” the European Commissioner said.

M. Šefčovič noted that, in his opinion, “there is still potential for continuing negotiations,” but stressed that any deal would require the approval of all EU member states and the European Parliament. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump announced the sending of American weapons to Ukraine via NATO and threatened Russia with “harsh tariffs”

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

WASHINGTON, July 14 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday announced that the United States would send weapons to Ukraine through NATO and threatened to impose “harsh tariffs” on Russia if a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine is not reached within 50 days.

D. Trump announced the agreement with NATO to supply weapons to help Ukraine during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office.

“We are going to send them weapons, and they will pay for it,” D. Trump announced, adding that the United States will produce these weapons.

“We are going to impose very tough tariffs if we don’t have an agreement in 50 days,” Trump warned, speaking about Russia.

As reported by a number of media outlets, the US President indicated that the size of the proposed “secondary duties” will be around 100 percent. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: BRICS expansion is a new era of global cooperation – Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Almaty, July 14 /Xinhua/ — In an exclusive article for DKnews.kz, Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin summed up the results of the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7. He noted that the expansion of the BRICS format and the active participation of the Global South countries open a new page in reforming the international order and building a more just and sustainable system of global governance.

According to the diplomat, Kazakhstan, which has officially become a BRICS partner, plays an important role in this process and strengthens cooperation with China based on mutual trust, openness and strategic partnership.

Han Chunlin pointed to the advantage of the scale of the expanded BRICS format and recalled the official accession of Indonesia, the largest economy and most populous member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to BRICS in January 2025.

“These changes reflect the accelerated movement of the countries of the Global South, led by BRICS, from the periphery to the center of the international arena,” the diplomat noted.

He also expressed the view that cooperation within the expanded BRICS format has an advantage in concepts.

According to Han Chunlin, the BRICS countries strive to implement genuine multilateralism, safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, maintain and strengthen the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and oppose the creation of “closed blocs” and “narrow circles”.

“BRICS countries unanimously call for resolving disputes around international and regional hot spots through dialogue and consultation, rejecting unilateral sanctions and threats of force. BRICS advocates for strengthening political coordination and harmonization of positions, seeking to constructively advance the reform of the existing international system, bringing more inclusiveness, fairness and legitimacy to the global governance system,” the ambassador emphasized.

He also noted that cooperation within the expanded BRICS format has advantages in development and governance.

According to Han Chunlin, deepening cooperation within the BRICS framework is an inevitable choice for China and Kazakhstan in their commitment to genuine multilateralism.

“This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. However, the world is still far from calm, and geopolitical conflicts flare up one after another. Maintaining the post-war international order and jointly ensuring peace and stability are the common call of the international community and the common aspiration of China and Kazakhstan,” the diplomat said.

He is convinced that Kazakhstan’s accession to the BRICS partner countries will further strengthen and expand cooperation, opening a new page in the joint development of the Global South.

“The Chinese side is ready, together with the Kazakh side, to actively implement the important agreements reached by the heads of the two states, continuously strengthen cooperation within the BRICS framework, firmly protect the international system with the central role of the UN and the international order based on international law, and resolutely and unequivocally defend the common interests of a wide range of developing countries,” the ambassador emphasized.

“China, using this leaders’ meeting as a milestone, will continue to adhere to the ‘BRICS spirit’ and, together with Kazakhstan and other BRICS partners, will continuously deepen and expand the BRICS cooperation mechanism to promote the development of global governance in a more equitable, rational, efficient and orderly direction. This will consolidate forces to realize the modernization of the Global South based on peaceful development, win-win cooperation and common prosperity, and advance the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind,” Han Chunlin concluded. -0-

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Provocations and incitement of war by armed groups advocating for “Taiwan independence” will only lead to their self-destruction – PRC Ministry of Defense

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — Provocations and warmongering by armed groups advocating “Taiwan independence” are useless and will only lead to their self-destruction, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said Monday.

Jiang Bin made the statement in response to a journalist’s question about the creation of Taiwan’s first HIMARS multiple launch rocket system battery.

In order to secure American support for “Taiwan independence,” the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration is selling out Taiwan’s interests to the United States by squandering the Taiwanese people’s hard-earned money to pay for “defense costs,” the official said.

“Buying American weapons to give oneself courage is absolutely useless and self-deceiving, and resisting reunification by force is a dead end,” Jiang Bin said.

The official was also asked about the launch of the W121 air route by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, which is a connecting route with the M503 route. The establishment and launch of the relevant air route is a routine action carried out by relevant departments in accordance with the needs of managing the development of civil aviation, and will benefit compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, Jiang Bin noted.

However, as the official pointed out, the DPP authorities used the event to fan the so-called “military threat from the mainland” in a reckless attempt to raise security concerns, escalate confrontation and hinder cross-coast exchanges, which runs counter to public sentiment and is doomed to fail.

According to Jiang Bin, the root cause of the current cross-Strait tensions is that the DPP administration, in collusion with external forces, has been continuously carrying out provocations aimed at achieving “independence.”

