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December 23, 2025: A meaningful gift idea

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A meaningful gift idea

December 23, 2025

During New Year and Christmas, we especially want to give love and care—not only to loved ones, but also to nature.

Our coffee pot This is a wonderful way to give a gift that does good. Its double wall construction keeps your favorite drink warm for a long time, making it easy to take with you on walks and to work. A coffee maker makes it easier to avoid disposable cups and create unnecessary waste. And many coffee shops offer cheaper personalized drinks, making this choice not only kind to the planet but also to your budget.

All proceeds from merchandise sales go to our environmental projects. By purchasing this mug, you're giving a thoughtful gift and supporting:

Red Data Book animals, cleaning of rivers, lakes and springs, reforestation, microplastic research, environmental education.

Coffee and other foundation merch can be purchased at Flowwow And Avito.

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.

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New Moscow-made machines and turnstiles are being launched in the Moscow metro.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

The Moscow Metro has begun a large-scale modernization of its ticketing infrastructure. The first new-generation ticket information terminal (TITPB) has already been installed at Nizhegorodskaya station, and modern turnstiles have been installed. By the end of 2025, these devices will be installed at five more stations, and by 2026, 450 new Moscow-made terminals will be installed throughout the metro.

The new ITPBs offer twice the speed of passenger service thanks to modern software and hardware. The devices feature an ergonomic, compact design, a user-friendly interface, and support for the latest banking data security technologies. In addition to purchasing and topping up tickets, including the Troika card, passengers will be able to plan routes directly on the metro's touchscreen map.

Simultaneously, new turnstiles were launched—they are 20% faster than their predecessors and allow for a 40% increase in station capacity. The equipment supports all modern payment methods: from traditional tickets to the virtual Troika card, the Fast Payment System, and biometric identification. Colored backlighting and vibration feedback promptly inform users of the transaction result.

In December 2025, five new ticket information terminals will be installed at Kuntsevskaya station on the Big Circle Line, as well as VDNKh and Medvedkovo stations on the Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya Line. This will be the next stage in the upgrade of Moscow's public transportation ticketing infrastructure.

In 2026, new turnstiles will appear at 25 stations, and by the end of 2031, more than 4,500 units of such equipment will be installed in the metro, on the Moscow Central Circle (MCC), and the Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) lines.

"The first terminal is already operational at the Nizhegorodskaya station transfer hub. Five more devices will be installed at metro stations by the end of 2025. The machines will be equipped with innovative technology that can handle the increased speed of payment transactions. This will double the speed of passenger service. In line with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin's instructions, we will continue to implement the world's best digital technologies into the ticketing system," noted Maxim Liksutov.

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On December 23, 2025, the Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank will warn 3 million drivers in Transbaikalia about the endangered gazelles on the road.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank will warn 3 million drivers in Transbaikalia about the endangered gazelles on the road.

At least 3 million motorists will be warned annually about the dangers of hitting rare Mongolian gazelles thanks to new information boards installed along highways in Transbaikalia. The project to preserve the population of this endangered animal was implemented by the Ecology Foundation and the Daurian Nature Reserve.

The initiative aims to inform drivers about the need to slow down in areas where Mongolian antelopes migrate seasonally. Winter is a special time in the region, when the local population of Mongolian dzerens is joined by their relatives from Mongolia, forming large herds along the roads.

Six banners have been placed along the Byrka-Aksha and Borzya-Solovyovsk highways, in areas where animals cross the roads en masse. Given the high traffic volume (up to 10,000 vehicles per day), the stands will serve as a major tool for prevention and environmental education.

"The return of Mongolian gazelles to Russia after a long absence is a major conservation achievement. Projects like these highlight the importance of maintaining the delicate balance between infrastructure development and wildlife. We are pleased to support the Daursky Nature Reserve in this important work and hope that this project will help preserve this unique population for future generations," comments Elmira Morozova, Director of the Ecology Foundation at the Russian Agricultural Bank.

Since 2021, the Fund, established by Rosselkhozbank, has been implementing long-term programs in several key areas: forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, waste recycling, environmental education, and scientific research. Over the past four years, the Ecology Fund has implemented 72 environmental initiatives. The total funding raised for these projects has reached approximately 128.9 million rubles.

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.

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Aid continues to flow into Gaza despite ongoing violence and bad weather

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 22, 2025 Humanitarian aid

Despite the declared ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, humanitarian organizations continue to receive reports of airstrikes, shelling, and gunfire. According to the UN, over the past 24 hours, the violence has resulted in new casualties and disrupted humanitarian operations. Nevertheless, aid continues to reach the most vulnerable families despite these threats and the cold and rainy winter weather.

Due to a severe shortage of shelter, many people are forced to live in partially or heavily damaged buildings. Several buildings recently collapsed due to the storm, causing injuries. Three-quarters of female-headed households urgently need housing, and two-thirds need warm clothing.

