How the "Prelude to the Spring Festival" event was held at RUDN University

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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At RUDN University, the New Year comes twice. On the eve of the Spring Festival, the university walls were filled with music, bright colors, and a festive buzz—this time in honor of the upcoming Year of the Horse according to the lunar calendar.

The gala concert "Prelude to the Spring Festival. The Whole World is Watching CMG" brought together distinguished guests, diplomats, students, and faculty at RUDN University's main building. Among them were Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Russia Zhang Hanhui, Chairman of the Russian Section of the Russian-Chinese Committee for Friendship, Peace, and Development Boris Titov, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky, Russian Foreign Ministry representative Anatoly Tsvyk, and heads of leading media outlets. Before the concert, guests had the opportunity to try their hand at the traditional game of touhu, assemble a "Luban Castle" puzzle, cut out jianzhi patterns, and write chunlian New Year's wishes during calligraphy classes.

Spring, which is always with us

Opening the ceremony, Shen Haixiong, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of China Media Group (CMG), addressed the guests via video link, noting the scale and global significance of the gala concert. The Chinese Ambassador then took the floor. Zhang Hanhui reiterated: The Spring Festival is not simply a change of calendar, but a symbol of renewal, family warmth, and hope.

"The idea of renewal and harmony embodied in the Spring Festival resonates remarkably well with the current stage of Chinese-Russian relations. As Russian President Vladimir Putin recently said, 'For Russian-Chinese relations, any time of year is spring.' Trade turnover between China and Russia has exceeded $200 billion for the third year in a row, and its structure is becoming increasingly balanced and stable. The Cross-Cultural Years have successfully concluded, visa-free travel has come into effect, and contacts between the people of our countries are becoming ever closer. On the international stage, we are strengthening coordination, jointly advancing the reform of the global governance system in the interests of greater justice and equality," said Zhang Hanhui.

RUDN University President Vladimir Filippov placed particular importance on the selection of the event's venue. The university, which currently hosts students from over 160 countries, has long been home to thousands of young people from China. The numbers speak for themselves.

"This year, we admitted a record number of students from China—1,506. Our total now stands at 2,564. Of these, 565 were admitted to state-funded places through a competition run by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. These are the best of the best," said Vladimir Filippov.

He also recalled that the course toward strengthening ties with the East was set by the Russian President back in 2000—and Vladimir Putin's first foreign visit as head of state took place to China.

"Back then, the course to the East had already been set. And today we see how this decision has become the foundation of a new architecture of international cooperation," said Vladimir Filippov.

The RUDN University President also discussed the objectives of the Years of Russian-Chinese Cooperation in Education.

"This period shouldn't simply be a series of one-off events. We need to create a system, a comprehensive framework that will continue to operate. We're already implementing 15 joint educational programs, and we have 90 agreements with Chinese universities. We're currently negotiating the creation of an international center based at RUDN University and Xi'an University within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization," said Vladimir Filippov.

Diplomacy and Education: A Common Route

Speaking on stage, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky drew attention to a symbolic coincidence: this year, Chinese New Year coincided with Diplomatic Workers' Day.

"The strengthening of the Russia-China partnership is largely thanks to our foreign policy agencies. But education plays a key role in maintaining the achieved level of mutual understanding and passing it on to future generations," said Konstantin Mogilevsky.

Konstantin Ilyich also announced a rich program of cross-year education and thanked RUDN for making the concert one of the first events of the thematic two-year program. According to him, the events will cover educational, scientific, youth, and intercultural cooperation, as well as the promotion of Russian and Chinese language learning.

On behalf of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko, Second Secretary of the First Asian Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Anatoly Tsvyk, welcomed the guests. His congratulatory message emphasized the university's role in training personnel for bilateral relations.

"In the era of innovation, highly qualified specialists are in demand. They will be responsible for advancing Russian-Chinese strategic cooperation in the near future," says Anatoly Tsvyk.

Round dance and a memorable gift

However, "Prelude to the Spring Festival" wasn't just formal speeches, but a veritable kaleidoscope of cultures. The Russian National Ballet "Kostroma" swirled the audience with the dance "Bystrinochka," followed by students from Moscow's universities performing "Blue and White Porcelain"—as delicate as a porcelain cup and just as graceful.

