Year in Review: The Polytechnic University held its final meeting of the Academic Council for 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The final meeting of the Academic Council for 2025 was held at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The event included a formal presentation of awards to staff and students and a review of the year's results.

At the beginning of the meeting, SPbPU Rector Andrei Rudskoy noted that December 22 (old style) marked the 170th anniversary of the birth of Prince Andrei Grigorievich Gagarin, the first director of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute. He also mentioned that on this day opened an exhibition at the Polytechnic Museum, dedicated to the first director of the institute, and in NIK – an exhibition of paintings by Andrei Gagarin's great-granddaughter, artist Elena Artsutanova.

According to tradition, awards were presented to outstanding polytechnicians at the meeting of the Academic Council.

For its support of the development of the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University's Endowment Fund, BMH RUS was awarded a commemorative medal and a letter of gratitude from the university. The award was presented to Vasily Fishchev, the company's Development Director and a 1998 graduate of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

The Baltic Gems trading house was awarded for its support of the University Endowment Fund's "Economic Education" endowment fund. The award was presented to the company's CEO, Maxim Ratnikov.

For her personal achievements in the education and training of academic staff, the honorary title of "Honored Worker of Higher Education of the Russian Federation" was awarded to Irina Krasyuk, professor at the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies at the PIS "CI."

For her outstanding achievements and successes in promoting the development of scientific potential and professional education, the honorary title of "Honored Worker of Higher Education in St. Petersburg" was awarded to Olga Kalinina, Director of the Higher School of Industrial Management at the Institute of Mechanics and Technology of Economics and Technology.

The Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg awarded a certificate of gratitude to Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Civil Engineering Institute.

A professor's certificate was awarded to Vladimir Sergeev, professor at the Higher School of Fundamental Physics Research at the PhysMech Institute and head of the controlled thermonuclear fusion research laboratory.

Associate Professor certificates were received by:

Associate Professor of the Higher School of Automation and Robotics at the Institute of Metallurgical and Electronics (IMW&T) Alexander Bakhshiev; Associate Professor of the Higher School of Applied Physics and Space Technologies at the Institute of Economics and Telecommunications Sergey Ivanov; Associate Professor of the Higher School of Industrial Management at the Institute of Metallurgical and Electronics, Telecommunications and Telecommunications Ksenia Kikkas; Associate Professor of the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes at the Institute of Physics and Mechanics Alexey Lukin; Associate Professor of the Higher School of Electronics and Microsystems Engineering at the Institute of Electrical and Telecommunications Ivan Rumyantsev; Associate Professor of the Higher School of Automation and Robotics at the Institute of Metallurgical and Electronics, Telecommunications Boris Spassky; Associate Professor of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics at the Institute of Metallurgical and Electronics, Telecommunications Angi Skhvediani; Associate Professor of the Higher School of Mechanical Engineering at the Institute of Metallurgical and Electronics, Vasily Teplukhin.

In addition, the "For Merit" badge of distinction was awarded to Polytechnic University graduate, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR, and 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics champion in speed skating, Yevgeny Kulikov.

As the saying goes, "Accidents are not accidents." Fifty years ago, when I lived in Chita, people from the Polytechnic University came there for the holidays. Then I received an offer to join them in Leningrad. So, in 1975, I became a student at the Polytechnic University and continued my athletic career here. In 1976, after the Olympics, I stood in this very hall and received my first award for my contribution to the image of the Leningrad Polytechnic University," noted Evgeny Kulikov.

Also, for their significant contribution to the university's development, the "For Merit" badge of distinction was presented to Tatyana Nam, Deputy Director of the Humanities Institute, and Anna Rubtsova, Director of the Higher School of Linguistics and Pedagogy.

For his high professionalism and significant contribution to engineering training and the university's research, Vadim Korablyov, Advisor to the Rector's Office and Professor at the Higher School of Fundamental Physics Research at the Institute of Physics and Mechanics, received a Certificate of Appreciation from SPbPU. He also celebrated his birthday that same day. SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy emphasized that it was fate to share the same birthday as the institute's first director, Andrei Gagarin. Vadim Korablyov has already received numerous university and departmental awards, recognizing his professionalism and achievements in research and teaching.