“We hope that Taiwanese compatriots will see through the ‘true face’ of the DPP administration advocating ‘Taiwan independence’, recognize the grave danger of separatism, resolutely oppose separatist actions, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” the Chinese defense ministry spokesman concluded. -0-

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protection of fundamental rights and linguistic minorities in Latvia – the case of Rosļikovs – E-002726/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002726/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Michael von der Schulenburg (NI), Thomas Geisel (NI), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Friedrich Pürner (NI), Ruth Firmenich (NI), Ľuboš Blaha (NI)

On 5 June 2025, Mr Aleksejs Rosļikovs, a former member of the Latvian Parliament and current Riga city councillor, was expelled from a parliamentary session for speaking in Russian and for criticising a legislative proposal aimed at the ‘linguistic de-Russification’ of Latvia. On 9 June 2025, criminal proceedings were initiated against him for alleged incitement to national hatred and support for the aggressor state.

These actions raise serious concerns as to their compatibility with Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (CFR) concerning freedom of expression; with Article 21 of the CFR prohibiting discrimination, including on the grounds of language; and with Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, which enshrines respect for the rule of law and for the rights of minorities.

In the light of the above, can the Commission clarify:

1.whether it considers these measures to be in line with the fundamental values of the European Union?

2.whether it intends to promote independent monitoring of minority rights in Latvia?

3.what instruments it intends to activate to ensure the protection of the linguistic rights of minorities in the Member States?

Submitted: 3.7.2025
Last updated: 14 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protection of fundamental rights and linguistic minorities in Latvia – the case of Rosļikovs – E-002726/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002726/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Michael von der Schulenburg (NI), Thomas Geisel (NI), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Friedrich Pürner (NI), Ruth Firmenich (NI), Ľuboš Blaha (NI)

On 5 June 2025, Mr Aleksejs Rosļikovs, a former member of the Latvian Parliament and current Riga city councillor, was expelled from a parliamentary session for speaking in Russian and for criticising a legislative proposal aimed at the ‘linguistic de-Russification’ of Latvia. On 9 June 2025, criminal proceedings were initiated against him for alleged incitement to national hatred and support for the aggressor state.

These actions raise serious concerns as to their compatibility with Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (CFR) concerning freedom of expression; with Article 21 of the CFR prohibiting discrimination, including on the grounds of language; and with Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, which enshrines respect for the rule of law and for the rights of minorities.

In the light of the above, can the Commission clarify:

1.whether it considers these measures to be in line with the fundamental values of the European Union?

2.whether it intends to promote independent monitoring of minority rights in Latvia?

3.what instruments it intends to activate to ensure the protection of the linguistic rights of minorities in the Member States?

Submitted: 3.7.2025
Last updated: 14 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Xizang sees steady tourism growth in first half

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

LHASA, July 14 (Xinhua) — Southwest China’s Xijiang Autonomous Region received 31.28 million tourists in the first half of 2025, up 11.67 percent year on year, local authorities said Monday.

According to the Department of Culture and Tourism of the autonomous region, this figure is 41.71 percent of the region’s annual plan.

At the same time, the domestic tourist flow reached 31.09 million people, which is 11.57 percent more year-on-year, and the number of foreign tourists increased by 31.2 percent to 196.4 thousand people.

Xijiang’s tourism revenue during the reporting period amounted to 31.55 billion yuan (about 4.4 billion U.S. dollars), showing a year-on-year increase of 10.18 percent.

The department added that the region’s cultural industry also showed significant growth in the first half of the year, with the total value of its output exceeding 7.72 billion yuan, up 21.2 percent year-on-year. More than 53,000 cultural events were held in the region. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China’s express delivery sector maintains growth momentum in H1 2025

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — China’s express delivery market showed stable growth in the first half of 2025, and the market scale remained high, the State Post Administration of China said Monday.

China’s express delivery sector revenue is expected to exceed 700 billion yuan (about 97.9 billion U.S. dollars) in January-June, up 8.5 percent year on year.

As Zhu Li, a representative of the Development Research Center of the State Postal Administration of the People’s Republic of China, said at a press conference, the volume of processed items for the specified period is estimated to exceed 95 billion, which is 19 percent more year-on-year.

In June, the express delivery development index was 454.3, an increase of 4.7 percent year-on-year.

Zhu Li noted that China’s express delivery sector has seen steady growth in the first half of this year, fully meeting the delivery needs of streaming sales, the holiday economy and trade-in of consumer goods.

The sector also deeply identified the potential demand for delivery services in the fields of cultural tourism and sports competitions, and promoted the continuous unleashing of the potential of online consumption, Zhu Li pointed out.

According to her, in the second half of the year, the sector is expected to continue to unleash its growth momentum, deepen industry coordination, and expand the range of services provided. –0–

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Urges President Trump to Support Efforts to Bring Abducted Ukrainian Children Home

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement:
“I hope President Trump will be announcing continued strong support for Ukraine this week in concert with our allies. I also urge him to make a clear commitment to finding and bringing home to Ukraine the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been abducted and forcibly deported by Russia,” said Klobuchar. “The United States should continue to support Ukraine’s determined work to track the missing and get these kids home. One way we can do that is by continuing the State Department funding of the work being done to track the stolen children.”
Last month, Senators Klobuchar and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance U.S. support for Ukraine’s efforts to investigate and track the nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children who have been abducted during Putin’s brutal invasion, assist with the rehabilitation and reintegration of children who are returned, and provide justice and accountability for perpetrators of these abductions. As of today, Ukraine and its partners have only managed to return 1,399 abducted children, according to Ukraine’s figures.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Urges President Trump to Support Efforts to Bring Abducted Ukrainian Children Home