The audience also witnessed a rapid-fire "mask" change performed by Sichuan Opera artists, heard the "Pinyin Alphabet Song" performed by students from Moscow School No. 548, and concluded the program with a dance number, "Festival," where RUDN students charged the audience with the energy and rhythm of African, Asian, Latin American, and Russian folk melodies.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of a gift by the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society. Artist Anna Donchenko, a student of the renowned artist Gu Daming, presented Wang Bin, head of the CMG Media Corporation's Eurasian Bureau, with her painting "A Horse Brings Good Luck." She completed the work right on stage, writing in hieroglyphs the phrase "A swift-footed steed gallops forward irresistibly."

Furthermore, the online Chinese language school "Media Plus" announced support for 15 subsidized study trips to Chongqing for RUDN University representatives. This year, university students will have even more opportunities to see China firsthand.

The Spring Festival at RUDN University has concluded, but its overture is just beginning. Ahead lies the live broadcast of the CMG Gala Concert on February 16th on VK, the screenings on Poklonnaya Hill on February 17th, and, most importantly, two cross-years that promise to be a time of true breakthroughs in education and friendship between the two countries.

As university president Vladimir Filippov noted, "A horse symbolizes energy and movement toward a goal. Let's wish each other to keep up the pace."

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Enrollment is open for the Pre-University of the State University of Management

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Source: Official website of the State –

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The Pre-University of the State University of Management has opened enrollment for tenth-grade students for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Recruitment is carried out in three specialized areas:

Socioeconomic profile with in-depth study of mathematics, economics and social sciences; Social and Humanitarian profile with in-depth study of social sciences, English and history; Technological profile (IT-focused) with in-depth study of mathematics, ICT and English.

In addition to compulsory subjects, students attend thematic courses and utilize the university's resources for project-based research activities and supplementary education, including developing individual projects at the university's institutes.

As part of career guidance work with Pre-University students, meetings are held on a regular basis with the rector's office of the State University of Management, the faculty, and the Student Council.

GUU teachers conduct extracurricular activities with students. For example, through this collaboration, they learn about "Brand Promotion" and the basics of "Financial Literacy" and "Information Systems and Programming," allowing them to become full participants in the educational and developmental processes not only at school but also at the university.

Students of the Pre-University School of the State University of Management are active participants in the "School – University – Partners" ecosystem for two years, making it easier for them to adapt to student life and choose their future profession.

You can find the rules for admission to the Pre-University by following this link. To do this, you will need to register in your personal account on the SUM Digital Corps.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 12, 2026.

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From Virus to Inflammation: St. Petersburg Scientists on the Risks of Flu in Pregnant Women

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Influenza virus infection during pregnancy poses significant risks to the health of the mother and fetus and may contribute to adverse neuropsychiatric outcomes in the offspring. Epidemiological studies conducted over the years have linked influenza in pregnant women with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and cognitive deficits in the child later in life. A study by a team of St. Petersburg scientists demonstrated that the underlying cause is not the virus itself, but rather the mother's protective response. Understanding these mechanisms may help develop strategies to reduce the risks of neurodevelopmental impairment associated with prenatal infections. The study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Ministry of Health. The results were published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.

Seasonal influenza causes between 3 and 5 million severe cases of illness worldwide each year, and its danger to pregnant women is particularly high. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, for example, it was found that the infection could lead to premature births and low-birth-weight babies. Other adverse effects of influenza on pregnant mothers include preterm birth, low birth weight, increased risk of infant mortality, weakened respiratory immunity, and, in some cases, various neurodevelopmental disorders (including schizophrenia, psychotic or psychosis-like states, mood disorders, developmental delays, and bipolar disorder). Scientists worldwide are investigating the specific mechanisms underlying the development of such complications, but the detailed mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Most studies suggest that the influenza virus is generally unable to cross the placenta.

An interdisciplinary team of St. Petersburg scientists conducted a detailed study of the mechanism by which adverse effects on the fetus occur due to maternal influenza infection during pregnancy using an animal model of the infection. The study involved scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the A. A. Smorodintsev Influenza Research Institute, and the I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The scientists examined the effects of infection with two strains of the A(H1N1) influenza virus during pregnancy using an animal model (mice). Severe infection led to a sharp decrease in offspring survival—from the normal 92% to 20–46%. Even the surviving offspring showed significant disruptions in brain development. The primary focus of the study was the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for memory formation, learning, and emotional regulation. It is in the hippocampus that the process of new nerve cell formation—neurogenesis—actively occurs throughout the perinatal period and into adulthood.

