Moscow signed a cooperation agreement with the Republic of Karelia, Sobyanin said.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin and the head of the Republic of Karelia, Artur Parfenchikov, signed an agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation between the two regions for the next five years.

"Five years ago, we signed an interregional cooperation agreement with Karelia. Much has happened in those five years, and economic and social ties between our regions have significantly strengthened. More than 800 Karelian enterprises have signed contracts to fulfill government contracts in Moscow," noted Sergei Sobyanin.

According to him, Karelian products are regularly featured at Moscow fairs and stores. The flow of tourists between Moscow and the Republic of Karelia is steadily growing.

"Today we are signing a new agreement that will strengthen our cooperation in transport, industry, education, healthcare, and a number of other areas," added Sergei Sobyanin.

The Moscow Mayor also thanked Artur Parfenchikov for their fruitful collaboration and expressed hope that the new agreement, in keeping with the established tradition, will strengthen contacts between the regions for the benefit of Muscovites and residents of the Republic of Karelia.

Artur Parfenchikov, in turn, thanked Sergei Sobyanin and noted that much has been accomplished within the framework of the cooperation program over the past five years.

"Of course, Moscow is a huge market for us; it represents modern technologies for managing the city and the national economy. This, of course, represents significant experience. And I can simply cite a few examples of our five-year cooperation. Firstly, we are very pleased that Moscow is now actively adorned with Karelian stone. Sergei Semenovich and I signed a major interregional offset contract between Moscow and Karelia for the extraction and supply of Karelian crushed stone and Karelian building stone, and, of course, this is very important to us," noted Artur Parfenchikov.

Furthermore, in recent years, Moscow has purchased several thousand Karelian-made outdoor exercise machines. They have been installed in the capital's parks and embankments. The equipment has already received positive reviews from Muscovites.

Moreover, Moscow residents frequently visit Karelia for tourism and are among the main participants in the "Arctic Hectare" program, which allows Russians to obtain a free plot of land of up to one hectare upon meeting certain conditions. Thus, Karelia has become not only a vacation spot for Muscovites, but also a second residence and a business location.

"Therefore, I am confident that our new agreement will truly serve the interests of Moscow, the Republic of Karelia, and our entire vast country," emphasized Artur Parfenchikov.

The head of the republic reported that Moscow architects are helping to decorate the embankments of Petrozavodsk, which are the main landmark of the republic's capital, and also expressed gratitude for the ongoing cooperation between Moscow and Karelia.

Strengthening cooperation

The document envisages the development of the provisions of the previous agreement signed in 2014, and provides for the development and strengthening of ties in the fields of transport, information and communications technology, industry, the agro-industrial complex, trade and services, architecture and construction, housing and utilities, the improvement of urban areas and public spaces, healthcare and education, science and culture, tourism and sports, environmental protection, family and youth policy, social protection and employment promotion, cooperation with socially oriented non-profit organizations, and others.

Karelia is a reliable trade and economic partner of Moscow.

"Karelia is our long-standing, reliable partner. We supply the republic with automobiles, fuel oil, finished ferrous metals, medical equipment, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food," added Sergei Sobyanin in his MAX messenger channel.

Source: Moscow Mayor's channelMAX messenger

In turn, Karelia supplies the capital with food products—fish and canned fish, meat delicacies, vegetable oil, liquor, soft drinks, mineral and carbonated water, milk—as well as construction materials, furniture, and lumber.

Karelian enterprises are actively participating in the implementation of Moscow state procurement. From 2021 to 2025, 879 contracts worth over four billion rubles were signed, approximately 47 percent of which—411 contracts worth a total of 53.5 million rubles—were for small-volume purchases.

Karelian producers of fish products, honey, confectionery, clothing, and souvenirs participate in the Moscow Seasons festival series. Each year, companies are awarded spots at interregional fairs in the capital.

"Connections in education, culture, sports, and healthcare play a major role. Over the past five years, approximately two thousand residents of Karelia have been treated in Moscow city hospitals," Sergei Sobyanin noted on his MAX messenger channel.

Teachers and students from the two regions participate in joint conferences, roundtables, webinars, and other educational events.

In May 2021, the Days of the Republic of Karelia were held in Moscow. Every year, the VDNKh hosts the "Sampo Mill" festival of the peoples of the Republic of Karelia, where guests can learn about the region's history, traditions, and culture. Athletes from Karelia regularly participate in competitions held in Moscow, while athletes from Moscow participate in tournaments throughout the republic.