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement:
“I hope President Trump will be announcing continued strong support for Ukraine this week in concert with our allies. I also urge him to make a clear commitment to finding and bringing home to Ukraine the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been abducted and forcibly deported by Russia,” said Klobuchar. “The United States should continue to support Ukraine’s determined work to track the missing and get these kids home. One way we can do that is by continuing the State Department funding of the work being done to track the stolen children.”
Last month, Senators Klobuchar and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance U.S. support for Ukraine’s efforts to investigate and track the nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children who have been abducted during Putin’s brutal invasion, assist with the rehabilitation and reintegration of children who are returned, and provide justice and accountability for perpetrators of these abductions. As of today, Ukraine and its partners have only managed to return 1,399 abducted children, according to Ukraine’s figures.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Over €10 billion has now been pledged for Ukraine’s recovery. It’s nowhere near enough

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

Clearly angered by the intensification of Russia’s air campaign against Ukraine, Donald Trump has pivoted from the suspension of US military assistance to Ukraine to promising its resumption. Russia’s strikes on major cities killed more civilians in June than have died in any single previous month, according to UN figures.

Over the past two weeks, the US president has made several disparaging comments about his relationship with Vladimir Putin, including on July 13 that the Russian president “talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening”.

Not only will the US resume delivery of long-promised Patriot air defence missiles, Trump is now also reported to be considering a whole new plan to arm Ukraine, including with offensive capabilities. And he has talked about imposing new sanctions on Putin’s regime.

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This is the background against which the eighth Ukraine Recovery Conference took place in Rome on July 10 and 11. The event, attended by many western leaders and senior business executives, was an important reminder that while the war against Ukraine will be decided on the battlefield, peace will only be won as the result of rebuilding Ukraine’s economy and society.

Ending the war anytime soon and on terms favourable to Kyiv will require an enormous effort by Ukrainians and their European allies. But the country’s recovery afterwards will be no less challenging.

According to the World Bank’s latest assessment, at the end of 2024 Ukraine’s recovery needs over the next decade stood at US$524 billion (£388 billion). And with every month the war continues, these needs are increasing. Ukraine’s three hardest-hit sectors are housing, transport and energy infrastructure, which between them account for around 60% of all damage.

At the same time, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided a relatively positive assessment of Ukraine’s overall economic situation at the end of June, forecasting growth of between 2% and 3% for 2025 – likely to grow to over 4% in 2026 and 2027. But the IMF also cautioned that this trajectory – and the country’s macroeconomic stability more generally – will remain heavily dependent on external support.

Taking into account a new €2.3 billion package from the EU, consisting of €1.8 billion of loan guarantees and €580 million of grants, the cumulative pledge of over €10 billion (£8.7 billion) made by countries attending the Ukraine recovery conference is both encouraging and sobering.

It is encouraging in the sense that Ukraine’s international partners remain committed to the country’s social and economic needs, not merely its ability to resist Russia on the battlefield.

But it is also sobering that even these eye-watering sums of public money are still only a fraction of Ukraine’s needs. Even if the EU manages to mobilise its overall target of €40 billion for Ukraine’s recovery, by attracting additional contributions from other donors and the private sector, this would be less than 8% of Ukraine’s projected recovery needs as of the end of 2024.

As the war continues and more of the (diminishing) public funding is directed towards defence expenditure by Kyiv’s western partners, this gap is likely to grow.

Overcoming the trauma of war

Money is not the only challenge for Ukraine recovery efforts. Rebuilding the country is not simply about undoing the physical damage.

The social impact of Russia’s aggression is hard to overstate. Ukraine has been deeply traumatised as a society since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Generally reliable Ukrainian casualty counts – some 12,000 civilians and 43,000 troops killed since February 2022 – are still likely to underestimate the true number of people who have died as a direct consequence of the Russian aggression. And each of these will have left behind family members struggling to cope with their loss. In addition, there are hundreds of thousands of war veterans.

Even before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there were nearly half a million veterans from the “frozen” conflict that followed Russia’s annexation of Crimea and incursion into eastern Ukraine. By the end of 2024, this number had more than doubled to around 1 million. Most of them have complex social, economic, medical and psychological needs that will have to be considered as part of a society-wide recovery effort.

Returning refugees

According to data from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), there are also some 7 million refugees from Ukraine and 3.7 million internally displaced people (IDPs). This is equivalent to one quarter of the country’s population. The financial needs of UNHCR’s operations in Ukraine are estimated at $800 million in 2025, of which only 27% was funded as of the end of April.

Once the fighting in Ukraine ends, refugees are likely to return in greater numbers. Their return will provide a boost to the country’s economic growth by strengthening its labour force and bringing with them skills and, potentially, investment. But like many IDPs and veterans, they may not be able to return to their places of origin, either because these are not inhabitable or remain under Russian occupation.

Some returnees are likely to be viewed with suspicion or resentment by those Ukrainians who stayed behind and fought. Tensions with Ukrainians who survived the Russian occupation in areas that Kyiv may recover in a peace deal are also likely, given Ukraine’s harsh anti-collaboration laws.

As a consequence, reintegration – in the sense of rebuilding and sustaining the country’s social cohesion – will be a massive challenge, requiring as much, if not more, of Ukraine’s partners’ attention and financial support as physical reconstruction and the transition from a war to a peace-time economy.