The study found that the most serious adverse effects on the fetus were caused not by the influenza virus itself, but by the inflammatory response it triggered in the mother's body, which led to disruption of neurogenesis.

We found that inflammatory signals from the mother's body led to two critical consequences: suppression of neurogenesis and chronic activation of glial cells. The offspring of mice that had experienced an influenza infection during pregnancy had a decreased number of neuronal stem and progenitor cells, which potentially impacts nerve cell formation. At the same time, it was shown that glial cells, which normally perform protective and supportive functions, entered a constantly activated, "inflammatory" state in key areas of the hippocampus, creating an unfavorable environment for neuronal development. This may be one of the mechanisms for the development of potential serious neurocognitive disorders in the future, noted Anastasia Rakovskaya, a research engineer at the Molecular Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory at the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology at SPbPU.

The study not only explains the observed link between influenza infection during pregnancy and the development of possible neurological complications in the future, but also suggests specific ways to protect the health of future generations.

Of course, the results of studies obtained on laboratory animals cannot be directly transferred to humans. However, given the available clinical data and the results of our work, we can formulate clear practical conclusions: 1. Vaccination of pregnant women against influenza should be a mandatory and primary preventative measure. 2. In the event of illness, antiviral therapy should be initiated as early as possible to suppress viral replication and, consequently, reduce the severity of the inflammatory response. 3. The development of safe drugs capable of selectively blocking proinflammatory cytokines in pregnant women is necessary, which could open a new direction in the development of anti-inflammatory drugs, said Yana Zabrodskaya, PhD in Physics and Mathematics and Associate Professor at the Higher School of Biomedical Systems and Technologies at the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology at SPbPU.

The implementation of the above measures will not only prevent long-term consequences for the child, but will also provide a significant economic effect, saving money on the treatment of possible mental and neurological disorders in the future.

All experiments were carried out with the financial support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (state assignment No. FSEG-2023-0014), with the exception of measurements of the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes, which were funded by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (state assignment No. 056-00025-25-01, topic No. 123021300165-6).

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The City as a Quest: The Victorious Route of the Polytechnics' "Siberian Code"

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Fourth-year students of the Higher School of Media Communications and Public Relations at the SPbPU Institute of Humanities, Maya Kazakova and Daria Savvateeva, won the All-Russian student project competition "Tourism Potential of Siberian Regions" with their creative concept for the urban educational and tourism quest "AZIMUT HOTELS: Siberian Code."

The winners of the "Siberian Code" project aim to develop Novosibirsk's territorial identity and enhance its tourist appeal through a modern format that combines gamification, storytelling, and partnerships with the city's cultural institutions.

The project's goal is to engage tourists in a historical, cultural, and scientific narrative that reveals the essence of Novosibirsk. The authors note that, unlike traditional tours, their case makes the city route interactive, targeting a digital audience aged 18–45, who are open to new formats and the active exchange of experiences on social media.

We offered Novosibirsk residents and guests a lively dialogue with the city. The idea is for the hotel to become a conduit for Novosibirsk's semantic layers—from its cultural cluster to its scientific heritage. "The Siberian Code" is an attempt to "assemble" the city into a story that can be experienced with the main characters," explained project co-author Maya Kazakova.

The "Siberian Code" route covers key points of the city's identity: the railway station, the opera and ballet theater, the philharmonic and musical theater, the local history and art museums, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the pharmacy museum.

The concept is based on a sequential progression through locations using game mechanics, hints, and digital tools. The focus is on balancing educational and entertaining components, engaging partners to offer prizes and discounts, and creating lasting connections between participants, cultural venues, and the hotel brand.

Marina Arkannikova, Director of the SPbPU Graduate School of Management and Social Sciences, noting the important role of the project's mentor, Associate Professor Irina Melnikova, emphasized the significance of the work for both the Polytechnic University and Novosibirsk: "This case demonstrates how our future graduates are already adept at working at the intersection of various fields of social engineering. The students not only presented a compelling approach in terms of methodological approaches but also proposed a philosophy for the city's brand, its values and semantic components. This is a crucial indicator that the Polytechnic University is preparing specialists capable of addressing the challenges of the city, society, and business—responsibly, measurably, and with consideration for the needs and values of their audiences and the objectives of Russia's cultural sovereignty."

