Category: 27-7

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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

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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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 –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

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 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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Paper Stories. Penguin

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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.

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

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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.

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

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mainfin Bank –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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:

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 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 –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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–

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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Thailand thanked China for its assistance in de-escalating tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BANGKOK, December 23 (Xinhua) — Thailand highly appreciates China's role in helping de-escalate tensions on the Thai-Cambodia border, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndey Balankura said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a briefing on the border situation later that day, N. Balankura said Thailand highly appreciates China's participation and role in de-escalating the Thai-Cambodian conflict and thanked China for upholding an objective and impartial position.

The press secretary also informed the press about Thailand's participation in the special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held on Monday. He reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to resolving the issue through bilateral mechanisms, emphasizing that any sustainable solution must be reached directly by Thailand and Cambodia.

On Wednesday, Thailand will host a meeting of the General Border Committee, where military representatives from both countries will hold consultations on ceasefire issues.

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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Russia and the United States held another round of contacts on mutual irritants, according to the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, December 23 (Xinhua) – Russia and the United States held another round of contacts to address mutual irritants in bilateral relations, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with the Interfax news agency on Tuesday.

"The latest round of contacts on so-called irritants has taken place. It took place at a working level. We had the opportunity to discuss the entire agenda at a fairly serious, professional, and in-depth level," noted Sergei Ryabkov.

He emphasized that there has been progress on certain topics. "I can't say there's been significant progress—there are some areas where progress is being made, but the main issues remain unresolved," the diplomat said, summing up the consultations.

According to the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, further progress will require additional efforts. "I don't rule out the possibility of political incentives to move forward," he added.

S. Ryabkov reported that the next round of Russian-American contacts on mutual irritants will take place approximately in early spring. –0–

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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PhosAgro helped organize a performance by the youth choir of the Cherepovets Diocese in the Italian city of Bari on December 23, 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

Bari (Apulia region, Italy). On December 23, 2025, on the feast day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the youth choir of the Cherepovets Diocese participated in the Divine Liturgy and gave a concert in the papal basilica where the saint's relics are kept. PhosAgro helped organize the musical group's performance.

Bishop Ignatius of Cherepovets and Belozersk led the festive service under the vaults of the ancient church. He recalled that St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is venerated in Christianity as a symbol of mercy, intercession, and swift aid in times of need. This veneration unites the spiritual canons of Orthodoxy and Catholicism, as well as liturgical tradition and popular love, in which the saint's image has occupied a special, almost familial place.

"Pilgrimage is a spiritual journey that brings great benefit to the believer and is a source of inspiration. This pilgrimage and today's prayer at this holy site, in the heart of the Italian city of Bari, which has attracted believers from all over the world for centuries, are more than just a journey for us. It is also a sincere expression of our love for St. Nicholas, an expression of our faith and hope in his intercession and swift assistance," noted Bishop Ignatius of Cherepovets and Belozersk.

On this festive day, thousands of believers from across Europe, including many Russians living abroad, came to venerate the Christian relic. They offered prayers to God accompanied by the crystalline voices of the youth choir of the Cherepovets Diocese.

The ensemble includes students and teachers from the Cherepovets College of Arts, as well as young parishioners from churches in the Cherepovets Diocese. That evening, at the Papal Basilica of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, they presented a new concert program, "Confirm, God!", to an Italian audience, combining sacred and Russian choral works.

The guests were treated to majestic liturgical hymns, as well as choral versions of beloved folk songs. Among them were "Ah, You Wide Steppe," "The Horse," "Polyushko-Pole," "Raspberry Ringing," "Smuglyanka," and other pieces.

"Our choir's performance at the Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari is more than just a concert, but another building block in strengthening the centuries-old cultural dialogue between Russia and Italy. Our creative mission has become the bridge that unites people's hearts through the great power of music and theology. All the students feel this responsibility and are grateful for the opportunity to share their creativity through music," says Svetlana Bobrova, Director of the Cherepovets School of Arts and Crafts named after V.V. Vereshchagin.

The audience that came to hear the young soloists from Cherepovets that evening noted the highest level of performance, as well as the love for God and their native land that permeates the ensemble's entire repertoire.

"I've lived in Italy for almost thirty years. Wonderful news of the youth choir's performance spread among the Russian-speaking community of our city long before today. This native music touched the deepest chords of my soul. Here in Italy, we hear a wide variety of music, but a choir of this caliber is a rarity. My deepest gratitude to the choirmaster and all the musicians for this delight. May God grant that we may once again see the youth choir from Cherepovets in this sacred place," said Svetlana Kuzmenko, a resident of Bari and art critic, sharing her emotions about the concert.

The Cherepovets Diocese Youth Choir's visit to Italy was held under the auspices of the Russian Ministry of Culture's "Cultural Mission to Italy" project, with the assistance of PhosAgro and the Center for Film Festivals and International Programs.

"Supporting the spiritual values and centuries-old traditions of Orthodoxy is a crucial part of PhosAgro's social mission. Previously, our company regularly organized pilgrimage tours for its employees to Christian holy sites in Bari. I am delighted that, despite all the objective difficulties, this kind tradition is gradually being restored, expanding each year. On the eve of the New Year and Christmas holidays, young soloists from the youth choir brought a piece of St. Nicholas's grace to Cherepovets, helping to erase borders between states through kindness, music, and eternal Christian values," said Alexander Gilgenberg, CEO of PhosAgro.

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.