UN partners continue to work to expand access to decent housing for approximately 1.3 million people in Gaza. Over the past week, approximately 3,500 families affected by storms or living in flooded areas received tents, bedding, mattresses, and blankets. More than 250,000 children have already received winter clothing, but approximately 630,000 adolescents still need it.

The UN reiterates its call for the lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, including construction materials, as such restrictions seriously hamper the work of humanitarian services.

Humanitarian organizations continue to coordinate missions inside Gaza. On Sunday, Israeli authorities approved half of their requests.

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.

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Ukraine: Attacks Lead to New Casualties and Damage to Infrastructure

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 22, 2025 Peace and security

Fighting over the weekend has led to an increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine, as well as extensive damage to the country's critical infrastructure, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Monday.

From Friday until early Monday morning, according to Ukrainian authorities, more than ten civilians were killed and over 70 others were injured, including two children. Disruptions to basic services were reported in more than 270 settlements across Ukraine.

The attacks are taking place against a backdrop of harsh winter conditions. Recent shelling has already led to power and heating outages.

Almost daily attacks

The Odessa region, which is subject to near-daily attacks, has been particularly hard hit. On Friday, an overnight attack on port infrastructure claimed the lives of eight civilians and injured 27 others. Tens of thousands of people remain without power.

Hundreds of thousands of people were also affected by damage to energy infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv regions.

Ukrainian authorities reported that a humanitarian aid warehouse in the Mykolaiv region was damaged in the attack. A medical facility and a school were also hit.

Funding shortfall

In the Sumy region, approximately 40 people have been evacuated to safer areas over the past three days, the OCHA reported. Meanwhile, in the Donetsk region, approximately 330 civilians, including 50 children, have been evacuated.

Since June, nearly 150,000 people have been evacuated from frontline areas, including more than 16,500 children and more than 5,000 people with limited mobility.

Humanitarian workers were able to provide assistance to 700,000 people in areas near the front lines this year. However, due to funding shortages, more than a million people remain without clean water, and access to protection services and assistance for survivors of gender-based violence is limited.

This year, the $2.6 billion humanitarian plan for Ukraine received only about half the funding – less than $1.4 billion.

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.

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UN Security Council: Sudan approaches 1,000th day of war

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 22, 2025 Peace and security

As the war in Sudan approaches its 1,000th day, civilians continue to suffer from its worsening consequences, UN officials warned at a Security Council meeting.

Assistant Secretary-General in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Khaled Khiari said the conflict had escalated again since his department's last briefing to the UN Security Council in October.

According to him, the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) is in the Kordofan region advanced into new territoriesSpecifically, they seized an oil field and a processing station for South Sudanese oil, which is pumped to Port Sudan for export. The towns of Kadugli and Dilling are "under increasing siege."

"These events reflect the increasingly complex nature of the conflict and its expanding regional dimension. If action is not taken, Sudan's neighbors could find themselves drawn into the regional conflict," Khiari emphasized.

Casualties among civilians and peacekeepers

The rapporteur cited "the increasing use of indiscriminate drone strikes by both sides, causing significant civilian casualties," as a particularly alarming trend. Specifically, on December 4, attacks in South Kordofan on a kindergarten and a hospital where victims of the initial attack were taken resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, including 63 children.

On December 13th, drones A UN logistics base in Kadugli was hit, resulting in six members of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent being killed and nine injured. Due to ongoing threats, all UN peacekeeping personnel were evacuated from Kadugli.

Khiari also noted that the increasing number of civilian detentions on charges of collaborating with one side in the conflict is alarming. In November, the UN Human Rights Office recorded 93 such arrests in the Kordofan region.

De-escalation of violence

The UN representative emphasized that the ongoing arms supply remains a key factor in the conflict, while the parties "remain unprepared for compromise or de-escalation."

"While they have managed to stop the fighting to preserve oil revenues, they have not yet been able to do the same to protect the population," Khiari noted.

Read also:

Humanitarian crisis in Kordofan

Edem Wosornu, a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, speaking on behalf of UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, briefed the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Sudan.

According to her, according to UN data, drone strikes killed more than 100 civilians in South Kordofan between December 4 and 16. An inter-agency convoy led by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, scheduled to arrive in Kadugli on December 15, was unable to do so due to the increasingly volatile and unpredictable situation.

In North Kordofan, "the attack on a World Food Programme truck on December 5, which seriously injured the driver, is further evidence of the enormous risks facing humanitarian workers."

Meanwhile, in West Kordofan, "new population movements, including crossings into South Sudan, and civilian casualties were recorded following the capture of Heglig."