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Financial news: Changes in IP addresses for the Network Certificate Directory service.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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As of February 8, 2026, the IP addresses for the Network Certificate Directory service have changed:

ldap://simple/vcert.pki.moex.com:50001/c=ruldap://simple/vcert.pki.moex.com:50003/c=ru

Please note: If you use the domain name vcert.pki.moex.com, then nothing changes for you. However, if you enter IP addresses manually, you will need to change the access settings:

Old IP addresses New IP addresses
TCP/91.203.254.35:50001TCP/91.203.254.35:50003 TCP/91.203.255.86:50001TCP/91.203.255.86:50003

Port numbers are preserved.

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

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Our own AI or someone else's? The upcoming certification will put an end to foreign neural networks in fleet and warehouse management.

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Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

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New FSTEC and FSB regulations may block the use of foreign algorithms for analyzing cargo flows, predicting equipment wear, and managing warehouses, as they will be deemed unsafe.

Russia may introduce mandatory certification of AI systems for critical infrastructure and government agencies, RBC reports.

The authorities have prepared a bill that will, for the first time, introduce differentiated regulation for artificial intelligence systems based on their risk level. Mandatory certification by the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEC) and the Federal Security Service (FSB) is planned for AI systems used in critical information infrastructure (CII) facilities and in public administration. This follows from the draft law "On the Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems by Agencies Part of the Unified System of Public Authority," a copy of which RBC has obtained.

According to the document, all AI systems will be divided into four risk categories: minimal, limited, high, and critical. High-risk systems will be those used in critical information infrastructure (CII) facilities—communication networks, energy, transportation, finance, and other significant industries. Critical risk implies a threat to life, health, or national security. It is for these two categories that a mandatory certificate of compliance will be required. The new National AI Center for Public Administration will determine the criticality level of each system and maintain a registry of approved solutions.

RBC has learned that testing of high- and critical-risk AI systems is planned for a special testing facility being established at the initiative of the Ministry of Digital Development. Successful completion of the tests will be a prerequisite for approval for use on critical information infrastructure (CI) facilities. Furthermore, the bill explicitly prohibits the use of AI systems with rights held by foreign entities on such infrastructure. The authors intend this to ensure technological sovereignty and protect against the risk of data leaks. A Ministry of Digital Development spokesperson, however, declined to comment on the details, stating only that the ministry is "not currently developing legislation" related to such a testing facility.

Market experts have varying assessments of the initiative's potential implications. On the one hand, the need to protect critical assets is undeniable. As Pavel Rastopshin, CEO of Ultimatek Group, notes, AI is currently frequently used in the energy, transportation, and housing and utilities sectors for predictive analytics, load management, and accident prevention, often based on solutions from international vendors such as Siemens or Schneider Electric. The idea of certification for such systems is understandable, but, according to him, there is currently no real mechanism for certifying neural networks with unpredictable behavior. "It cannot be tested for all situations, which means security cannot be guaranteed using traditional methods," Rastopshin noted. He admits that regulators may face a dilemma: either impose a restrictive regime, freezing digitalization, or seek fundamentally new approaches to regulation.

On the other hand, a strict ban on foreign AI solutions raises questions about practical implementation and potential costs. Vitaly Popov, Director of the Softline Solutions Department, points out that many companies have already integrated foreign systems into their processes, including open-source models (LR). Abruptly abandoning them could paralyze workflows. "This is a step backwards in terms of development… Many companies are already using foreign AI solutions… Will we be able to transition to Russian solutions without losses?" the expert asks. He also emphasizes that most domestic AI developments are built on architectures derived from global open source, so a legal ban will not eliminate technological dependence but merely limit access to the most mature models.

Denis Romanov, Director of the Lukomorye AI Product Development Center (part of Rostelecom), points out that not all foreign solutions are equally risky. Open-source models like Llama or Mistral can be deployed locally and, if trained on domestic data and with controlled updates, used with minimal risk. He believes the key factor is not the architecture's origin, but control over the entire chain: deployment, data, and updates.

At the same time, there are also warnings about the potential negative consequences of overly strict regulation for the emerging market. Dmitry Markov, CEO of VisionLabs (MTS), believes that strict measures at the initial stage of AI development could hinder technological progress, reduce the competitiveness of Russian developers, and trigger an outflow of qualified personnel.