Karelia's tourism potential is showcased on the Russpass digital platform, created at the initiative of the Moscow Government. In October 2025, a themed train, "Karelia—A Place Where Strength Returns," was launched on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya metro line.

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Music in Pushkin's House of Happiness

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The A.S. Pushkin Memorial Apartment on Arbat invites you to an interactive tour program, "Music in the House of Pushkin's Happiness." It will be led by Ekaterina Stukalina (flute) and Alexandra Malysheva (guitar), winners of national and international competitions. They will perform musical pieces along with their stories.

Guests will also be invited to participate in interactive games, answer riddles, dance a gypsy dance, and decipher the poet's manuscript.

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.

"Women's Courage of Compassion": An Open Dialogue at the Polytechnic University

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The Harmony Volunteer Project Center hosted an open dialogue, "Women's Courage and Compassion," dedicated to the role of women and volunteers at the front and in the home front. The event brought together students, volunteers, community leaders, veterans, participants of the Special Military Forces, and humanitarian volunteers.

“War has an unwomanly face” is a phrase that has become a symbol of how unnatural war is for women and how great their sacrifice is.

A woman's heroism is a quiet act of bravery that saves the world when it collapses. The meeting discussed the power of compassion and the strength of character. In war, a woman is a soldier, a sister, and the very hope of life.

Valentina Kanivetskaya, a UAV operator and navigator with the call sign "Sakura," shared her experience: "I volunteered for the front to protect my children and my homeland. Serving in a UAV may seem easy, like playing with a joystick, but in reality, it's a daily grind: equipment delivery, camouflage, topography, and so on. Innovation never stands still, and it's always necessary to learn and develop."

Her position was supported by her husband, reconnaissance group commander and head of the unmanned systems service, Bohdan Kanivetsky, call sign "Shogun": Having UAV operators operating in a specific combat zone significantly simplifies missions. This includes not only engaging the enemy with fire without unnecessary personnel losses, but also reconnaissance and participating in humanitarian missions—for example, delivering water, medicine, and food packages to hard-to-reach areas.

During an open and honest discussion, special attention was paid to the role of humanitarian volunteers, whose work is also crucial in helping people and supporting military personnel.

Volunteers and humanitarian mission workers are a special category of heroines whose heroism often remains less publicized, but no less significant.

The home front is the second front. Volunteer work of humanitarian mission volunteers, headquarters

For 4 years, the SVO volunteers-polytechnicians within the framework of the activities of the student Headquarters

The event also included a humanitarian aid donation from the Youth Council of the Leningrad Region House of Friendship. Participants decided to contribute to the general humanitarian aid collection being held at the Polytechnic University Volunteer Projects Center.

I'm glad to be back at the Polytechnic. We once opened the first student headquarters here together with "Harmony."

Elena Rodina, a physician, volunteer for the SVO humanitarian missions, a reserve officer, and the head of the civil society "Help for Fighters," spoke to students about medical care and humanitarian support.

Other speakers also took an active part in the discussion of issues of patriotism, volunteerism, and support for military personnel:

Sergey Skoriantov is a veteran of the Air Defense Forces, served in the separate detachment "Night Wolves" of the international brigade "Pyatnashka", took part in the liberation of Avdiivka, deputy chief of staff of the regional branch of the All-Russian Public Movement "Yunarmiya" in St. Petersburg; Anzhelika Kanayan is a volunteer of humanitarian missions of the Air Defense Forces, emergency situations, awarded the medal "For Faith and Loyalty", the award "For significant contribution to the provision of volunteer assistance to participants in the Special Military Operation and residents of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics", head of the youth club "Unconquered Frontier" of the Teenage and Youth Center "LIGOVO"; Alexander German is a participant of the Air Defense Forces, director of the Nevsky Front Charitable Foundation, member of the Association of Veterans of the Air Defense Forces; Nikolai Petrov is a veteran of the SVO, participated in battles as part of the 41st motorized rifle regiment, 72nd motorized rifle division of the 44th army corps, a graduate of the Polytechnic Institute, and a student of the Harmony Center.

