Sergei Sobyanin took part in a meeting of the ASI Supervisory Board

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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A meeting of the Supervisory Board of the autonomous non-profit organization "Agency for Strategic Initiatives" (ASI) was held in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin chaired the meeting. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin also participated. During the event, a national quality of life rating was presented and development goals for Russia's regions were outlined.

Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to the ASI team and thanked them for their work in implementing socially significant events.

"One of the key tools for measuring our shared efforts is the national quality of life rating. Traditionally, we summarize the results at the supervisory board meeting. I would like to ask you to specifically highlight the experience of regions that are leaders in supporting young people and large families. Best practices should be disseminated and incorporated into regional birth rate programs. Such plans, with the agency's participation, have already been developed in 19 regions of the Russian Federation," Vladimir Putin said.

He emphasized that employers should play a major role in the demographic agenda by providing additional incentives for parents to start large families. Furthermore, corporate practices for physical education should be developed.

As part of the program for preserving cultural heritage sites of the peoples of Russia, Vladimir Putin proposed approving a detailed plan for the restoration of ancient houses, estates, and industrial buildings. The document should include specific steps for integrating such buildings into modern cities.

The Russian President ordered that special attention be paid to the development of creative industries.

"At the same time, I propose launching, as early as this year, a separate competition for technology brands that shape the country's future. Its fundamental goal is to help small Russian technology companies make a name for themselves, promote their products and services, and ensure their recognition and widespread acceptance not only in our country but also internationally. And crucially, we need to create a comprehensive support system for promising projects that brings together innovators and investors," he noted.

In her report, Svetlana Chupsheva, head of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, presented the results of the quality of life ranking. This document has been compiled annually since 2021. It covers 12 areas, including education, health, work, housing, transportation, leisure, safety, and the environment. In 2025, nearly 345,000 Russians participated in the survey.

Moscow was recognized as a leader in areas such as support for large families, quality of healthcare, effectiveness of social support measures, investment attractiveness, employment opportunities, and lifelong learning.

"This year, Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Tyumen Region, the Republic of Tatarstan, and the Sakhalin Region made it into the top five in our quality of life rankings. Lipetsk Region and the Republic of Crimea made it into the top twenty for the first time this year," noted Svetlana Chupsheva.

She added that efforts to improve the investment climate in the regions are ongoing, including working with the heads of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to develop roadmaps and discuss decisions that need to be made at the regional and federal levels. The head of the ASI proposed implementing this approach to improving quality of life.

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.

Heavy snowfall and wind: Moscow weather to worsen

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Forecasters predict heavy snowfall in the capital in the coming hours. The heaviest precipitation is expected during the day on February 19. The snow will be accompanied by strong wind gusts of up to 15-17 meters per second.

City services continuously monitor the condition of the street and road network and carry out scheduled maintenance in accordance with weather conditions.

Residents and visitors to the capital are asked to exercise extreme caution and care when driving outdoors in adverse weather conditions. Drivers must strictly adhere to traffic rules, speed limits, and social distancing. If possible, they should postpone travel by private vehicle.

In case of emergency, please call 101 or 112 or the single hotline of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the city of Moscow: 7 495 637-31-01.

Get the latest news quickly on official Moscow messaging channels. MAX And Telegram.

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: In the Luhansk People's Republic, restoration work on six artificial structures is 50% complete.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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Restoration of artificial structures of road infrastructure in the Luhansk People's Republic.

In the efforts to create high-quality and safe road infrastructure in the reunited regions, attention is also being paid to artificial structures. These are among the most complex engineering projects, the reliability of which determines transport accessibility and communication between settlements. For example, in the Luhansk People's Republic, work on six artificial structures included in this year's restoration program is 50% complete, according to Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

"Bridges and overpasses serve a strategic function, ensuring stable logistics between cities and municipalities, as well as within them. Their role is also crucial for the prompt operation of emergency services. For example, in the LPR, work on six artificial structures is 50% complete. Road workers began repairs last year, ahead of schedule," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Marat Khusnullin added that, to date, specialists from the state-owned company Avtodor have restored approximately 40 bridges and overpasses in the region, 20 of which were damaged during the fighting.