Ongoing UN efforts

"Despite the difficulties, humanitarian operations continue: since January, approximately 16.8 million people have received some form of support. The humanitarian aid system is under unprecedented pressure and is increasingly becoming a target of attacks," Vosornu said, calling for urgent action.

The Security Council, she said, "must send a strong, unambiguous signal that attacks against civilians, sexual violence and othergross violations of international humanitarian law "Unacceptable." The UN representative also emphasized that humanitarian workers must be able to work in safe conditions and without hindrance.

“As another dark milestone approaches in this horrific war, renewed efforts are needed more than ever to stop the fighting, halt the arms flows that fuel the conflict, and move the parties closer to the inclusive and sustainable nationwide ceasefire that is so desperately needed,” she concluded.

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.

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December 22, 2025 The international "Conservation Embassy" program will expand to Namibia. International cooperation

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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I hereby voluntarily, of my own free will and in my interests give my consent to the Foundation "Zapovednoye Posolstvo", OGRN 1187700012829, INN/KPP 7728437737 / 772801001, located at: 117335, Moscow, Arkhitektora Vlasova St., Building No. 3, (hereinafter referred to as the Foundation), for the automated and non-automated processing of my personal data, including the use of Internet web analytics services in accordance with the following list:

Last name. First name. Middle name. Contact phone number. Email address. User ID stored in cookie. Source of entry to the Foundation's website. Search or advertising query information. Region.

for the purposes of compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation; concluding and executing contracts; informing about new products and services; preparing individual offers; conducting advertising activities; providing Users with access to specialized information; processing applications on the Fund's Website; forming a personnel reserve; publishing on the website, in internal directories, and in the organization's address books; carrying out activities in accordance with the constituent documents; sending out informational notifications.

The Foundation has the right to process my personal data in the following ways: collection, recording, systematization, accumulation, storage, updating, modification, use, transfer (distribution, provision, access).

This consent comes into force from the moment I tick the consent box and is valid for the periods established by the current legislation of the Russian Federation.

In all other respects not provided for in this Agreement, the Foundation and Users are guided by the Personal Data Processing Policy (hereinafter referred to as the Policy) and applicable provisions of current Russian Federation law. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Policy, the terms of the Policy shall prevail.

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.

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Regime change in Syria has disrupted production of the region's most widely used synthetic drug.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 22, 2025 Peace and security

Following regime change in Syria a year ago, the illicit production of Captagon, one of the most widely used synthetic drugs in the Middle East, has been significantly disrupted. This is according to a new analytical report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which contains preliminary findings from a large-scale study to be published in 2026.

Since December 2024, the new Syrian authorities have closed 15 industrial laboratories and 13 warehouses previously used for Captagon production and storage. However, the UNODC notes that production likely continues in other Middle Eastern countries. However, researchers have been unable to confirm the widespread belief that some Syrian production facilities may have been relocated to other regions, including Africa.

By the end of 2024, Captagon production in Syria reached several million tablets per day. Experts estimate that the accumulated stockpiles could sustain the illicit market for several more years, fueling regional smuggling networks.

The market is experiencing a shortage, and seizure volumes are growing

The Persian Gulf countries remain a key market for Captagon. Signs of shortages are already being reported in several countries in the region, likely due to increased anti-smuggling measures.

Since December 2024, the UNODC has confirmed at least 177 million tablets seized—approximately 30 tons—across the Arab region. The final figures may be higher as data collection continues.

At the same time, smugglers are actively seeking new routes. The report notes that transhipment and repackaging points in Western and Central Europe, as well as North Africa, are increasingly being used.

The region unites in the face of a common threat

As the threat mounts, countries in the region have stepped up cooperation, sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations, and coordinating efforts to curb illicit trafficking.

According to Bo Mathiasen, Director of Operations at the UNODC, political will and international cooperation were key factors in the record seizures in 2025. He noted that the market's expansion in previous years had divided the region, but now the need for decisive action is helping to consolidate it.

The UNODC warns that disrupting Captagon production chains could lead drug traffickers and users to switch to methamphetamine and other synthetic substances. This could accelerate the spread of new drugs in the region.

The study emphasizes that the fight against illicit drug trafficking must be combined with the development of scientifically based prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation systems. Only such a comprehensive approach will effectively counter the expansion of the synthetic drug market.

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.

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December 22, 2025: "Who are you, children of the night?": The Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation, with the support of Severstal, published a book about bats in the Vologda region's protected nature.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Ksenia Gasparyan, Development Director of the Nature Embassy Foundation, spoke at the second meeting of Severstal's Biodiversity Expert Council, where a new popular science book, "Who Are You, Children of the Night?" was presented. The book, dedicated to the bats of the Vologda Region, was published by the Nature Embassy Foundation with organizational and financial support from Severstal as part of its comprehensive biodiversity conservation program.