During the open discussion, invited guests shared personal stories, discussing their experiences in combat, humanitarian missions, supporting soldiers and civilians, and the role of mutual aid and volunteerism. Particular attention was paid to women's participation in humanitarian work, both at the front and in the home front, their strength of character, and their ability to maintain humanity even in the most difficult circumstances.

Nikolai Petrov noted that as a student at the Polytechnic University, he always tried to be active and participated in many volunteer activities. This helped him during combat missions. Nikolai volunteered for the front, fully aware and conscious that this decision would change his life forever. He also noted the importance of letters, talismans, and toys that soldiers receive at the front along with humanitarian aid: Sometimes this link to the outside world, to civilian life, has incredible power, motivating them to go into battle, live, and survive. Every soldier has such talismans, which they keep close to their chest.

The students asked the heroes questions. They discussed why and how people can get involved in volunteer work today. Representatives of partner organizations and volunteer associations joined the discussion, including members of veterans' organizations, volunteer rescuers, and the student squad of the All-Russian Student Rescue Corps (VSKS).

Such encounters remind us that kindness, support, and mutual responsibility are an important part of the university community and society at large. Darya Shanina, leader of the VSKS student brigade at the Polytechnic University, described her impressions: "That day at the Polytechnic University was truly warm and poignant. We listened to those who know about the VSKS firsthand. Looking at the fragile young women, volunteers, and veterans, you catch yourself wondering: how do they manage to contain so much strength, tenderness, and willingness to help? For us, VSKS volunteers, this conversation was special—the guests' stories made us realize anew that true patriotism lives in the heart, and compassion requires no less courage. It was touching, as they spoke of their connection to their homeland, that being a defender is not only a man's role, and that such encounters change us, making us purer and more humane.

The students were deeply impressed by the open, simple, and honest conversation. Grigory Silivirov, a student at the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade at SPbPU, shared his impressions: "The event, which focused on women's courage during a special military operation, was a truly profound revelation for me. Thanks to the guests who helped our soldiers, I realized how vital the support of ordinary citizens is during such difficult times. What struck me most was that a humanitarian volunteer, a fragile woman with a C, D, and E driver's license, had to travel to the front line to transport humanitarian aid. I'm very glad that our people are helping the soldiers. I'm sure this motivates the soldiers to fight for their homeland."

IPMEiT student Evgeny Efimov added about the significance of such events: "The meeting was heartfelt, which was unexpected for me. We heard stories from the war zone firsthand. The importance of such events cannot be overstated. These are real stories of real heroes and true patriots of their homeland. One such hero for me was Elena Rodina, a volunteer in the deep rear, providing humble soldiers with everything they needed. Sleeping less than four hours a night and constantly being in danger couldn't sow doubt in her: 'Why am I doing this?' The meeting demonstrated the importance of both sides, both those on the front lines and those on the home front, including women. This inspires respect and pride for the country."

The meeting concluded with creative performances by students of the Humanities Institute, who perform in hospitals as part of the university headquarters volunteer group.

During difficult times, civic solidarity and a willingness to help others become a crucial part of public support. And our Harmony slogan has been relevant since 2017: "Together we can do more!" notes the Center's director, Tatyana Nam.

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.

Moscow will receive 100 new large-capacity suburban buses.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The first large-capacity NefAZ-5299 commuter buses have arrived in the capital. They will operate on the Moscow-Moscow Region project routes, according to the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry. Maxim Liksutov.

"Following Sergei Sobyanin's instructions, we, together with the Moscow Region Government, continue to improve transport links with the Moscow Region. Last year, we launched the "Moscow-Region" project, which has brought modern and comfortable buses to suburban routes. A total of 100 NefAZ-5299 suburban buses will be deployed to the capital to serve these routes," said Maxim Liksutov.

The new vehicles feature an improved interior for long-distance travel. Other features include 36 soft seats with seat belts, adaptive interior lighting, climate control, and special seats and equipment for passengers with reduced mobility. Phone charging is also available. Information about stops is available on media screens. Trip reviews can be left using QR codes on board.

The buses fully comply with Moscow transport standards and are adapted for transporting passengers in wheelchairs, as well as bicycles and strollers.