Given the mismatch between what is needed and what has been provided for Ukraine’s recovery, one may well be sceptical about the value of the annual Ukraine recovery conferences. But, to the credit of their organisers and attendees, they recognise that the foundations for post-war recovery need to be built before the war ends. The non-military challenges of war and peace must not fall by the wayside amid an exclusive focus on battlefield dynamics.

Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

– ref. Over €10 billion has now been pledged for Ukraine’s recovery. It’s nowhere near enough – https://theconversation.com/over-10-billion-has-now-been-pledged-for-ukraines-recovery-its-nowhere-near-enough-260936

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Russian Imperial Movement: how a far-right group outlawed by the UK is spreading terror across Europe

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dale Pankhurst, PhD candidate and Tutor in the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queen’s University Belfast

The British government announced in early July that a far-right group called the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM) will be banned under terrorism legislation. This will make it a criminal offence in the UK to be a member of the group or to express support for it.

The RIM was at the centre of a string of letter bomb attacks targeting high-profile people and institutions in Spain in 2022. These included a bomb addressed to the official residence of Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez, which was intercepted by his security detail.

Six more letter bombs were mailed to targets including the American and Ukrainian embassies in Madrid, military installations, and weapons manufacturing companies that supply arms to Ukraine. No one was killed in the attacks, which US officials considered to be acts of terrorism.

Investigators soon announced that they suspected the RIM of being involved. US and European officials alleged that the group was directed to carry out the attacks by Russian intelligence officers.

What is the RIM?

The RIM is an ultra-nationalist, neo-nazi and white supremacist organisation based in Russia. It was created in 2002 by Stanislav Anatolyevich Vorobyev, a Russian national who is designated a terrorist by the US government.

The group seeks to create a new Russian empire, and uses the Russian imperial flag as its sign. The previous Russian empire (1721-1917) encompassed all of modern-day Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, Finland, Georgia, Armenia and the Baltic states, as well as parts of China.

The movement does not recognise Ukrainian sovereignty. It sees Ukraine as part of what it calls a global Zionist conspiracy designed to undermine Russia and promote Jewish interests. The RIM has engaged in Holocaust denial and is formally outlawed in the US, Canada and now the UK.

It also has a paramilitary wing called the Imperial Legions, which operates at least two training facilities in the Russian city of St. Petersburg. The US State Department believes these facilities are being used to train RIM members in woodland and urban assault, tactical weapons and hand-to-hand combat.

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Denis Valliullovich Gariyev, the Imperial Legions’ leader, has in the past called on “young orthodox men” to join the Legions and defend Novorossiya – a term used to describe Russia’s claim over Ukraine. As of 2020, the Imperial Legions was estimated to have several thousand members.

The RIM and its paramilitary wing have engaged in a wide range of activities and operations. These range from passive alliances with other far-right groups in Europe to providing paramilitary training for terrorist organisations. They have also participated directly in bomb attacks.

Since 2014, when the conflict in eastern Ukraine began, the movement has trained and sent members as mercenaries to bolster the pro-Russian separatist groups fighting there. Its members have also actively supported the Russian armed forces in Ukraine after the full-scale invasion in 2022.

After the invasion, posts related to the RIM on various social media platforms such as Vkontakte and Telegram revealed a ramping up of recruitment to join operations in Ukraine. Its fighters have posted videos of themselves in Ukraine armed with weaponry from sniper rifles to anti-tank missiles.

According to analysts, the movement also maintains strong ties with the Russian private military company, the Wagner Group. Imperial Legions fighters are believed to have operated alongside Wagner mercenaries in Syria, Libya and possibly the Central African Republic.

Outside of these activities, the movement has been active in supporting far-right organisations in Europe. These include the Nordic Resistance Movement in Sweden and similar groups in Germany, Spain and elsewhere.

It provides training to these groups through its so-called “Partizan” (Russian for guerrilla) programme. The training includes bombmaking, marksmanship, medical and survival skills, military topography and other tactics. According to the UK government, the Partizan programme aims to increase the capacity of attendees to conduct terrorist attacks.

Two Swedish nationals who took part in the programme later committed a series of bombings against refugee centres in Gothenburg, a city on Sweden’s west coast, in late 2016 and early 2017. The men were convicted in Sweden, with the prosecutor crediting RIM for their terrorist radicalisation and training.

The RIM has also provided specific paramilitary training to far-right groups in Finland. Some members of these groups have fought on Russia’s side in Ukraine, while others have attempted to establish a Finnish cell of the international neo-nazi Atomwaffen Division. Police raids in 2023 also unveiled plans to assassinate the then Finnish prime minister, Sanna Marin.

Links with the Russian state

The movement has previously been critical of the Russian government. It initially believed the approach of Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, to Ukraine was too soft, while the group’s promotion of white supremacy and neo-nazism is at odds with Putin’s pragmatic nationalism within Russia.

In 2012, the RIM even took part in discussions with other far-right groups in Russia to form an opposition movement called New Force to challenge Putin’s rule. However, the crisis in Ukraine that erupted in 2014 after pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted from power has caused the Kremlin and RIM’s political objectives to converge.

Indeed, the group can now be viewed as one of the core Russian proxy paramilitaries operating in Ukraine at a time when Putin needs more recruits to continue the war. Western intelligence agencies now believe it has a relationship with officials from Russian state intelligence.

It is difficult to pinpoint the total number of RIM fighters operating in Ukraine as the involvement of mercenary groups there is a closely guarded secret. However, based on previous intelligence reports on the group’s activities, it is reasonable to assume the number is in the hundreds to low thousands.

