The Day the Union Disappeared

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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December 25, 1991, is a significant moment in the history of Russia and the entire post-Soviet space. This day marked the end of the Soviet Union, which for more than seven decades had exerted significant influence on global politics, economics, and culture. Mikhail Gorbachev's departure from the presidency of the USSR marked the final point in the history of a great power that once occupied one-sixth of the world's landmass.

The events of that day unfolded rapidly. At 7:35 PM, a symbolic event occurred over the Kremlin in Moscow: the USSR flag, which had embodied the unity and power of the Soviet state, was replaced by the tricolor of the Russian Federation. This moment was not only an act of symbolic change but also a reflection of the profound changes taking place in the country. The flag change marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new stage in the lives of millions of people living in a country that no longer existed.

The policies of glasnost and perestroika, implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev to modernize Soviet society, had tragic consequences. Instead of the expected economic growth and strengthening, the country plunged into crisis. National movements in the republics, economic hardship, and political instability became integral features of the final years of the USSR.

Despite all the negative factors, 78% of Soviet citizens were against the country's dissolution, as they stated in a referendum held on March 17, 1991. However, their opinion was unable to change the situation.

The resignation of President Mikhail Gorbachev symbolized not only his personal defeat, but also the collapse of an entire system that was unable to adapt to new conditions.

Russia, the successor to the USSR, faced the need to build a new national identity. Questions about how to develop the country, reform the economy, and improve relations with the former republics came to the fore. The transition to a market economy, which began in the 1990s, was difficult and painful. Many people lost their savings and jobs, and their standard of living declined significantly.

And yet, despite all the difficulties, our country was able to embark on a path of development, adapt to new conditions, and begin building a new society. Memories of the Soviet Union still live in people's hearts; according to periodic sociological surveys, more than half of Russians still regret the country's collapse.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 25, 2025.

25 декабря 1991 года является знаковым моментом в истории России и всего постсоветского пространства. Этот день ознаменовал окончание существования Советского Союза,…” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/Последний-декабрь-Союза_1200х800-2.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b4%d0%b5%d0%bd%d1%8c-%d0%ba%d0%be%d0%b3%d0%b4%d0%b0-%d1%81%d0%be%d1%8e%d0%b7-%d0%b8%d1%81%d1%87%d0%b5%d0%b7/”>

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: 12/25/2025, 18:40 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range for assessing market risks for the RU000A0JWV89 (Akron B1P1) security were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 25, 2025

18:40

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the National Credit Center (JSC) on December 25, 2025, 18:40 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 97.72) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1021.54 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 10.0%) for security RU000A0JWV89 (Akron B1P1) were changed.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: On December 26, 2025, JSC KAVKAZ.RF will hold a deposit auction.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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Parameters;

The deposit auction date is December 26, 2025. Placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 500,000,000. Placement period, days – 134. Date of depositing funds is December 29, 2025. Date of return of funds is May 12, 2026. Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 15.5. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 500,000,000. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open).

The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Preliminary bids from 10:00 to 10:10. Competitive bids from 10:10 to 10:15. The cutoff percentage may be set or the auction may be declared void by 10:25. Additional terms and conditions.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: On changing the timing of the placement of series 003P-09R bonds of PJSC Segezha Group from December 26, 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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We inform you that in accordance with the Rules for conducting trading on the stock market, deposit market and loan market of PJSC Moscow Exchange MICEX-RTS, approved by the decision of the Supervisory Board of PJSC Moscow Exchange on August 1, 2025 (Minutes No. 4), in connection with receiving a letter from PJSC Segezha Group about changing the time of placement of exchange-traded interest-bearing book-entry non-convertible bonds of series 003P-09R of PJSC Segezha Group (registration number of the issue – 4B02-09-87154-H-003P dated 17.12.2025, ISIN – RU000A10DY76) (hereinafter referred to as the Bonds), changes have been made to the procedure for collecting applications and concluding transactions when placing Bonds during the period other than the start date of placement in Chinese yuan:

Trading hours for placement from 24.12.2025 to 25.12.2025 in Chinese yuan

Time for collecting applications and concluding transactions: 10:00 – 13:00.

Contact information for media: 7 (495) 363-3232PR@moex.com

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: 12/25/2025, 6:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Moscow time) the upper limit of the price corridor and the market risk assessment range for the RU000A0ZYLU6 security (DOM.RF1P1R) were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 25, 2025

18:16

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the NCC (JSC) on December 25, 2025, 18-16 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 104.61) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1080.06 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) for the security RU000A0ZYLU6 (DOM.RF1P1R) were changed.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Vitaly Savelyev opened traffic through the renovated Kani-Kurgan checkpoint on the border with China.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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Vitaly Savelyev opened traffic through the renovated Kani-Kurgan checkpoint on the border with China.

A ceremony was held in the Amur Region to reopen traffic through the Kani-Kurgan automobile checkpoint (ABP) on the border with China after reconstruction.

Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev, Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin, and Head of the Federal Customs Service of Russia Valery Pikalyov took part in the ceremony via videoconference.