Development of transport infrastructure

Moscow is developing its ground passenger transport network. Last year, modern technology began to be deployed on suburban routes. This improves the quality of life not only in the capital but also in the Moscow region. The opening of new interregional routes will boost the development of transport infrastructure in the Moscow region. Specifically, modern bus stops will be installed, dedicated lanes will be developed, and new and existing transport hubs will be built. Various modes of public transport will provide daily travel from the Moscow region to the capital and back. By 2028, the Moscow transport system plans to integrate at least 30 percent of existing suburban routes.

In 2025, 25 existing suburban routes operating in the northwest and west were integrated into the Moscow transport system. More than 50 new routes are planned for integration in 2026. This was made possible thanks to an agreement between the governments of Moscow and the Moscow region. These routes have adopted Moscow transport standards, including convenient bus intervals and schedules, modern rolling stock, and professional drivers.

You can pay for your trip with a Troika card, which you can purchase and top up at Moscow Metro ticket offices and ticket vending machines. You can also top up your card online through the Moscow Metro or Moscow Transport mobile app, then activate the remote top-up feature at any validator on board the bus.

In accordance with the objectives of the national project Infrastructure for Life Moscow is focusing on modernizing its social and public infrastructure, including increasing the number of convenient public transportation routes and upgrading its rolling stock. More information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

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

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The splendor of the manor house theater

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The Vorontsovo Estate invites you to Veronika Teletskaya's lecture, "The Splendor of the Landowner's Theater." Attendees will learn how estate halls were transformed into professional theater venues, what technological innovations the landowners used to surprise their guests, and why home productions often surpassed the imperial ones in quality.

The speaker will also discuss the fates of actors, their creative paths, including their entry into the world opera scene, and the personal dramas of serf prima ballerinas, as well as what happened to private troupes after the abolition of serfdom.

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.

Akademika Cherenkova Street in Troitsk will be extended to Kaluga Highway.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Construction on a section of Academician Cherenkov Street in Troitsk continues. In total, approximately two kilometers of roads will be built there. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction. Vladimir Efimov.

"Akademika Cherenkova Street in Troitsk will be extended to Kaluga Highway. Work on the project is currently 65 percent complete. The new road will be 1.9 kilometers long. It will run from the junction of the existing section of Akademika Cherenkova Street with Akademika Franka Street. From there, an exit will be provided onto Akademika Dykhne Street, leading to retail facilities, and an exit onto Kaluga Highway. Traffic on the new road network is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026," noted Vladimir Efimov.

Akademika Cherenkova Street is a 15-meter-wide, four-lane, district-level transport and pedestrian road that will accommodate public transport.

"The project also includes the reconstruction of the exit from the Kaluga Highway towards the village of Podsobnoye Khozyaistvo Minzag, the relocation of utility lines, and the improvement of the surrounding area, including the planting of approximately 2,900 trees and shrubs," added the head of the Department of Construction of Transport and Engineering Infrastructure.

Vasily Desyatkov.

The construction of the street and road network in Troitsk is being carried out under the supervision of the Moscow State Construction Supervision Committee (Mosgosstroynadzor). Its chairman Anton Slobodchikov He noted that since the start of work in 2024, committee inspectors have been monitoring the compliance of the work with design documentation at every stage. During a regular on-site inspection, specialists from the subordinate Center for Expertise, Research, and Testing in Construction confirmed the quality of the materials and the strength of the monolithic retaining wall structures. The project is being implemented taking into account the complex terrain and challenging geological conditions of the site.

Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin spoke about the construction of the finishing line fifth section of the highway Solntsevo-Butovo-Varshavskoe Highway, which will stretch from Polyany Street to Varshavskoe Highway.

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.

State Duma Deputy Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy delivered a report on his work to the citizens of the South-Eastern Administrative Okrug at the State University of Management.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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On March 16, Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Pyotr Tolstoy addressed residents of the South-Eastern Administrative District at the State University of Management.

The first to speak was Vladimir Stroev, Rector of the State University of Management, who noted the long-standing friendship between the university and Petr Olegovich.

"We are honored that our district's deputy is delivering his report to the public at GUU. I would like to point out that this is far from the first time, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Our university has been training leaders for our country for nearly 150 years, and recently entered the top 10 alma maters of State Duma deputies of the 8th convocation, so such meetings at our venue are highly symbolic," said Vladimir Stroyev.

Next, Andrei Tsybin, secretary of the district branch of United Russia and prefect of the South-Eastern Administrative District, delivered a report. He emphasized the significant work Pyotr Tolstoy does for the residents of the South-Eastern Administrative District and noted the large-scale humanitarian work carried out by the district.