"This year, a total of 10 bridges will be brought up to standard. New supports will be built or existing ones reinforced, superstructure beams will be installed, barriers will be installed, and new road surfaces will be laid," noted Vyacheslav Petushenko, Chairman of the Board of the State Company "Avtodor."

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: Nearly 700 billion rubles in private investment was attracted to the Siberian Federal District thanks to infrastructure loans.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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In the Siberian Federal District, which comprises 10 regions, various financial instruments are used for infrastructure development, including infrastructure budget loans (IBK), special treasury loans (STL), and treasury infrastructure loans (TIL). The regions use these funds to create and modernize utilities, social services, road, transport, and tourism infrastructure.

"Infrastructure loans, issued to regions on favorable terms—at 3% per annum for 15 years—support the construction and renovation of social facilities, utilities, and road infrastructure, which in turn stimulates the comprehensive development of regions and improves the quality of life for citizens. Since 2021, projects implemented with the participation of IBC and SKK in the Siberian Federal District have contributed to the commissioning of over 2.3 million square meters of housing, the attraction of 694.3 billion rubles in extra-budgetary investments, and the creation of 17,600 new jobs. The largest volume of housing commissioned thanks to infrastructure loans was in the Irkutsk Region—over 1 million square meters, the Kemerovo Region—372,400 square meters, and the Altai Krai—325,750 square meters," said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

According to First Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Alexander Lomakin, a total of 184 projects and events are planned to be completed in the regions of the Siberian Federal District using funds from the IBC, SKK, and KIK.

"Since 2021, 88 projects and activities have been completed in the Siberian Federal District thanks to the infrastructure loan program. This includes the construction and reconstruction of nearly 249 km of utility networks and 78.8 km of roads, and the delivery of 49 trolleybuses to the Omsk Region. Furthermore, 783 new buses have been delivered to the regions using SCC funds, and the modernization of two boiler houses in the Altai Region has been completed," noted Alexander Lomakin.

Work continues on 96 more projects and projects under the Siberian Federal District's infrastructure loan program. These include utility networks within the SmartCity Novosibirsk innovation, scientific, and educational center, the 4.1-kilometer Small Transport Ring in Tomsk, and the first phase of a 10.8-kilometer metro-tram line in Krasnoyarsk.

Vasily Kupyzin, CEO of the Territorial Development Fund, noted that in 2025, the Government Commission on Regional Development also approved treasury infrastructure loans totaling 37.5 billion rubles for regions of the Siberian Federal District, which will be used for 64 projects and activities.

"Including within the cap on housing and utilities modernization projects, KIK funds totaling almost 23 billion rubles will be allocated to 52 projects and activities. Additionally, 4 billion rubles have been approved for three projects within the cap on long-term Arctic zone development plans. Another 10.5 billion rubles from KIK have been allocated for nine major projects as part of a competitive selection process for investment projects. Moreover, some of these tasks have already been completed – thanks to KIK, six utility infrastructure projects totaling 13.6 km have been completed in the Omsk Region," said Vasily Kupyzin.

The infrastructure loan program is overseen by the Russian Ministry of Construction. The Territorial Development Fund is participating in the project implementation.

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.

Pancakes, buffoons, and folk entertainment: how the State University of Management celebrated Maslenitsa

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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On February 18, the State University of Management celebrated the midpoint of Maslenitsa week.

At the farewell to winter festival, guests were treated to dozens of entertainments: spoon and boot throwing, Russian Jenga made from logs, sack races, tug-of-war, and performances by buffoons and stilt walkers.

The highlight was, of course, the pancakes: attendees were given over 400 servings of the sunny treat and treated to aromatic tea from real samovars.

University Rector Vladimir Stroyev himself attended the celebration. He wished everyone a happy Maslenitsa and wished everyone a great start to the semester.

For two hours, students came to the square, took treats, participated in games, and took commemorative photos.