The decision by the British government to proscribe the RIM indicates concern that the far-right group is increasing its operational capacity both in Ukraine and throughout Europe. With its extensive network, the movement will become an increasing threat to security if it is allowed to continue acting as a proxy for Putin’s foreign policy objectives.

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

– ref. Russian Imperial Movement: how a far-right group outlawed by the UK is spreading terror across Europe – https://theconversation.com/russian-imperial-movement-how-a-far-right-group-outlawed-by-the-uk-is-spreading-terror-across-europe-260825

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Over €10 billion has now been pledged for Ukraine’s recovery. It’s nowhere near enough

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

Clearly angered by the intensification of Russia’s air campaign against Ukraine, Donald Trump has pivoted from the suspension of US military assistance to Ukraine to promising its resumption. Russia’s strikes on major cities killed more civilians in June than have died in any single previous month, according to UN figures.

Over the past two weeks, the US president has made several disparaging comments about his relationship with Vladimir Putin, including on July 13 that the Russian president “talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening”.

Not only will the US resume delivery of long-promised Patriot air defence missiles, Trump is now also reported to be considering a whole new plan to arm Ukraine, including with offensive capabilities. And he has talked about imposing new sanctions on Putin’s regime.

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This is the background against which the eighth Ukraine Recovery Conference took place in Rome on July 10 and 11. The event, attended by many western leaders and senior business executives, was an important reminder that while the war against Ukraine will be decided on the battlefield, peace will only be won as the result of rebuilding Ukraine’s economy and society.

Ending the war anytime soon and on terms favourable to Kyiv will require an enormous effort by Ukrainians and their European allies. But the country’s recovery afterwards will be no less challenging.

According to the World Bank’s latest assessment, at the end of 2024 Ukraine’s recovery needs over the next decade stood at US$524 billion (£388 billion). And with every month the war continues, these needs are increasing. Ukraine’s three hardest-hit sectors are housing, transport and energy infrastructure, which between them account for around 60% of all damage.

At the same time, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided a relatively positive assessment of Ukraine’s overall economic situation at the end of June, forecasting growth of between 2% and 3% for 2025 – likely to grow to over 4% in 2026 and 2027. But the IMF also cautioned that this trajectory – and the country’s macroeconomic stability more generally – will remain heavily dependent on external support.

Taking into account a new €2.3 billion package from the EU, consisting of €1.8 billion of loan guarantees and €580 million of grants, the cumulative pledge of over €10 billion (£8.7 billion) made by countries attending the Ukraine recovery conference is both encouraging and sobering.

It is encouraging in the sense that Ukraine’s international partners remain committed to the country’s social and economic needs, not merely its ability to resist Russia on the battlefield.

But it is also sobering that even these eye-watering sums of public money are still only a fraction of Ukraine’s needs. Even if the EU manages to mobilise its overall target of €40 billion for Ukraine’s recovery, by attracting additional contributions from other donors and the private sector, this would be less than 8% of Ukraine’s projected recovery needs as of the end of 2024.

As the war continues and more of the (diminishing) public funding is directed towards defence expenditure by Kyiv’s western partners, this gap is likely to grow.

Overcoming the trauma of war

Money is not the only challenge for Ukraine recovery efforts. Rebuilding the country is not simply about undoing the physical damage.

The social impact of Russia’s aggression is hard to overstate. Ukraine has been deeply traumatised as a society since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Generally reliable Ukrainian casualty counts – some 12,000 civilians and 43,000 troops killed since February 2022 – are still likely to underestimate the true number of people who have died as a direct consequence of the Russian aggression. And each of these will have left behind family members struggling to cope with their loss. In addition, there are hundreds of thousands of war veterans.

Even before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there were nearly half a million veterans from the “frozen” conflict that followed Russia’s annexation of Crimea and incursion into eastern Ukraine. By the end of 2024, this number had more than doubled to around 1 million. Most of them have complex social, economic, medical and psychological needs that will have to be considered as part of a society-wide recovery effort.

Returning refugees

According to data from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), there are also some 7 million refugees from Ukraine and 3.7 million internally displaced people (IDPs). This is equivalent to one quarter of the country’s population. The financial needs of UNHCR’s operations in Ukraine are estimated at $800 million in 2025, of which only 27% was funded as of the end of April.

Once the fighting in Ukraine ends, refugees are likely to return in greater numbers. Their return will provide a boost to the country’s economic growth by strengthening its labour force and bringing with them skills and, potentially, investment. But like many IDPs and veterans, they may not be able to return to their places of origin, either because these are not inhabitable or remain under Russian occupation.

Some returnees are likely to be viewed with suspicion or resentment by those Ukrainians who stayed behind and fought. Tensions with Ukrainians who survived the Russian occupation in areas that Kyiv may recover in a peace deal are also likely, given Ukraine’s harsh anti-collaboration laws.

As a consequence, reintegration – in the sense of rebuilding and sustaining the country’s social cohesion – will be a massive challenge, requiring as much, if not more, of Ukraine’s partners’ attention and financial support as physical reconstruction and the transition from a war to a peace-time economy.

Given the mismatch between what is needed and what has been provided for Ukraine’s recovery, one may well be sceptical about the value of the annual Ukraine recovery conferences. But, to the credit of their organisers and attendees, they recognise that the foundations for post-war recovery need to be built before the war ends. The non-military challenges of war and peace must not fall by the wayside amid an exclusive focus on battlefield dynamics.

Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

– ref. Over €10 billion has now been pledged for Ukraine’s recovery. It’s nowhere near enough – https://theconversation.com/over-10-billion-has-now-been-pledged-for-ukraines-recovery-its-nowhere-near-enough-260936

MIL OSI –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Russian Imperial Movement: how a far-right group outlawed by the UK is spreading terror across Europe

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dale Pankhurst, PhD candidate and Tutor in the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queen’s University Belfast

The British government announced in early July that a far-right group called the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM) will be banned under terrorism legislation. This will make it a criminal offence in the UK to be a member of the group or to express support for it.

The RIM was at the centre of a string of letter bomb attacks targeting high-profile people and institutions in Spain in 2022. These included a bomb addressed to the official residence of Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez, which was intercepted by his security detail.

Six more letter bombs were mailed to targets including the American and Ukrainian embassies in Madrid, military installations, and weapons manufacturing companies that supply arms to Ukraine. No one was killed in the attacks, which US officials considered to be acts of terrorism.

Investigators soon announced that they suspected the RIM of being involved. US and European officials alleged that the group was directed to carry out the attacks by Russian intelligence officers.

What is the RIM?

The RIM is an ultra-nationalist, neo-nazi and white supremacist organisation based in Russia. It was created in 2002 by Stanislav Anatolyevich Vorobyev, a Russian national who is designated a terrorist by the US government.

The group seeks to create a new Russian empire, and uses the Russian imperial flag as its sign. The previous Russian empire (1721-1917) encompassed all of modern-day Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, Finland, Georgia, Armenia and the Baltic states, as well as parts of China.

The movement does not recognise Ukrainian sovereignty. It sees Ukraine as part of what it calls a global Zionist conspiracy designed to undermine Russia and promote Jewish interests. The RIM has engaged in Holocaust denial and is formally outlawed in the US, Canada and now the UK.

It also has a paramilitary wing called the Imperial Legions, which operates at least two training facilities in the Russian city of St. Petersburg. The US State Department believes these facilities are being used to train RIM members in woodland and urban assault, tactical weapons and hand-to-hand combat.

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Denis Valliullovich Gariyev, the Imperial Legions’ leader, has in the past called on “young orthodox men” to join the Legions and defend Novorossiya – a term used to describe Russia’s claim over Ukraine. As of 2020, the Imperial Legions was estimated to have several thousand members.

The RIM and its paramilitary wing have engaged in a wide range of activities and operations. These range from passive alliances with other far-right groups in Europe to providing paramilitary training for terrorist organisations. They have also participated directly in bomb attacks.

Since 2014, when the conflict in eastern Ukraine began, the movement has trained and sent members as mercenaries to bolster the pro-Russian separatist groups fighting there. Its members have also actively supported the Russian armed forces in Ukraine after the full-scale invasion in 2022.

After the invasion, posts related to the RIM on various social media platforms such as Vkontakte and Telegram revealed a ramping up of recruitment to join operations in Ukraine. Its fighters have posted videos of themselves in Ukraine armed with weaponry from sniper rifles to anti-tank missiles.

According to analysts, the movement also maintains strong ties with the Russian private military company, the Wagner Group. Imperial Legions fighters are believed to have operated alongside Wagner mercenaries in Syria, Libya and possibly the Central African Republic.

Outside of these activities, the movement has been active in supporting far-right organisations in Europe. These include the Nordic Resistance Movement in Sweden and similar groups in Germany, Spain and elsewhere.

It provides training to these groups through its so-called “Partizan” (Russian for guerrilla) programme. The training includes bombmaking, marksmanship, medical and survival skills, military topography and other tactics. According to the UK government, the Partizan programme aims to increase the capacity of attendees to conduct terrorist attacks.

Two Swedish nationals who took part in the programme later committed a series of bombings against refugee centres in Gothenburg, a city on Sweden’s west coast, in late 2016 and early 2017. The men were convicted in Sweden, with the prosecutor crediting RIM for their terrorist radicalisation and training.

The RIM has also provided specific paramilitary training to far-right groups in Finland. Some members of these groups have fought on Russia’s side in Ukraine, while others have attempted to establish a Finnish cell of the international neo-nazi Atomwaffen Division. Police raids in 2023 also unveiled plans to assassinate the then Finnish prime minister, Sanna Marin.

Links with the Russian state

The movement has previously been critical of the Russian government. It initially believed the approach of Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, to Ukraine was too soft, while the group’s promotion of white supremacy and neo-nazism is at odds with Putin’s pragmatic nationalism within Russia.

In 2012, the RIM even took part in discussions with other far-right groups in Russia to form an opposition movement called New Force to challenge Putin’s rule. However, the crisis in Ukraine that erupted in 2014 after pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted from power has caused the Kremlin and RIM’s political objectives to converge.

Indeed, the group can now be viewed as one of the core Russian proxy paramilitaries operating in Ukraine at a time when Putin needs more recruits to continue the war. Western intelligence agencies now believe it has a relationship with officials from Russian state intelligence.

It is difficult to pinpoint the total number of RIM fighters operating in Ukraine as the involvement of mercenary groups there is a closely guarded secret. However, based on previous intelligence reports on the group’s activities, it is reasonable to assume the number is in the hundreds to low thousands.