"Despite his position in the State Duma, Pyotr Olegovich also works on the district team; he's close to our needs and our problems. Every district head feels his support and turns to him for help. Furthermore, despite his busy schedule, Pyotr Tolstoy participates in humanitarian convoys and in aiding SVO participants, which is especially important today," said Andrey Tsybin.

Pyotr Tolstoy spoke to residents about the tasks accomplished during his tenure in the State Duma, noted the influence of the geopolitical situation on the agenda, and emphasized the importance of supporting not only the SVO participants but also their families.

"I see familiar faces in the audience; we've been in touch with many of them for over 10 years. And during this time, not only our district, but Moscow and all of Russia have changed dramatically. After the start of the special military operation, it was important to support the president's choice, the country's choice as a sovereign power, ready to fight for its freedom and independence. And I want to thank everyone who has been supporting those on the front lines and their families living in our district for several years now. We must remember these people and their heroism. This has been the main theme for me and my supporters over the past four years," emphasized Pyotr Tolstoy.

During the meeting, representatives from various districts and individual residents discussed the issues addressed with the deputy's direct involvement and shared their vision for the district's future development.

At the end of the meeting, Pyotr Tolstoy announced that he would run for the State Duma in the upcoming elections.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: March 17, 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Over the course of a year, the capital's museums welcomed young visitors approximately 2.5 million times.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Children and teenagers from Moscow and other Russian cities visited Moscow museums approximately 2.5 million times in 2025. This is eight percent more than in 2024, according to Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

"Popular venues include the State Darwin Museum, the Cosmonautics Museum, and the Tsaritsyno and Kolomenskoye museum-reserves. These institutions offer young visitors a variety of educational formats, including tours, games, and workshops," noted Natalya Sergunina.

During classes at the Darwin Museum, guests learn more about the ancient inhabitants of the Earth, explore the secrets of paint creation, try to identify animals by their tracks, and imagine themselves as paleontologists.

At the Cosmonautics Museum, you can not only learn about space technology and famous people who worked in this industry, but also make memorable souvenirs yourself.

The Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve houses a children's museum—an interactive space where almost all exhibits are designed for interaction. Visitors are entertained by learning about the traditions, architecture, and fashion of yesteryear.

"Thanks to the city's 'Museums for Children' project, young Muscovites have the opportunity to explore exhibitions on history, architecture, art, biology, and other topics free of charge. Over the past eight and a half years, children have used the project more than 4.6 million times. Last year alone, the number of visits under the project exceeded 860,000," explained Natalya Sergunina.

The program is aimed at Moscow schoolchildren and full-time college students who have a Muscovite card or "Moskvenok."

Every year, the capital's museums and galleries host exhibitions dedicated to the city's history, landmarks, and residents. Over the past three years, over 80 such exhibitions have been presented. projects.

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: 03/17/2026, 11:57 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range for assessing market risks for the USD, USDF, USDW, UD1, UD3, UD2, UD4/RUB currency pair were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the foreign exchange market and the precious metals market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by the National Clearing Center (JSC) on March 17, 2026, 11:57 AM (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to RUB 89.7775 in the TOD settlement mode) and the market risk assessment range (up to RUB 95.2183, equivalent to an 18.3% rate) for the USD, USDF, USDW, UD1, UD3, UD2, UD4/RUB currency pair were changed. New values are available. Here.

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.

Financial News: On Calculating Change Values for Indexes and iNAV.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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From March 23, 2026, Moscow Exchange will unify the calculation of the “Change to Close” indicator and the filling of the “Previous Close” field for all indices and iNAV.

The "Change to Close" indicator for iNAV will be calculated as a percentage change relative to the indicator's value at the close of the previous primary session, and the "Previous Close" field will contain the close of the previous primary session, excluding any additional sessions. A similar approach is already in place for stock market indices. This change will ensure data consistency and transparency for all market participants.

In the Moscow Exchange Information and Statistical Server (ISS), the specified indicators are available in the following fields:

Name Description
LASTVALUE The last index value of the previous main session
LASTCHANGE Change the current value to the value of the previous main session, points
LASTCHANGEPRC Change in the current value to the value of the previous main session, %
LASTCHANGEBP Change in current value to the value of the previous main session, basis points

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.