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Financial news: On the 200th anniversary of Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin (01/19/2026).

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Central Bank of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On January 20, 2026, the Bank of Russia will issue a commemorative silver coin of 2 rubles “Writer M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin, on the 200th anniversary of his birth” from the “Outstanding Personalities of Russia” series (catalog no. 5110-0192).

Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin was a Russian writer and one of the most renowned satirists of the 19th century. He penned familiar satirical fairy tales, including "The Wise Minnow," "The Tale of How One Peasant Fed Two Generals," and "The Idealist Crucian Carp," as well as novels such as "The History of a Town" and "The Golovlyov Family."

A silver coin with a denomination of 2 rubles (pure precious metal weight – 15.55 g, alloy fineness – 925) has the shape of a circle with a diameter of 33.0 mm.

There is a raised edge around the circumference of both the front and back sides of the coin.

The obverse of the coin features a relief image of the State Emblem of the Russian Federation, along with the inscriptions: "RUSSIAN FEDERATION", "BANK OF RUSSIA", the coin denomination "2 RUBLES", the year of issue "2026", the metal type according to D.I. Mendeleyev's Periodic Table of Elements, the alloy fineness, the trademark of the St. Petersburg Mint, and the pure weight of the precious metal.

The reverse side of the coin features relief images of a portrait of M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin and figures of the mayors of the town of Foolov from the work "The History of a Town"; along the rim are inscriptions: on the right – "M.E. SALTYKOV-SHCHEDRIN", at the bottom left – "1826-1889".

The side surface of the coin is corrugated.

The coin is made in proof quality.

The mintage of the coin is 3.0 thousand pieces.

The issued coin is legal tender in the Russian Federation and must be accepted at face value for all types of payments without restrictions.

When using the material, a link to the Press Service of the Bank of Russia is required.

January 19, 2026, 1:58:55 PM

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Financial news: The first ratings of Russian issuers' shares have been published.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Central Bank of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Bank of Russia has summarized the results of a pilot project to assign non-credit ratings to ordinary shares of Russian issuers. These ratings will provide additional guidance for retail and institutional investors when making long-term portfolio decisions.

The first star ratings (on a scale of one to five) were received by issuers fromshareholder value creation programs from two credit rating agencies – National Credit Ratings AndNational Rating Agency.

A non-credit equity rating is an agency's expert opinion on the fair value of companies, taking into account the quality of corporate governance, information disclosure, and shareholder protection, as well as the investment attractiveness of their securities over a one-year horizon. Its value is determined by comparing the current and fair values of shares. Extreme values indicate either overvaluation or undervaluation of the shares by the market and can serve as a signal for investors when purchasing securities.

In 2026, the Bank of Russia plans to include in its regulation the use of such ratings in the financial market.

Preview photo: Natalya Bozadzhy / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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On January 19, 2026, Mosfilm's war film screenings were held in Rome to a full house. At the end of December, special screenings of four Mosfilm films were held at the Cavour Congress Center in Rome as part of the "Democracy in Wartime" conference, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism. The event was organized by the Institute of Russian Culture and Language.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

At the end of December, special screenings of four Mosfilm films were held at the Cavour Congress Center in Rome as part of the "Democracy in Wartime" conference, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism. The event was organized by the Institute of Russian Culture and Language.

The program included iconic Mosfilm films depicting the cost of war and the heroism of the Soviet people: Andrei Tarkovsky's "Ivan's Childhood" (1962), Nikolai Lebedev's "Star" (2002), Sergei Popov's "Road to Berlin" (2015), and Karen Shakhnazarov's "White Tiger" (2012). The screenings attracted engaged audiences and became one of the forum's highlights.

The conference's special guest was renowned Italian historian and intellectual Professor Angelo D'Orsi. His appearance in the hall was met with a standing ovation, which, according to the Italian newspaper Giornale di Puglia, was an act of solidarity and support. Professor D'Orsi had recently been harshly criticized and censored in academic circles for his views and trip to Russia.

In his speech, the historian, citing classics of world thought, warned Europe of the dangers of sliding into conflict with Russia and artificially creating enemy images. He praised the films presented, noting their emotional power and authenticity. "In these films, I saw what war is really like, and I cried like a lamb," Professor D'Orsi shared his impressions.