For conscientious and professional performance of her official duties, SPbPU awarded a Certificate of Gratitude to Evgeniya Shevchuk, Director of the Administrative and Legal Department.

For the high level of organization of the university's participation in the V Congress of Young Scientists, SPbPU awarded Commendations to Irina Rudskaya, Director of the Gazprom Neft Scientific and Educational Center for Information Technology and Business Analysis, and Ksenia Kuzmina, Head of the Department for Scientific Certification and Training of Highly Qualified Personnel.

Vera Loboda, Director of the Higher School of Electronics and Microsystems Engineering at the Institute of Electronics and Technology, Anna Chernikova, Deputy Director of the Institute of Mechanics and Mathematics, and Alexander Shchukin, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Software Engineering at the Institute of Computer Science and Information Technologies, were awarded certificates of appreciation for their contribution to the development of quality assurance in higher education and their participation as experts in the first All-Russian competition "Best Model of an Internal Education Quality Assessment System."

In addition, university students were awarded at the Academic Council meeting. The winners of the superfinal of the Vladimir Navodnov Open International Student Internet Olympiad in Mathematics were PhysMech students Trinh Thi Thu Hoai and Sergey Krupitsa.

Egor Grigoriev, a student at the Institute of Economics and Telecommunications, was awarded a first-place diploma for winning the Regional Subject Olympiad in Mathematics for Universities of St. Petersburg.

The SPbPU team was awarded a second-place diploma and a cup for winning second place in the team championship of the regional subject Olympiad of St. Petersburg universities in radio engineering. The award was presented to the team captain, Maxim Artemyev, a student at the Institute of Economics and Telecommunications.

The winners of the international robot combat championship "Battle of Robots 2025" – the "Omnivores" team, students from IMMiT: Viktor Yakovlev, Alexander Andreev, Vladimir Kravchuk, Viktor Rudakov, and Vladislav Sharynin – were awarded.

Also awarded were Yegor Ivanov, a third-year student at the Institute of Professional Education and the winner of the 5th St. Petersburg Governor's Cup "Best Junior of St. Petersburg Cuisine 2025" and the winner of the "Student of the Year" competition in the St. Petersburg secondary vocational education system in the "Student Passionate about His Future Profession" category.

We always hold the awards ceremony at the Academic Council meeting because we thank our staff and students for their support of the university and for their invaluable contribution to its greatness. And it doesn't matter what the field is, be it sports or science. They are equally valuable. This is the destiny of exceptional individuals," commented SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy.

Following the awards ceremony for outstanding polytechnic students, Alexander Rechinsky, SPbPU Vice-Rector for Economics and Finance, delivered a report on the university's financial results for the current year and its financial and economic plan for 2026. In his report, he noted the Polytechnic University's successes compared to previous years and outlined plans for further improvement of the university's economic system.

Then, Vice-Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security Maxim Pasholikov spoke about the development of endowment funds and youth projects, as well as opportunities to increase student scholarships.

In addition, a vote was held on the assignment of academic titles, and candidates were nominated for the “Honorary Worker of SPbPU” award.

The final item on the agenda was a report by SPbPU Academic Secretary Dmitry Karpov on monitoring the execution of instructions.

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Kuzminki Estate

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The I.S. Turgenev Library and Reading Room will host a lecture on the history of the Kuzminki estate.

Attendees will learn how one of the largest estates in the Moscow region emerged and developed: from the estate's grant to Grigory Stroganov in the early 18th century and its transfer to the Golitsyn family, to its heyday in the first quarter of the 19th century under Sergei Golitsyn, when Kuzminki was known as Moscow's Pavlovsk. The lecture will cover the estate's extensive renovations, the architects invited, the complex's fate after 1917, and its transformation into a cultural and recreational park.

The discussion will be led by historian and Moscow expert Evgeny Melekhov, a tour guide with 40 years of experience.

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The Physical Nature of Events. Words as Instruments of Creation

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The I.S. Turgenev Library and Reading Room will host a lecture entitled "The Physical Nature of Events. Words as Instruments of Creation," dedicated to modern concepts of quantum physics and quantum information.