The decision by the British government to proscribe the RIM indicates concern that the far-right group is increasing its operational capacity both in Ukraine and throughout Europe. With its extensive network, the movement will become an increasing threat to security if it is allowed to continue acting as a proxy for Putin’s foreign policy objectives.

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

– ref. Russian Imperial Movement: how a far-right group outlawed by the UK is spreading terror across Europe – https://theconversation.com/russian-imperial-movement-how-a-far-right-group-outlawed-by-the-uk-is-spreading-terror-across-europe-260825

MIL OSI –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: 9 killed in nursing home fire in Massachusetts

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

WASHINGTON, July 14 (Xinhua) — Nine people were killed and dozens were hospitalized in a fire at a nursing home in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Sunday evening, the Fall River Fire Department said.

At a Monday morning press conference, Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon confirmed that nine people were killed and more than 30 were taken to hospital, including one in critical condition.

Firefighters called to the Gabriel House care home in Oliver Street at around 9.30pm Sunday local time /1.30am Monday GMT/ found a large blaze at the building’s main entrance.

Five firefighters sustained minor injuries during the operation. There were about 70 residents in the building.

Investigators from the city fire department and the state fire marshal’s office are working to determine the cause of the fire. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Kazakhstan to impose three-month ban on gypsum board imports

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

ALMATY, July 14 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Construction has issued an order banning the import of drywall into the country for three months, the Kazinform news agency reported on Monday.

According to the document, from July 22, 2025, a ban will be introduced on the import of gypsum boards (plates, sheets, panels, tiles and similar products without gypsum ornaments, covered or reinforced only with paper or cardboard) from third countries into the territory of Kazakhstan by all types of transport for a period of three months.

It was previously reported that Kazakhstan plans to impose a ban on the export of non-ferrous metal blanks and ingots by all modes of transport until December 31, 2025. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Terrorist attack against a serviceman prevented in Russia

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, July 14 /Xinhua/ — A terrorist attack planned by Ukrainian special services against one of the servicemen has been prevented in Russia’s Tyumen Region, the press service of the Russian Federal Security Service reported on Monday.

As was established, the terrorist act was being prepared by a recruited Russian citizen born in 1987. Since the beginning of 2025, he had been transmitting information about strategic facilities in the Ural Federal District and about military trains passing along the Trans-Siberian Railway. Planning to blow up a Russian serviceman’s car, the attacker removed an explosive device from a pre-arranged cache. When detained, he put up active armed resistance and was neutralized by return fire.

An explosive device, a traumatic pistol modified to fire live ammunition, and ammunition for it were seized at the scene. Two homemade grenades were found at the criminal’s residence. A criminal case has been opened on the fact of illegal trafficking of explosives. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: 4 killed in plane crash at London’s Southend Airport – media

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

LONDON, July 14 (Xinhua) — Four people were killed in a plane crash at London’s Southend Airport on Sunday, local media reported on Monday.

Four people have died, the BBC and PA news agency reported. Police have not yet confirmed the number of casualties.

The 12-metre-long aircraft, believed to be a Beech B200 Super King Air, was owned by Dutch company Zeusch Aviation and was scheduled to fly to Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands.

Zeusch Aviation confirmed that its flight SUZ1 “experienced an incident” at London Airport and expressed sympathy to “all those affected”.

Video footage shows a huge fireball after the plane crashed.

Pictures posted online showed large flames and a cloud of black smoke after the crash, which happened on Sunday afternoon. Essex Police said they received “reports of a collision involving a single 12m aircraft” shortly before 4pm local time /1500 GMT.

Southend Airport said the airport would be “closed until further notice” due to a “serious incident”. -0-

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China-Russia cooperation refutes Western-imposed misconceptions about Chinese industrial policy – Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, July 14 /Xinhua/ — Cooperation between China and Russia refutes the Western-imposed claims that “China’s industrial policy distorts the global market” and “China’s excess production capacity creates unfair competition.” Such claims are absurd and unfounded. This was stated by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui in an article titled “The Era of True Friendship between China and Russia: Cooperation Refutes Misconceptions, Mutual Benefit Determines the Future,” published recently in the Russian newspaper Trud.

“Politicians and media in the United States and Western countries have long been actively spreading groundless claims such as ‘China’s industrial policy is distorting the world market’ and ‘China’s excess production capacity is creating unfair competition’. They are trying their best to denigrate the industrial policy of developing countries and suppress their right to development based on the desire to maintain their economic hegemony,” the publication says.

The essence of these false claims, according to the Chinese diplomat, is “politicizing the economy and using economic and trade levers to achieve political goals.” “This line of behavior only creates obstacles to international trade, disrupts the stability of global supply chains, and ultimately leads to losses for all involved,” he warned.

Zhang Hanhui stressed that all countries have the right to stimulate economic development through the implementation of reasonable industrial policies. “In the context of the acceleration of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, industrial subsidies have become an important tool for enhancing innovation potential and stimulating economic growth. Industrial subsidies are practiced in both developed countries and countries with developing economies,” the ambassador stated.

The article points out that China’s industrial subsidy policy is based on the principles of openness, fairness and compliance with established standards. “It is not selective and applies equally to all market participants. China’s state-owned enterprises, as independent market participants, do not enjoy any advantages under the subsidy policy due to their status and do not provide subsidies to other enterprises,” the author noted, adding that the flexible subsidy model not only meets China’s needs for industrial modernization, but is also fully consistent with the commitments China made when joining the World Trade Organization.