As a reminder, Russia ranked 28th out of 36 countries in the Global AI Vibrancy Tool for 2024. Its strong legislative position contrasts with weak implementation and low research citation rates. LR

Read more:http://logirus.ru/nevs/infrastructure/your_and_or_someone else’s_upcoming_certification_to put an end to_on_foreign_neural networks.html

Publication date: 02/11/2026

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February 11, 2026. Two weeks of discounts up to 17% on cruises in Russia. Over 500 cruises on the Volga, Don, Kama, Yenisei, and Baikal rivers, 25 ships, and 23 departure cities. Get yours before February 25, 2026.

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Source: Infoflot Cruise Center – Infoflot Cruise Center –

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Dear friends,

From February 11 to 25, 2026, you can enjoy over 500 cruises across Russia on comfortable ships with special discounts of up to 17%.

Routes: Golden Ring, between Moscow and St. Petersburg, Karelia, Tatarstan, Solovetsky Islands, Volga, Don, Kama, Yenisei and Baikal.

23 departure cities: Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Saratov, Rostov-on-Don, Astrakhan, Volgograd, Perm, Petrozavodsk, Cherepovets, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Zavidovo, Gorodets, Tchaikovsky, Yekaterinburg, Ufa, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Dudinka and Ulan-Ude.

25 motor ships: “Alexander Pushkin”, “Alexander Radishchev”, “Alexander Suvorov”, “Vissarion Belinsky”, “Georgy Zhukov”, “Zosima Shashkov”, “Konstantin Korotkov”, “Konstantin Fedin”, “Kronstadt”, “Lenin”, “Maxim Gorky”, “Mustai Karim”, “Mstislav Rostropovich”, “Mikhail Frunze”, “Nizhny Novgorod”, “Nikolai Chernyshevsky”, “Rus”, “St. Petersburg”, “Semyon Budyonny”, “Sergey Kuchkin”, “Felix Dzerzhinsky”, “Yuri Andropov” and SVP “Biryusa”.

Discounts up to 17% – for selected cruises in the 2026 navigation. The cruise prices on our website include the current promotional offer; full payment – by February 25, 2026; only for new bookings made during the promotional period; cannot be combined with other discounts and promotions specified in the voyage;

The operating company reserves the right to change the list of flights participating in the promotion before the end of the special offer.

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"I never get tired on stage – that's where I live": 151 years since the birth of Vasily Kachalov

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Source: Official website of the State –

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Vasily Kachalov (real name Shverubovich) was a great Soviet and Russian actor, master of artistic expression, and teacher. He was born on February 11, 1875, in Vilnius, to a priest's family. His father wanted his son to follow in the priestly line, but his mother, descended from an ancient noble family, instilled in him a love of literature and art at an early age.

Let's go to the calling

Kachalov shared his school days at the 1st Vilnius Gymnasium with Felix Dzerzhinsky, Boris Gorev, and Konstantin Galkovsky. Even then, the boy began to understand his calling: he possessed a phenomenal memory, recited poetry expressively, and performed in amateur theatricals. The budding actor's signature performance was a Chatsky monologue.

In 1893, Vasily entered the law faculty of St. Petersburg University, but even here his passion for the stage prevailed – he began acting in a student drama group under the direction of Vladimir Davydov.

How the pseudonym came about

His theatrical debut took place in 1896 at the Suvorin Theater of the Literary and Artistic Society. It was then that the famous "Kachalov" appeared – a stage name that, according to Faina Ranevskaya, was given to the aspiring actor by Alexander Suvorin himself, the theater owner, editor of the Novoye Vremya newspaper, and a close friend and mentor of Chekhov. According to another version, Vasily's new surname was invented by Fyodor Chaliapin, who saw it in a newspaper he was reading at a coffee shop while meeting the actor. Yet another version holds that the artist chose his stage name after reading an obituary for N. N. Kachalov, the former governor of the Arkhangelsk province, in a St. Petersburg newspaper.

From a provincial theater actor to a Moscow Art Theater legend

From 1897, Vasily Kachalov traveled around the country on tour with Vasily Dolmatov, and until 1900 he performed in Kazan and Saratov in the "Kazan-Saratov Association of Actors" under the direction of Mikhail Borodai.

Konstantin Stanislavsky and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko recognized a future star in the young provincial actor, and in 1900 invited him to join the troupe of the newly opened Moscow Art Theater. However, at their first meeting, Stanislavsky was terribly disappointed, saying, "You're an outsider. An outsider! Perhaps in two or three years you'll become more at home with us, understand us, and accept what we have."