The screening of Mosfilm films in the heart of Europe and their profound response among influential intellectuals confirm the enduring artistic and humanistic value of Mosfilm's classical and contemporary legacy. These films continue to speak to audiences in a universal language, reminding them of the lessons of history.

Original article in magazine Giornale di Puglia

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Financial news: 01/19/2026, 11-12 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the SFIN (SFAI JSC) security were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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January 19, 2026

11:12

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by the NCC (JSC) on January 19, 2026, 11-12 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 1056.8) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1195.828 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 41.25%) of the SFIN (SFAI JSC) security were changed.

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Financial news: Moscow Exchange shares received a non-credit rating from the National Credit Ratings Agency.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Moscow Exchange became one of the first issuers to receive a non-credit rating from the National Credit Ratings Agency (NCR). MOEX shares have a target price of 226 rubles, representing a 39% return potential.yu1sch until the end of 2026, including dividends. The calculation is based on fundamental analysis.

The National Committee of the Russian Stock Exchange (NCR) noted Moscow Exchange's leading position in the Russian capital market, the stability and diversification of its business model, the active development of new products, and its proven dividend history. The NCR also highly praised the Exchange's investor protection, reflecting the quality of its corporate governance.

Anton Terentyev, Director of Investor Relations at Moscow Exchange:

"The rating represents a nearly 40% return potential for Moscow Exchange shares, confirming the sustainability and viability of our business model. We are pleased that, as a result of our proactive work and ongoing dialogue with the investment community, Moscow Exchange is among the first few companies to receive non-credit ratings. By participating in the new ratings system, the exchange has sent a positive signal to investors and set a benchmark for other Russian issuers."

The methodology for assigning the NCR non-credit rating to public company shares has been approved by the Bank of Russia. The scale was developed to help investors better navigate securities on the Russian market. For issuers, the rating also serves as a signal for improving corporate governance and adhering to investor protection practices.

Non-credit ratings became a logical continuation Shareholder Value Creation Programs, which was launched in 2025 by the Bank of Russia jointly with the Moscow Exchange. As part of the program, the exchange calculates and publishes Moscow Exchange Value Creation Index, including securities of issuers with high growth potential.

Moscow Exchange is Russia's largest exchange and the only multifunctional platform for trading stocks, bonds, derivatives, currencies, money market instruments, and commodities. The Moscow Exchange Group includes a central depository and a clearing center that acts as a central counterparty in the markets, enabling Moscow Exchange to provide its clients with a full range of trading and post-trading services.

yu1sch Relative to the closing price on January 16, 2026. Media contact: 7 (495) 363-3232PR@moex.com

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The first China-Central Asia train, operating along the trans-Caspian route, departed from Tianjin to Baku.

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

TIANJIN, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) — The first China-Central Asia freight train running along the Trans-Caspian route departed from the Tianjin Container Center in Tianjin, northern China, on Monday, bound for Azerbaijan's capital, Baku.

This train, loaded with goods such as stainless steel pipes and household appliances, is operated by the Beijing branch of China Railways. It will cross the border at the Khorgos checkpoint in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, northwest China, and arrive at the port of Aktau in Kazakhstan, from where the cargo will be transported to Baku by sea.

This new route creates a stable and efficient freight channel connecting Tianjin with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and other countries, said Yang Junyong, a representative of Tianjin Container Center.

According to him, the train will travel a distance of approximately 7,000 km and arrive in Baku in approximately 20 days, saving approximately 10 days compared to traditional sea transport.

Baku is a key hub of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Upon arrival in Baku, these cargoes can be transported to Turkey and other destinations.

It should be noted that in 2025, the Tianjin Container Center handled a total of 390 China-Europe/China-Central Asia freight trains, which is 38 percent more than in 2024. -0-

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Update 337 – Statement by the IAEA Director General on the situation in Ukraine (EN)

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The IAEA today secured the agreement of both the Russian Federation and Ukraine to implement a localized ceasefire enabling repairs to begin on the last remaining backup power line to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), IAEA Director General Rafeal Mariano Grossi confirmed.

Technicians from Ukraine's electrical grid operator are expected to begin repair work on the 330 kV line – damaged and disconnected as a result of military activity on January 2 – in the coming days. The disconnection has left Europe's largest NPP dependent on its sole functioning 750 kV main power line.

An IAEA team has departed Vienna to travel to the frontline in order to observe the repair works.