"Despite the cold, we're having a great time and warming up with hot tea. Here, you can demonstrate not only your strength and agility in competitions, but also your knowledge, and even win some great prizes," shared Polina Tyukova, a third-year student majoring in Entrepreneurship.

We remind you that Maslenitsa week is in full swing, and you can follow its traditions and university life on the official GUU channels on MAH, Telegram, and VKontakte.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 18, 2026.

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.

Computer science, biology, and physics have become the most popular subjects for the Unified State Exam in the capital.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Registration for the Unified State Exam (USE) has closed in Moscow. This year, more than 93,000 people in the capital plan to take the GIA-11, including over 72,000 11th-grade graduates this year, over 13,000 graduates from previous years, and over 6,000 college students. More than 1,000 people will take the state final exam, the press service reported. Moscow Department of Education and Science.

Moscow is creating all the conditions necessary for graduates to thoroughly prepare for the Unified State Exam. The school year for eleventh-graders is structured in a unique way: in the first semester, they master the core curriculum, and in the second, they focus on preparing for the Unified State Exam. At least 40 percent of the time in the second semester is devoted to practical exercises, where they can thoroughly examine complex topics and the exam format. This preparation format also helps them objectively assess their abilities and make an informed choice. This academic year, computer science, biology, and physics are among the most popular elective subjects for the Unified State Exam among Moscow graduates. Overall, interest in the sciences continues to grow. Over 43,000 eleventh-graders took the Advanced Level Unified State Exam in Mathematics—a six percent increase over last year. Interest in physics has also grown: over 14,000 graduates will take this subject—a five percent increase over the 2025 figure. Over 19,000 people chose computer science—a three percent increase. This dynamic is a direct response to economic demand and a conscious choice in favor of in-demand engineering and IT specialties," the department's press service noted.

English and social studies are also popular among graduates. These subjects are required for admission to many humanities and socioeconomics programs at universities.

To receive a secondary general education certificate, 11th-grade students must successfully pass two mandatory exams: one in Russian, which will take place on June 4, and one in mathematics (basic or advanced level), which will take place on June 8. These subjects are included among the first on the schedule, allowing graduates to receive their certificates without delay. Students can choose the remaining exams independently, depending on their plans for admission to higher education.

In 2026, the Unified State Exam will be held in three stages. The early stage will run from March 20 to April 20. The main stage will begin later than usual, on June 1, with exams in literature, history, and chemistry. This decision was made to ensure that students can fully master all subjects and complete their studies without curtailing the curriculum.

Physics and social studies exams will be held on June 11, and biology, geography, and foreign languages (written portions) will be held on June 15. Traditionally, two days—June 18 and 19—have been allocated for the Unified State Exam in computer science and the oral portion of the foreign language exam. Reserve days for the Unified State Exam in all subjects are scheduled from June 22 to July 9. An additional period for taking the Unified State Exam will run from September 4 to 25.

You can view the full exam schedule for eleventh-graders atwebsite Regional Information Processing Center of the City of Moscow. For questions about the state final certification in the capital, please call: 7 499 653⁠-94⁠-50.

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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 State University of Management (GUU) spoke about the opportunities for studying at military universities.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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On February 18, students of the Pre-University and the State University of Management met with representatives of the Military Commissariat of the South-Eastern Administrative District (SEAD) and a veteran of the special military operation (SVO).

The students were told about the opportunities offered by studying at military universities, the admissions process, and the nuances of their studies. They also answered questions about their interests. Finally, the 10th-grade students were reminded about military training.

Elena Borodulina, an employee of the South-Eastern Administrative District Military Commissioner's Office, listed the largest universities offering military specialties and the required subjects for admission. She invited anyone interested in pursuing a career in the military to the commissioner's office for more information.

Valentin Stepanov, Head of the Military Registration and Mobilization Department at the Main Directorate of Military Management, shared his knowledge of the Russian FSB Academy, where he worked for many years. Specifically, he noted that students should apply to the academy as early as the end of 10th grade, as in addition to entrance exams, there is a preliminary interview and checks for any restrictions on military service.