By that time, Vasily Kachalov had already mastered the art of approaching roles, interacting with the audience, and understanding their mood. His remarkable insight and ability to grasp the psychology of his characters quickly made him one of the theater's most indispensable actors. His first major role was Berendey in Ostrovsky's "The Snow Maiden," then he became Stanislavsky's understudy in Chekhov's plays, followed by Tuzenbach in Chekhov's "Three Sisters," the Baron in Gorky's "The Lower Depths," and Ivan Karamazov in a stage adaptation of Dostoevsky's novel.

Anton Pavlovich, though initially critical, praised the actor's work highly and, as a token of his gratitude, presented him with his autographed book after the performances of "The Cherry Orchard" and "Three Sisters." "To dear Vasily Ivanovich Kachalov, as a fond keepsake from the deeply respected, loving, and grateful author."

During the revolutions, Kachalov toured with his troupe, led by Stanislavsky, in southern Russia, Europe, and even America. From 1924 onward, he performed in Moscow and earned enormous fees—up to 1,000 rubles—which he spent not only on personal expenses but also on helping the actors under his charge.

Vasily Ivanovich served at the Moscow Art Theater for nearly half a century, playing around 60 roles and becoming the theater's leading star. Each new role and production was a true event for the entire capital. Kachalov's Hamlet became the best in the theater's history, earning critics the nickname "the Russian Hamlet."

Friendship with Faina Ranevskaya

For many years, the magnificent Faina Ranevskaya and the talented Vasily Kachalov were close friends. According to the actress, their first meeting took place on Stoleshnikov Lane, when she heard a familiar voice. Realizing it was Kachalov, her idol and first love, she was so overwhelmed that she fainted. He, like a true gentleman, helped her come to her senses and stayed with her until he was sure all was well. Several years later, Ranevskaya found herself in Moscow again. Dreaming of attending a Kachalov performance, she wrote him a letter sharing her desire and recalling her fainting spell. In response, she was informed that two tickets were waiting for her at the theater manager.

Thus began a long and strong friendship between the magnificent Faina Ranevskaya and the talented Vasily Kachalov. They often met offstage, visited each other, had long conversations about art, and recited poetry to each other. She described him as intelligent, able to listen and empathize with others. She later admitted: "I've only loved two people in my life. The first was Kachalov. I don't remember the second."

"Give me your paw for luck, Jim."

Another close friend of Kachalov's was Sergei Yesenin, one of the most famous poets of the Silver Age. Vasily greatly admired his work and became one of the first to perform Yesenin's poems on stage. Until the last years of his life, he included them in the program of his literary evenings.

Yesenin dedicated one of his most famous works to his friend’s pet, the Doberman Jim.

"Give me your paw, Jim, for luck, I've never seen such a paw. Let's bark in the moonlight for the quiet, silent weather."

The first line of this poem may seem familiar to you. It's exactly what Lukashin said in "The Irony of Fate"!

Vasily Kachalov became a true legend of Russian theater and a paragon of acting excellence. His name is given to the Kazan Bolshoi Drama Theater, a gymnasium in Vilnius, and streets in Kazan, Novosibirsk, and Moscow.

His maternal great-granddaughter, Olga Lyubimova, is a journalist and theater scholar, and the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation. In memory of the great People's Artist of the USSR, in February 2025, she opened the exhibition "Being Kachalov" at the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater to commemorate the actor's 150th birthday.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 11, 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.

Partner Meeting: Setl Group and Polytech Discuss Joint Projects

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Maxim Shubarev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Setl Group; Jan Izak, CEO and member of the Board of Directors of Setl Group; Ilya Eremenko, member of the Board of Directors of Setl Group; and Eduard Raikin, CEO of NSC (New Service Company) LLC. The guests were greeted by SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy; Vice-Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security Maxim Pasholikov; and Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Civil Engineering Institute.

At the meeting, they discussed further cooperation and the development of joint projects. Then, Andrey Rudskoy and Valery Klimov, Director of the SPbPU History Museum, gave the partners a tour of the main building. They shared biographies of prominent university alumni and faculty, and in the Academic Council meeting room, they discussed the lives and work of the Polytechnic University's directors and rectors.

The guests were taken to the museum, where they were introduced to the history of the Polytechnic and also shown a new an exhibition dedicated to Olympic champion Evgeny Kulikov.