"The IAEA continues to work closely with both sides to ensure nuclear safety at the ZNPP and to prevent a nuclear accident during the conflict. This temporary ceasefire, the fourth we have negotiated, demonstrates the indispensable role that we continue to play," IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

The IAEA team based at the ZNPP this week appreciated the actions taken by the plant to ensure nuclear safety during adverse weather conditions. During walkdowns, the team confirmed that winter protection measures are in place to prevent freezing of water in the groundwater wells, which supply cooling water for safety systems that cool the reactors and spent fuel pools. The ZNPP informed the team that the pumps operating in the unit pumping stations of the six shutdown reactors, would continue to work even if ice was to form on the surface of the inlet channel, and that currently no ice had been observed in that area.

Additional efforts against the freezing temperatures include temperature controls for local heating to ensure that the emergency diesel generators are ready to start and operate properly in case of another loss of off-site power event. The team continues to monitor the measures taken.

At Ukraine's Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) site, one power line was disconnected in the past week after military activity damaged an electrical substation critical to its power supply, a development that once again underscores the importance of reliable electrical grid infrastructure for nuclear safety, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

Following damage to the substation, the Chornobyl NPP site continued to receive off-site power from other lines, with the disruption illustrating the essential role substations play in ensuring the continuous supply of electricity required to operate key safety systems.

The disconnection was one of several incidents this week in which military activity affected nuclear safety at Ukraine's nuclear facilities. Last weekend, one of Ukraine's three operating NPPs was also forced to temporarily reduce its power output after reported damage to the electrical infrastructure.

“A deterioration of Ukraine's power grid from persistent military activity has direct implications on the nuclear safety of its nuclear facilities,” said Director General Grossi. “The IAEA will, as a priority, continue to assess the functionality of these critical substances.”

Director General Grossi announced last week that the IAEA is preparing another expert mission to Ukraine's electrical substations amid ongoing strikes on the country's power infrastructure. These substances are essential for supplying electricity needed for reactor cooling systems and other key nuclear safety functions. The mission will assess 10 substances critical to nuclear safety, following up on some of those visited in December 2025 and examining additional sites not previously assessed.

IAEA teams reported military activities or air raid alarms at all five nuclear sites in Ukraine over the past week. The teams at the Chornobyl site and at the Khmelnitsky NPP were informed that military objects flying within five kilometers of the sites had been observed on 11 and 15 January, respectively. At ZNPP, the team continues to hear a large number of explosions, including some within the vicinity of the site. The team at the South Ukraine NPP has reported multiple air raid alarms each day over the past week and were informed that a military flying object had been observed approximately 10km from the site.

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China has called on the United States to stop using the so-called “China threat” as a pretext for pursuing its own selfish interests.

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

BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) — China has repeatedly stated its position on the Greenland issue and called on the United States to stop using the so-called "China threat" as an excuse to pursue its own interests, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Monday.

As the Chinese diplomat stated at a regular departmental press conference, international law, based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, is the foundation of the existing international order and must be strictly observed.

Guo Jiakun made the statement in response to a question about US President Donald Trump's recent announcement that the US would impose 10 percent tariffs on all goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland starting February 1, 2026, over the Greenland issue, and would raise the tariffs to 25 percent starting June 1 if no agreement is reached on the US purchase of the island. -0-

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Polytechnic University entered the top three universities in St. Petersburg in terms of the number of finalists in the "I am a Professional" Olympiad.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Following the qualifying round of the ninth season of the All-Russian Student Olympiad "I Am a Professional" (I Am a Professional), a competition organized by the Presidential Platform "Russia – Land of Opportunities," 3,637 students from St. Petersburg successfully completed the tasks and will continue their quest for victory in the finals. A total of 29,219 students from across the country reached the final round, including 574 from the Polytechnic University.

During the qualifying round, participants tested their knowledge in 70 areas. Each student could choose an unlimited number of subjects, regardless of their field of study.

The success of the St. Petersburg students proves that high-quality training and ambitious young people can be found in every community in our country. It's important to us that motivated participants, regardless of their place of study, have the opportunity to prove themselves and build a successful career. In the ninth season of the Olympiad, 3,637 students from 55 regional universities will discover a wide range of opportunities for growth and development. "I wish you success!" shared Andrey Betin, CEO of the "Russia – Land of Opportunity" Presidential Platform and Rector of the Senezh Management Workshop.