The reconstruction of the Kani-Kurgan border crossing is of vital importance for the Russian Far East. "This is part of a larger effort to increase the throughput of our border crossings at priority border sections. We are addressing this comprehensively as part of the national project 'Efficient Transport System.' After the reconstruction, the number of lanes at the border crossing has increased from 4 to 16. The throughput capacity of the Kani-Kurgan border crossing will increase by 4.5 times," noted Vitaly Savelyev.

A permanent transport connection between Blagoveshchensk and Heihe opens up the potential for a fivefold increase in freight traffic – from 1 million to 5 million tons per year.

Andrey Nikitin emphasized the importance of opening the modernized border crossing. Over the past five years, the ACP's throughput capacity on priority routes has increased significantly. "The growth with Azerbaijan is fivefold, with Mongolia almost 2.5 times, with Georgia twofold, and with China almost the same. The opening of the Kani-Kurgan border crossing is a logical continuation of this work. This is a new growth point for the economy of the Amur Region and the entire Far East," the minister said.

One of the key digital solutions was the installation of portal inspection systems. Their use will allow 100% of cargo-laden vehicles to be scanned and prohibited items and substances to be identified.

"Kani-Kurgan is a priority checkpoint where the President's directive to reduce the inspection time for freight vehicles to 10 minutes will be implemented in a pilot mode," emphasized Valery Pikalev.

The launch of 16 traffic lanes at the Kani-Kurgan checkpoint has created comfortable conditions for participants in foreign economic activity and individuals crossing the state border, as well as developed the region's transit capabilities and strengthened trade and economic ties between Russia and China.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Marat Khusnullin: The national project "Infrastructure for Life" has created venues for New Year's events across Russia.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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The Russian government continues its systematic work to transform public spaces as part of the "Infrastructure for Life" national project. These spaces in large cities and small towns are becoming venues for mass celebrations during the New Year and Christmas holidays, announced Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

"The first year of the national project 'Infrastructure for Life' is yielding concrete results. Since January, over 7,000 areas across Russia have been improved, including over 5,100 public spaces and approximately 2,000 courtyards. Since 2019, this represents a total of over 80,000 areas. The work on the All-Russian Competition for the Best Projects for Creating a Comfortable Urban Environment is particularly noteworthy. This year, 294 projects won the competition. Also, approximately 200 winning projects were implemented this year. This work is aimed at creating a favorable living and recreational environment for Russians. Today, these parks, squares, and plazas are becoming the focal points of New Year's celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the country," said Marat Khusnullin.

For example, in Zavodoukovsk, Tyumen Oblast, the Central Square was renovated. Santa Claus's residence, a food court, and a fountain square were set up for New Year's celebrations. The space was equipped with heated relaxation areas, outdoor play areas, and a light and music fountain.

Another example: in the city of Chapayevsk in the Samara Region, a park near the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh was landscaped. Multifunctional areas for all ages were created within the grounds: a library pavilion, a café area, an apothecary garden, a playground, and an amphitheater. Cozy corners with benches, flower beds, and a pine garden were created for quiet relaxation.

An "Arts Square" has been created in Gvardeysk, Kaliningrad Oblast. Festive events are planned there, including an interactive area featuring Father Frost and a Christmas concert, "The Light of Christmas," complete with folk festivities and round dances.

Winter parks have been developed in the Moscow region. Forty-seven artificial ice rinks, 60 Father Frost residences, and 74 cozy fireplaces have opened for recreation. Ice shows and the Crystal Ice figure skating festival will begin in January.

In Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic, the Central Square was reconstructed. Amphitheaters, terraces, and a unified lighting and bench design were added. The square has become the city's main venue for large-scale events, such as the "World Pelmeni Day" gastronomic festival.

"New Year is a beloved family holiday, bringing people together for generations around the festive tree and New Year's table. It's a time when people take to the streets to experience the magic of the New Year together, stroll through parks and squares, enjoy winter activities, watch street performances, and socialize in a cozy atmosphere. Therefore, it's important that modern, beautiful, and safe spaces be created for citizens across the country—those very same points of attraction that create a festive mood. This is precisely the goal of the All-Russian competition for the best projects for creating a comfortable urban environment, held by the Ministry of Construction of Russia as part of the federal project "Creating a Comfortable Urban Environment." Renovated public spaces with interconnected pedestrian routes, developed infrastructure and services, energy-efficient lighting, unique architectural design, and vibrant aesthetics become focal points and create a true New Year's miracle for millions of Russians," said Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Fayzullin.

Residents themselves actively participate in selecting sites for transformation. In 2025, more than 16.6 million Russians and 170,000 beautification volunteers participated in the nationwide online vote. Based on the results, 5,000 sites in 1,600 municipalities across 88 Russian regions were selected.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Dmitry Grigorenko: Russia successfully tested a biometric train boarding service.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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The "Migom" biometric express train boarding service has been tested in Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Ivanovo, and Kostroma. The new solution, which allows for identity verification without document submission, was implemented by the Biometric Technology Center and Russian Railways using a unified biometric system. The development of biometric services is being overseen by Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.

The service is being tested on three routes: Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow–Ivanovo, and Moscow–Kostroma. A limited number of passengers are participating in the testing. The service is expected to become available to users on these routes in the first quarter of 2026.