Severstal's Expert Council was created to independently assess environmental risks and shape the environmental agenda; its December meeting was devoted to summing up the year's results. In 2025, specialists conducted extensive research on company grounds, focusing on birds, invasive plants, landscaping, and other aspects of biodiversity at industrial sites. And also—bats!

The presentation of the book about bats, "Who Are You, Children of the Night?", was one of the key and most striking moments of the meeting. No boring presentations were offered; instead, a creative, immersive format was used. Participants entered the room in complete darkness with headlamps on, symbolically recreating the conditions of fieldwork for researchers. On the screen, bats "came to life" and flew, using AI technology.

"The scientists who spoke about their work told a story about how difficult it was for them," Ksenia Gasparyan commented. "The researchers' biorhythms were disrupted: they had to study birds during the day, and bats at night. They even mentioned that a minor accident occurred when the inspector probably fell asleep at the wheel from fatigue."

The book's authors are Oleg Shapkin, a postgraduate student at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Miroslav Babushkin, Deputy Director for Science at the Darwin Nature Reserve. The book's design and publication were supported by the Zapovednoye Polusstvo Foundation, with financial support from Severstal. The editor was Ekaterina Pilyutina, an environmental educator, a true conservationist, a professional, and a friend of the foundation.

As Ksenia Gasparyan emphasized, the goal of the publication was not only to educate the general public about ecology but also to "immerse and shape a whole generation of new researchers." "Who Are You, Children of the Night?" is based on six years of research (2018-2024), during which over a thousand individuals of eight bat species were studied. However, this isn't a thick, jargon-laden tome that only scientists specializing in bats (incidentally, such scientists are called chiropterologists) will be interested in. Rather, it's a truly engaging, popular science book that every biology-loving schoolchild will appreciate! What makes this publication special is that serious scientific research is adapted and presented in a language that's understandable and engaging for a young audience.

The authors dedicated the publication to the mother of one of the authors, Almira Babushkina, a biology teacher who introduced him and dozens of other children to the world of science.

Bats (Chiroptera) are one of the least studied mammal groups, yet they are critically important to ecosystems. They effectively regulate insect populations, including many agricultural and forestry pests, as well as mosquitoes. Some species are involved in plant pollination. In Russia, many bat species have protected status and are listed in regional and federal Red Data Books. Their secretive nocturnal lifestyle and vulnerability to habitat changes (cutting of hollow trees, disturbance in caves) make their conservation particularly pressing.

Following the meeting, Severstal's Expert Council developed plans for the next year. Priorities include creating a monitoring system for invasive plant species, continuing to observe indicator species, and conducting in-depth studies of rare and secretive birds. A highlight of 2026 is expected to be Russia's first environmental and educational festival, "SKOPIN FEST."

The Nature Conservation Embassy Foundation will continue to provide expert support for the company's environmental initiatives. "We recommend that large city-forming companies, such as Severstal, not only develop environmental education in general in the cities where they operate, but also encourage the emergence of new young researchers by helping them with career guidance in environmental and scientific fields," Ksenia Gasparyan concluded.

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.

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World Meditation Day: Calming the Mind and Strengthening Global Unity

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 21, 2025 Culture and education

Meditation is a practice of focused attention aimed at achieving a state of calm and mental clarity. Rooted in religious, yogic, and secular traditions across various civilizations, it encourages living in the present moment.

According to archaeological evidence, meditation existed as early as 5000 BCE. Its various forms are found in ancient Egypt and China, as well as in Judaism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. This year, the UN is celebrating its second World Day dedicated to this ancient practice, which has been proven to improve personal well-being and mental health.

In the face of global challenges, meditation offers a powerful tool for cultivating peace, unity, and compassion.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), meditation can be an effective self-care tool that complements treatment and improves overall well-being, especially in anxiety disorders. Research confirms its ability to reduce stress, improve concentration and emotional balance, alleviate anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality. It also promotes physical health, including lowering blood pressure and relieving pain.

Even a few minutes of daily practice based on breathing and mindful presence can help you find calm and focus.

Strengthening Peace and Unity through Meditation

Beyond its individual benefits, meditation fosters empathy, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose, promoting collective well-being. Recognized for its universality, meditation is practiced in all regions of the world by people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles.

At the United Nations, meditation holds a special place, exemplified by the Meditation Room at UN Headquarters in New York. Opened in 1952 under the leadership of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, this "room of silence" symbolizes the crucial role of silence and introspection in achieving global harmony. In Hammarskjöld's words, in this house of work and discussion for the benefit of peace, "there should be one room dedicated to silence in the outer sense and stillness in the inner sense."

In times of global challenges such as armed conflict, climate crisis, and rapid technological advancement, meditation offers a powerful means for cultivating peace, unity, and compassion. World Meditation Day reminds us of the importance of developing human consciousness to address these challenges and create harmony within ourselves and our communities.

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.