The final stage begins in February 2026. Diploma holders will receive preferential admission to master's, doctoral, and residency programs, while medalists will receive cash bonuses of up to 300,000 rubles.

"859 students from St. Petersburg State University advanced to the final round. Students from ITMO National Research University (707) and Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (574) also showed strong performance, with the most in-demand subjects in the region being Programming and Information Technology, Mathematics, and Jurisprudence," noted Valeria Kasamara, head of the All-Russian Student Olympiad "I Am a Professional."

The All-Russian Student Olympiad "I Am a Professional" is being implemented as part of the national project "Youth and Children" with the support of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is organizing the competition in the "Mechanical Engineering" track.

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January 19, 2026: Saving the most valuable things from fire: The Zapovednoye Poslost Foundation and MTS launched a "fire safety" video course for employees of protected areas.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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The Zapovednoye Posolstvo (Reserve Embassy) Charitable Educational Foundation and the Zapovedniki Ecocenter training center, together with MTS, presented an online training course, "Integrated Fire Prevention and Elimination Methods for Protected Area Staff." The program was developed to train specialists in strengthening the fire protection of Russia's unique natural areas. The course, for specialists and staff of environmental NGOs, is available on platform "Reserve Academy" and is timed to coincide with the celebration of the 109th anniversary of the Russian nature reserve system.

The published course, "Integrated Methods of Fire Prevention and Elimination for Protected Area Staff," is taught by Grigory Kuksin, PhD in agricultural sciences and lecturer in the Department of Forest Conservation, Protection, and Regeneration at the All-Russian Institute for Advanced Training in Forestry Specialists. He is one of the country's most respected experts and practitioners, with 27 years of experience in fire suppression in natural areas from the Far East to the Caucasus. In October 2025, the Zapovednoye Posolstvo Foundation and MTS organized a seminar with Grigory Kuksin in one of the most challenging areas for fires—Buzuluksky Bor National Park in the Orenburg Region. Participants monitored and developed effective fire suppression tactics, and also learned analytical methods to understand why fire safety regulations are violated and whether the cause and spread of fires is due to the negligence of tourists or the burning of dry grass.

The findings formed the basis of a video course developed by the Zapovednoye Posolstvo Foundation and MTS. It contains useful information on analyzing fire causes and fire suppression failures, the systematic work of an entire institution, and approaches to fire prevention, which participants in the Orenburg Region seminar received in person. The training consists of four modules, covering topics on a comprehensive approach to fire prevention, the specifics of developing and training staff in protected areas, and the role of fire in the formation of natural systems.

The course "Integrated Fire Prevention and Response Methods for Protected Area Staff" is designed for government inspectors, specialists from security and science departments, protected area managers, volunteer fire brigades, and local residents. Participants will not only receive a certificate but also a set of ready-made solutions for implementation in their areas. You can register for the course here. follow the link on the platform "Reserve Academy".

"The resulting course is crucial for protected areas. The statistics are alarming: according to the Federal Forestry Agency and the Center for Landscape Fire Prevention, over 90% of fires are caused by humans, and fires affect dozens of nature reserves and national parks every year. These flames destroy rare species of flora and fauna, which take decades to recover, and lead to soil erosion and disruption of water systems," notes Ksenia Gasparyan, Development Director of the Nature Conservation Embassy Foundation.

"The team of authors has systematized best practices for firefighting in protected areas and packaged them in a convenient digital format. This course is not just theory, but a step-by-step guide for those who care about nature conservation on a daily basis. For MTS, protecting green spaces is an important component of its ESG strategy. Our goal is not just to integrate carbon management principles into our operations but also to implement measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," says Yuri Savelyev, Vice President for Sustainable Development at MTS PJSC.

As Evgeny Pisarevsky, Head of the Forest Fire Protection Department at the Federal Forestry Agency, reported at the end of 2025, signs of global climate change are becoming clearly visible—one of the reasons for the increase in the number and size of fires. In 2025, according to preliminary results, 6,800 forest fires were recorded on forest lands covering an area of almost 4.5 million hectares. Large fires occurred in specially protected natural areas of federal significance in Transbaikalia, Buryatia, and other regions of Siberia and the Far East. This year, fires have noticeably shifted beyond the 66th parallel, into the Arctic zone! And the fire season in Russia has virtually lasted year-round.

In such conditions, prevention and proper fire suppression are an extremely important part of the work to save the country's natural heritage.

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.