Participants will become familiar with the basic principles of quantum physics, learn about the role of words in quantum information theories, the physical mechanisms by which ideas are transformed into material reality, and the potential for practical application of this knowledge in everyday life.

The lecture will be given by radiophysics engineer Alexander Shilov.

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.

Kultura Newspaper: Interview with Karina Abramyan, First Deputy General Director of Melodiya.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Melody – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Towards the end of the year, Melodiya resumed record production at its own plant in Novosibirsk. Kultura asked Karina Abramyan, First Deputy General Director of Melodiya JSC, to comment on this news.

— How long has the idea of starting a record production been around? What's behind the recent increased demand for vinyl from music lovers, and especially record collectors?

"This idea came to Melodiya CEO Andrey Krichevsky in the summer of 2024. So, the time from the initial concept to its implementation was, give or take, fourteen months."

As for the increased demand that's been evident over the past ten to fifteen years… I think it's connected to the trend toward "owning art." In our case, vinyl is a unique way to "own music." The medium has now reached a certain plateau: that is, mass-market vinyl sales are unlikely—everything "in the millions" is now digital.

— Four "first signs" of the renewed Russian vinyl industry: David Tukhmanov's album "On the Wave of My Memory," Zodiac's Disco Alliance record, recordings by the VIA "Dos-Mukasan," and also… "Autogenic training for alcohol abusers. A session of emotional-stress psychotherapy for those wishing to quit smoking."

"The release of autogenic training is, of course, a pre-New Year's joke, but the recording is nonetheless quite interesting and valuable, as this material hasn't been released on physical media for over forty years. And while that's a joke, few people remember that, in addition to psychological training, this record also features a wealth of wonderful music: Vivaldi, Saint-Saëns, and Massenet performed by great musicians—the Rudolf Barshai Orchestra, the Bolshoi Theater Violin Ensemble, and others. As for the other releases, it's simple: these records were consistently immensely popular in the USSR and continue to attract interest from music lovers today."

— Which task is more of a priority for Melodiya: reissuing famous records from its extensive back catalogue or releasing new vinyl recordings?

For now, we're primarily focused on releasing the most iconic recordings from our archive. We've already prepared albums dedicated to the works of Alexandra Pakhmutova, Anna German, and the ensembles Pesnyary and Orlan. There will also be time-tested classical music releases featuring artists like Grigory Sokolov and Vladimir Spivakov. We also plan to release several renowned children's records, including "Ali Baba" and "Old Man Hottabych." All of them will go on sale in the spring of 2026.

"The need to revive the domestic vinyl industry is truly long overdue. However, isn't there a concern that something will hinder the triumphant march of records? In the late 1980s and early 1990s, as we recall, records lost the battle to compact discs."

Observations over the past few decades have shown that vinyl has not only made a comeback, but has firmly established itself in music lovers' music collections. However, I wouldn't draw any parallels with CDs in this case. After all, if we're talking about new trends in this area, Zoomers have once again shown a keen interest in both CDs and DVDs. So, I believe all the previous media will now be able to coexist harmoniously in niche formats within the music community. And that's encouraging: let all flowers bloom!

Denis Bocharov, December 22, 2025

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Financial news: On holding auctions on December 24, 2025 to place OFZ issues No. 26250RMFS and No. 26252RMFS.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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For bidders

We inform you that, based on a letter from the Bank of Russia and in accordance with Part I. General Part and Part II. Stock Market Section of the Rules for Trading on the Stock Market, Deposit Market, and Loan Market of Moscow Exchange PJSC, the order establishes the form, time, duration, and procedure for holding auctions for the placement and trading of the following federal loan bonds:

1.

Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
Name of the security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
State registration number of the issue 26250RMFS from June 20, 2025
Date of the auction December 24, 2025
Information about the placement (Trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the “Placement: Auction” trading mode by holding an Auction to determine the placement price.BoardId: PACT (Settlement: Ruble)
Trade code SU26250RMFS9
ISIN code RU000A10BVH7
Settlement code B01
Additional conditions of placement

The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.

Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 14:30 – 15:00; bid execution period: 15:30 – 18:00.

2.

Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
Name of the security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
State registration number of the issue 26252RMFS from October 17, 2025
Date of the auction December 24, 2025
Information about the placement (Trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the “Placement: Auction” trading mode by holding an Auction to determine the placement price.BoardId: PACT (Settlement: Ruble)
Trade code SU26252RMFS5
ISIN code RU000A10D4Y2
Settlement code B01
Additional conditions of placement

The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.

Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 12:00–12:30; bid execution period: 13:00–18:00.

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

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December 23, 2025: A meaningful gift idea

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

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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.

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Paper Stories. Penguin

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The A.P. Gaidar Central City Children's Library will host a workshop dedicated to papercrafting and Penguin Awareness Day.

Participants will learn the basics of papercraft and create a 3D model of an emperor penguin, the largest member of the penguin family. This activity will help develop creative thinking and fine motor skills, as well as learn more about the role of penguins in nature and explore popular science and fiction books about them from the library's collection.

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A new themed metro train is dedicated to the Novgorod Region.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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A unique themed train, dedicated to Veliky Novgorod and the Novgorod region as a whole, has arrived on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya metro line. Passengers will be able to take an interactive express tour of the region and learn about the key stages of its development.

"Following Sergei Sobyanin's instructions, we are constantly collaborating with other regions of Russia, including launching themed metro trains. The new train is dedicated to the Novgorod Region, the center of our Rus'. This is the 30th themed train to open its doors to passengers this year, and the sixth dedicated to the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Such projects promote domestic tourism and strengthen interregional ties," noted the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

Maxim Liksutov.

Each train carriage introduces Muscovites and tourists to individual chapters of the Novgorod Region's rich history and contemporary life. Passengers will be able to trace its development from the early days of Russian statehood to the present day.

More than 50 historical facts are dedicated to key stages, including the Great Patriotic War and the exploits of Novgorodians during those years.

Passengers will also experience the region's vibrant cultural life, including music, theatre, and food festivals, historical reenactments, and sporting competitions that annually bring together guests from Russia and other countries.

The train will run on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line for six months.

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

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A positive trend: inflation in Russia has slowed to 5.8%.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mainfin Bank –

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Image: mainfin.ru

What was the growth rate of consumer prices in Russia in mid-December?

Inflation in the country began to slow in December – prices rose by 0.05% in the first week of the month, and by 0.06% in the second. Since the beginning of the year, the increase has been approximately 5.4%. Compared to last year, inflation has slowed. According to the Central Bank, in December 2024, the price growth rate was 6.12%, and now it is 5.8%.

The Ministry of Economic Development also confirms this trend: in the first ten days of December, inflation slowed to 6.08% (compared to 6.34% a year earlier). However, experts agree that the slowdown in price growth is only temporary, driven by seasonal factors; it's too early to talk about the sustainability of this trend.

What will happen to inflation in Russia at the beginning of 2026?

The slowdown in price growth in December is a positive development, but inflation expectations remain high in the country. Price growth for goods and services is projected to accelerate in the first months of 2026, driven by several factors:

An increase in the VAT rate from 20 to 22%; the abolition of certain business benefits that reduce the tax burden; high borrowing activity among Russians; and a worsening budget deficit.

"The state budget for next year includes a key rate of 12-13% per annum, but the Central Bank of the Russian Federation believes the actual rate will exceed the forecast level: this contradiction calls into question the ability to fulfill budget plans," the pessimistic expert believes.

Moreover, at its most recent key rate meeting, the Central Bank of Russia noted that monetary policy in Russia will remain tight. The regulator is signaling the end of the rate cut cycle, and if inflation accelerates, the rate may even be revised upward. The next key rate decision will be made on February 13, 2026. The Central Bank expects inflation to fall below 5% next year.

15:30 12/23/2025

Source:

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Ukraine has been hit hard, energy sector has suffered – Ukrainian President

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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

Kyiv, December 23 (Xinhua) — On Tuesday night, Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, primarily targeting the country's energy and other civilian infrastructure, using over 650 drones and more than 30 missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this on Telegram.

According to him, at least 13 regions of the country came under fire, a significant portion of Russian drones and missiles were shot down, but hits were recorded at several locations.

V. Zelensky added that the Russian attack also resulted in the deaths of at least three people, including a 4-year-old child. –0–

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