Afterwards, the delegation visited the Reading Room and the White Room. The rector spoke about the events held there. Boris Kondin, Head of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity, discussed in more detail the creative events for first-year students and spoke about the university's Pop and Symphony Orchestra. Andrey Rudskoy emphasized that engineering education should always be combined with creativity.

At the end of the meeting, the guests visited the renovated large physics auditorium and auditorium No. 159 named after Professor Elena Silnikova.

Setl Group is a long-standing partner of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Students from the Institute of Civil Engineering complete internships at the company and regularly attend construction site tours. Many Polytechnic University graduates successfully find employment at Setl Group and contribute to major construction projects in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. Furthermore, the company's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Maxim Shubarev, is a 1993 graduate of the university.

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In Memory of Outstanding Scientists and Teachers: A Seminar on Hydraulics Held at the Polytechnic University

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The SPbPU Institute of Civil Engineering hosted a scientific seminar, "Hydraulics and Hydraulic Engineering. Sharing Experiences." It was dedicated to the memory of outstanding scientists and teachers, Professors Artur Girgidov and Mikhail Petrichenko. The event was part of SPbPU Science Week.

Artur Davidovich Girgidov (1939–2020) was an Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, and Professor. For over 20 years, he headed the Hydraulics Department of the Faculty of Hydrotechnical Engineering (since 1999, the Faculty of Civil Engineering). A graduate of the Faculty of Hydrotechnical Engineering of the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute named after M. I. Kalinin, Artur Davidovich, already in the early 1960s, using the first electronic digital computers, calculated the fluctuations of water masses in a pressure system of a hydroelectric power station with a surge tank. Thus, he was a decade ahead of foreign research. Artur Girgidov's scientific contributions are vast: from the theoretical foundations of hydraulics and the theory of gravity-fed fluid flow to soil mechanics and mathematical models of human limb joints. Artur Davidovich developed training courses and trained generations of hydraulic engineers and construction specialists. As Deputy Chairman of the Scientific and Methodological Council for Hydraulics of the Russian Ministry of Education, he developed educational standards. He is the author of over 100 scientific papers and textbooks, as well as four inventions.

Mikhail Romanovich Petrichenko (1951–2021) — Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor, Head of the Hydraulics Department at the Faculty of Hydraulic Engineering (since 1999, the Faculty of Civil Engineering). After graduating from the M. I. Kalinin Leningrad Polytechnic Institute in 1974, he worked at the Central Diesel Research Institute for over 20 years. He rose through the ranks from engineer to deputy head of department. Since 1995, his entire career has been associated with Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. He is the author of over 200 scientific papers, 21 inventions, textbooks, and monographs. Mikhail Romanovich combined in-depth interdisciplinary research in hydraulic engineering, construction, and mechanical engineering with active teaching and scientific-organizational work. Under his supervision, more than 10 PhD candidates were trained. He was awarded the title of "Honored Worker of Education of the Russian Federation."

The seminar featured 17 speakers, including representatives from the Civil Engineering Institute and the Physics and Mechanics Institute of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping, Hydrotech LLC, and the Moscow Polytechnic University. The speakers included professors, associate professors, graduate students, and undergraduates, many of whom knew Artur Girgidov and Mikhail Petrichenko personally.

The presentation topics covered a wide range of relevant topics: current trends in the development of semi-empirical turbulence models, the influence of anthropogenic and climatic factors on floods, the study of hydraulic shock using strain gauges, experience in the design and operation of hydroelectric power plants under extreme conditions, the stability of sheet pile walls during construction, experience in three-dimensional numerical modeling of air distribution in ventilated spaces, issues of hydraulics in marine hydraulic engineering, and prospects for the development of the subjects "Hydraulics" and "Hydraulics of Hydraulic Structures."

The seminar concluded with a general discussion, during which participants shared memories of the personalities and scientific legacy of Professors Artur Girgidov and Mikhail Petrichenko. Following the seminar, a tour of the hydraulic laboratory of the Civil Engineering Institute was offered to all interested participants.

This seminar is a tribute to two outstanding scientists and educators, Artur Davidovich Girgidov and Mikhail Romanovich Petrichenko, whose scientific schools laid the foundation for the development of hydraulics at our university. "Artur Davidovich and Mikhail Romanovich were my teachers and academic advisors. Their clarity of thought, dedication to science, and desire to connect theory with practice remain a benchmark for us. Today's exchange of experience is a continuation of their work," noted Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Civil Engineering Institute.

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