To use the service, you'll need verified biometrics. This can be done at an authorized bank or at home using on-site registration. After that, all you need to do is provide consent to data processing.

Identification is performed upon boarding the train using the conductor's portable device. Passengers can choose whether to verify their identity with a passport or biometrics.

Biometrics are voluntary. In all user scenarios, the technology serves as an additional—the simplest and most convenient—way to access services. Currently, legislation strictly prohibits any discrimination, including restricting access to services for those who choose not to register their biometrics. Registration is also only possible with the individual's consent.

"It's important to us that the introduction of biometrics is convenient and understandable for people. The train boarding service doesn't replace passports or impose new formats—the use of biometrics remains a personal choice for passengers," noted Dmitry Grigorenko.

The express train boarding service is part of the Migom platform, which is implemented using the state-owned unified biometric system. The platform includes services such as passport-free hotel check-in, age verification when purchasing age-restricted goods, barrier-free pre-flight security checks, self-service at MFCs, and more.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Marat Khusnullin: Traffic has reopened at the interchange near the intersection of the Central Ring Road and Dmitrovskoye Highway.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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An infrastructure project to build a traffic interchange at the intersection of the third launch complex of the Central Ring Road and Dmitrovskoye Highway is underway in the Moscow Region. Vehicle traffic has now opened, according to Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

"We face ambitious goals in modernizing our road and transport infrastructure. For example, in the Moscow region, we are implementing a project to build a new interchange at the intersection of the Central Ring Road (TsKAD) and Dmitrovskoye Highway. Traffic is already operational, which has improved accessibility for the surrounding areas, redistributed traffic from the A-107 Moscow Small Ring Road to the Central Ring Road, and improved conditions for transit traffic bypassing Moscow. To achieve this, three overpasses and four ramps were built, and 2.3 km of the A-107 Moscow Small Ring Road were reconstructed. A total of 107,000 tons of high-strength and wear-resistant asphalt concrete were laid during the construction," said Marat Khusnullin.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that constructing these structures is among the most complex engineering challenges. One overpass, with a metal superstructure, is located above the Central Ring Road (TsKAD) and is 69 meters long. A second, with a combined metal and reinforced concrete structure measuring 164 meters, was built above the TsKAD and the A-107 Moscow Small Ring Road. A third structure, with a metal superstructure measuring 65.8 meters, is located above the A-107 Moscow Small Ring Road. A total of approximately 815 tons of metal and 3,825 cubic meters of concrete were used for these constructions.

According to Vyacheslav Petushenko, Chairman of the Board of the state-owned company Avtodor, a large-scale road safety project has been completed at the site.

"To separate traffic flows, 11.6 km of barrier fencing was installed, and 22,200 linear meters of markings were applied to manage traffic. Furthermore, to ensure safety at night and in poor visibility, over 260 lighting poles with LED and energy-saving lamps were installed. The facility is equipped with intelligent transport systems, a key element of which is an automated traffic management system. This will help monitor the situation on the road, track weather conditions, and warn drivers in advance of changes in the road situation," noted Vyacheslav Petushenko.

At the peak of the work, approximately 230 people and 85 pieces of equipment were involved.

The remaining improvement work in the surrounding area, which will not interfere with motorists, is planned to be completed next year.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The rector of the State University of Management at a meeting of the State Council chaired by the President of Russia

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management, took part in the final meeting of the State Council, chaired by Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on December 25.

The President discussed with members of the State Council the training of personnel for the economy, paying particular attention to the modernization of the education system in the context of the development of artificial intelligence.

In his speech, Vladimir Putin recalled that 19 national projects with specific targets were launched in 2025, eight of which are aimed at ensuring Russia's technological leadership. The success of each project depends on the professionalism and competence of the people involved. At the same time, there is currently a high demand for skilled workers: unemployment has dropped to 2.2% overall and to 3.8% among young people.

The head of state emphasized that the next 10-15 years will see the largest technological breakthrough in world history, and we must approach it with full readiness:

"The very principles of training specialists and their subsequent career advancement are being radically transformed. The traditional trajectory of step-by-step career development—from education, to junior position, and on to management—will undoubtedly change… The entire paradigm of personnel training needs to be changed."

Accordingly, it is necessary to revise existing programs and teaching methods, develop new ones, and conduct mass retraining of teachers who will not only be oriented toward new technologies but also preserve the fundamental foundations of the education system, developing independent creative thinking in students and the ability to critically evaluate the proposals of artificial intelligence.

The President also recalled the national ranking of graduate employment prepared by the Ministry (recall that GUU took a leading position in it), based on which he proposed annually identifying the 100 educational institutions that demonstrated the worst results and working with them to improve their performance.

In addition, tasks were outlined to overcome imbalances in the labor market, optimize the sectoral structure of employment, and develop an infrastructure for career guidance for young people and additional vocational education.

Regarding higher education, the President called for attention to be paid to the development of universities that train personnel for key sectors: energy, transport, agriculture, construction, culture, and healthcare. New development programs for such universities should be discussed and developed in close collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Science, industry ministries, relevant enterprises, and businesses.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 25, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.