Guards Major Yevgeny Vasilyev, a veteran of the Air Defense Forces, spoke to the audience about his experience studying at the military university, noting the extensive practical training and emphasizing the importance of not only physical fitness and knowledge, but also moral character:

"An officer is always a future educator. Therefore, commanders or a special commission personally evaluate all applicants to determine what kind of person you are and whether you can instill high moral qualities and love for the Motherland in the next generation."

Participants not only asked questions of the speakers but also stayed after the meeting to personally engage with the speakers and clarify any points of interest.

As a reminder, the State University of Management's Pre-University has begun enrolling students for 10th grade for the 2026/2027 school year on a budgetary and contractual basis.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 18, 2026.

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.

Sobyanin: Targets for the development of physical education and sports in Moscow for 2026 have been approved.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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By the end of 2025, the number of Muscovites who regularly engage in physical activity and sports has grown to 6.8 million people. This is more than three times the 2010 figure (2.1 million people). Sergei Sobyanin announced this, as well as the Moscow Government's plans for sports development in 2026, on his channel inMAX messenger.

“We also continue

active development "Sports infrastructure. In 2025, 41 facilities were commissioned, including 12 permanent facilities and 29 prefabricated sports complexes," the Moscow Mayor wrote.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel inMAX messenger

Numerous public sporting events, including festivals, marathons, and mass races, were held in 2025. Furthermore, Moscow hosted 175 major sporting events last year.

In total, the capital hosted over 18,000 events included in the unified calendar of Moscow's physical education, sports, and mass sports and entertainment events, as well as numerous other competitions. A total of 3.8 million people participated.

Given these positive results, Sergei Sobyanin supported proposals to hold major sporting events this year.

"We have approved the key objectives for developing publicly accessible physical education and sports for 2026. These include holding over 200 major events—the Big Running Festival, Football Day, Basketball Day, Chess Day, the Moscow Marathon, and others," the Moscow Mayor added.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel inMAX messenger

Additionally, plans include completing the construction and renovation of 47 sports facilities, as well as further developing public infrastructure for winter and summer sports. This includes the development of 23 new-style all-season sports grounds, 11 flagship and 21 district and regional ski trails, and 15 water recreation areas.

Moscow will host the first Big Running Festival.Sergei Sobyanin: Moscow will host three sporting events on May 31 and June 1.

Subscribe to Sergei Sobyanin's official channels on messengers MAX And Telegram.

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 Polytechnic University has developed a "Digital Vitrification Furnace" for the safe disposal of nuclear waste.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Researchers from the Advanced Engineering School "Digital Engineering" at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University have presented a digital model of a vitrification furnace for high-level radioactive waste. The digital model will allow engineers to plan production cycles for complex nuclear waste disposal equipment more quickly, efficiently, and safely. The development is being commissioned by the Mayak Production Association (part of Rosatom State Corporation) and is based on the CML-Bench® digital twin development and application platform under the supervision of Alexey Borovkov, Chief Designer for System Digital Engineering, SPbPU's key scientific and technological development area.

Vitrification technology is the global standard for liquid radioactive waste disposal. Sintering in a special furnace at temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees Celsius transforms the waste into a solid, glass-like substance. This approach achieves two key objectives: first, it reduces the initial volume of hazardous materials by removing the liquid component, and second, it encases them in a chemically stable and durable form, ideal for safe storage over long periods of time. This is the most effective and safest of all existing methods.

Engineers from the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University's PSI have developed a digital model of a vitrification furnace. It allows engineers to "peek inside" a working installation and conduct hundreds of digital tests, ushering in a new era in the design of critical nuclear facilities.

The model shows how the glass melt moves, how the temperature changes in different zones, and how the equipment responds to changing operating modes. This is especially important for ensuring the efficient operation of such complex equipment as a vitrification furnace. The digital model takes into account the influence of complex physical processes, including heat transfer, hydrodynamics, electrodynamics, and more. Simultaneously considering multiple input parameters and their interactions allows for complex studies to be conducted digitally to optimize the vitrification process, which is cheaper and safer than in-kind testing, noted Dmitry Evstratov, Lead Engineer of the Cross-Industry Technologies Department at the Engineering Center (CompMechLab®) at PISh SPbPU.