Zhang Hanhui called the US and Western countries’ accusations against China regarding “overcapacity” “a cover for their protectionist policies.” “Under the pretext of “overcapacity,” some countries impose restrictions on Chinese exports and investment cooperation. All this is pure protectionism, artificial interference and division of the world market,” he said.

The Chinese diplomat is convinced that only free trade and fair competition can form an optimal structure of global production capacities. He cited China and Russia as an example of such interaction. “Both countries have complementary economic advantages, great potential for cooperation and huge opportunities for development,” Zhang Hanhui believes. He drew attention to the fact that Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly publicly refuted statements by the United States and Western countries about “China’s excess production capacity.”

“China and Russia, as stabilizing, positive and progressive forces in the international community, must continue to maintain unity, expand cooperation, strengthen trade, economic and energy ties, improve mechanisms that ensure a high level of trade and economic interaction, and effectively counter unilateral actions and protectionism,” concluded the Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China does not seek competitive advantage through currency devaluation – deputy head of the Central Bank

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — China does not seek to gain an international competitive advantage through currency devaluation, Zou Lan, deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC, central bank), said at a press conference on Monday.

As he noted, the US dollar index and US Treasury yields have recently experienced increased volatility, which has led to side effects on global financial markets.

On the contrary, China’s financial market has shown strong resilience and is functioning stably overall, Zou Lan noted. Since the publication of a joint statement on the results of the Sino-American trade and economic talks held in Geneva in May, the yuan to dollar exchange rate has shown two-way fluctuations, steadily remaining below 7.2 yuan per dollar.

“The dynamics of the US dollar currently remain uncertain, while China’s domestic fundamentals continue to improve. The yuan exchange rate continues to fluctuate in both directions, with a solid foundation for maintaining basic stability,” Zou Lan said.

Major developed economies have entered a cycle of interest rate cuts and market expectations for renewed monetary easing by the U.S. Federal Reserve are growing, with the interest rate differential between China and the United States expected to show a narrowing trend, the vice governor added.

According to him, China’s balance of payments is generally balanced, the financial market is functioning stably, and significant progress has been made in building the foreign exchange market.

Zou Lan assured that the PBOC will remain committed to the decisive role of the market in determining the exchange rate, maintain exchange rate flexibility, strengthen expectations management, prevent the risk of excessive fluctuations, and maintain the overall stability of the yuan at a reasonable and balanced level. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Calling on Federal Leaders for Increased Drone Detection

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul issued a letter to President Trump and Congressional leaders regarding the threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and highlighting the critical need for a federal comprehensive strategy on drone detection capabilities. Late last year in the New York City area and the Hudson Valley, a number of drone sightings underscored the inadequacy of the federal government’s posture and the constrained ability of state authorities to detect and mitigate these threats.

In the letter, Governor Hochul also urges federal leaders to grant states the ability to maintain and expand the authority to improve detection and mitigation of drone threats in coordination with federal agencies.

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear President Trump:

I am writing to you with respect to the critical need for federal action regarding the threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. As you are aware, late last year, the New York City area and the Hudson Valley experienced concerning UAS sightings that underscored the inadequacy of the federal government’s posture and the constrained ability of state authorities to detect and mitigate these threats.

In early June, the Ukrainian military launched a successful surprise attack against Russian strategic air forces using drones. This serves as a stark reminder of the evolving and significant danger these systems present. An attack against strategic military and critical infrastructure in New York poses an urgent danger to the United States. I urge the Administration to proactively improve the UAS detection and mitigation posture in New York and for Congress to extend existing authorities and expand states’ abilities to detect and mitigate these threats themselves.

The reality is that the federal government is unprepared and poorly postured to detect and mitigate UAS threats and states are hamstrung by a lack of legislative authority and action by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The time for decisive action is now.

I am asking your immediate attention on two fronts:

1. Coordinated Federal Action on Drone Threats. We need a comprehensive federal strategy that not only dramatically improves drone detection capabilities nationally but also provides robust, multi-layered mitigation measures. These detection and mitigation measures must first protect critical infrastructure like population centers, utilities, and military assets, but also be able to be swiftly deployed to areas of concern when necessary. In the summer of 2026-12 short months away – the New York area will be the epicenter for multiple high-profile events, including the World Cup, the flotilla of Tall Ships, International Naval Review, the largest ever Macy’s fireworks show, and America’s 250th birthday celebration, which will present prime targets.

2. Increased Authority for States to Detect and Mitigate Drones. New York State must maintain the authority to take proactive steps to detect and mitigate drones. The previous Congress extended important counter-drone authorities granted to the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation, but only to September 2025. The sunset of this authority puts the U.S. at risk and this authority must be extended. Additionally, expanded authorities and capabilities must be granted to states, such as through the measures proposed by the Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act. Granting states the authority they need to improve detection and mitigation of UAS threats, in coordination with federal agencies, is no longer a matter of preference. It is a matter of urgent concern.

The security of our state and the nation demands a coordinated and robust response to the challenge posed by drones. I urge you to prioritize this issue and take swift action before it is too late.

We stand ready to collaborate with the federal government and Congress to address this critical threat.

Sincerely,

Kathy Hochul

Governor

CC:

The Honorable Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security

The Honorable Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation

The Honorable Chris Rocheleau, Acting Administrator of the FAA

MIL OSI USA News –

July 15, 2025