Only a limited number of countries possess the technology to vitrify high-level radioactive waste, but a digital model of this unique equipment has been created for the first time in the world.

The main practical result of this development is that the system enables full-scale testing on virtual test rigs, repeatedly validating various operating scenarios and design solutions. Using digital twin technology shifts the bulk of engineering risks to the development stage. This means that both developers and operators of high-tech equipment can test the effectiveness of various operating scenarios on the CML-Bench® digital platform and implement the one that yields the best digital test results in a real installation. This dramatically reduces the need for expensive and time-consuming full-scale testing and numerous design modifications. As a result, overall installation lifecycle costs are reduced, and its reliability increases significantly, noted Yuri Gorsky, Head of the Cross-Industry Technologies Department at the Engineering Center (CompMechLab®) at PSI SPbPU.

To create the model, scientists used advanced computer modeling techniques: finite element and finite volume methods, supplemented by machine learning and regression analysis algorithms. The digital model has already been validated: its performance was compared with data from an existing pilot plant. Discrepancies in key parameters were minimal, confirming its validity.

Work in this area has been underway at SPbPU for several years. In 2023, a team from the Engineering Center (CompMechLab®) at SPbPU's PISh, commissioned by FSUE PO Mayak (Rosatom State Corporation), developed the architecture of the future digital twin—its detailed design and a system of mathematical and computer models. This work represents a logical and fundamentally new result: the previously developed architecture has been embodied in a fully functional digital engineering tool.

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.

Student Team Day at the Polytechnic: History, Awards, and Future Prospects

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The Polytechnic University's student brigades continue the proud traditions established over seven decades ago. The first group of Polytechnic students went to work on the construction of the Alakus Hydroelectric Power Plant back in 1948. As the oldest in the country, the Polytechnic University's student brigades comprise 26 student formations.

Recently, activists held their traditional fair in the university's Main Building, introducing everyone to their work. Polytechnic students were able to learn about key areas of work—from construction and pedagogy to archeology and service—and also learn the steps needed to earn the legendary soldier's jacket—the drill jacket. The fair served not only as a place to attract newcomers but also as a meeting place for old friends, featuring contests, raffles, and activities to suit every taste.

The student brigade movement in the Northern Capital is experiencing rapid growth. By the summer of 2025, the city already had 165 brigade groups operating in 10 different areas. This fact was previously noted by Governor Alexander Beglov, who emphasized the importance of educating young people about work. At official ceremonies, the governor personally presented the highest award—the honorary banner—to the movement's best representatives, recognizing their contribution to the city's development.

This year, the highest award for student teams was presented for the sixth time. Seventeen teams competed for the right to hold the challenge banner—a record number of participants in the competition's history. Three student associations represented the Polytechnic University: the teaching team "SOzvezdie," the construction team "Iskra," and the guide team "Provorny." As per tradition, the winner's name was kept a closely guarded secret until the ceremony was announced. This year, the winner was the student service team "Skif" from the St. Petersburg State University of Economics.

The celebration culminated in an educational forum held at the Pribaltiyskaya Hotel. It brought together a thousand students and schoolchildren from across St. Petersburg. The forum's program focused on the comprehensive development of participants: they were offered workshops on employment, lectures on grant support, and financial literacy. Special attention was paid to digital competencies, adaptation to changes in the labor market driven by artificial intelligence, as well as psychological health and teamwork.

For the second time, the forum hosted an employers' exhibition, where team leaders held working meetings with company representatives to discuss joint projects and future plans.

The celebrations extended far beyond the city limits: career forums dedicated to RSO Day covered more than 80 regions across the country. A total of over 70,000 people participated—from experienced student brigade members to teenagers from work brigades, as well as anyone considering joining this massive movement.

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.