Category: Russia

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China has expressed strong protest against US interference in Taiwan's affairs.

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, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — State Council Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Chen Binhua on Friday expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the U.S.'s continued attempts to "weaponize Taiwan" and interfere in China's internal affairs.

Chen Binhua made the statement in response to a media question about the US National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes a US$1 billion budget for “security cooperation” with Taiwan.

The official noted that by including erroneous content related to Taiwan in the law, the United States sent a very wrong signal to separatist forces advocating for "Taiwan independence."

He called on the United States to strictly abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiqués, refrain from implementing Taiwan-related provisions of the law, eliminate the negative consequences of this document, and approach the Taiwan issue with the utmost caution.

Chen Binhua also warned the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan authorities that no matter how hard they cling to the US in their pursuit of secession, they will never be able to change the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the PRC, influence the inevitable failure of the secessionist forces, and curb the inexorable historical trend toward national reunification of China.

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

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Gaza: Famine threat recedes, but humanitarian crisis persists

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 19, 2025 Peace and security

The threat of full-scale famine in Gaza has, for now, receded. This was stated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, commenting on the publication of a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report.

Speaking to journalists at UN headquarters in New York, he reported that new data showed that many more people in the enclave now had access to food. According to Guterres, humanitarian agencies are preparing over 1.5 million hot meals daily, and food parcels continue to be distributed throughout the sector.

"Clean water is reaching more communities. Some health facilities have resumed operations," he noted. During the winter storms, UN agencies "immediately provided tents, blankets, clothing, and other assistance."

Continuing threats

The Secretary-General emphasized that the progress achieved was made possible thanks to the "intense work of humanitarian organizations and Member States, as well as expanding cooperation with the Civil-Military Coordination Centre." However, he cautioned that these achievements remain "dangerously fragile."

An estimated 1.6 million people in Gaza—more than 75 percent of the population—will face critical levels of food insecurity. According to the report, no area in the Strip is currently classified as in a state of full-scale famine (IPC Phase 5), but almost the entire enclave remains in a state of emergency (IPC Phase 4).

Malnutrition remains a serious problem, particularly among children and pregnant and lactating women. By mid-October 2026, nearly 101,000 children aged six months to five years are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition, including more than 31,000 severe cases. An estimated 37,000 pregnant and lactating women will also require treatment.

"My heart breaks when I see the scale of the ongoing human suffering in Gaza," Guterres said. He noted that children are forced to sleep in flooded tents, and buildings "already devastated by bombing are collapsing under the weight of rain and wind, claiming civilian lives."

The UN chief noted that in more than half of Gaza, where Israeli troops remain, "agricultural land and entire neighborhoods remain inaccessible." Attacks and fighting continue, resulting in rising civilian casualties and placing humanitarian teams at serious risk.

UN support

Guterres recalled that since October, the UN has done "everything possible to maintain vital aid channels": supporting bakeries, delivering millions of meals, reopening feeding centers, rebuilding hospitals, vaccinating children, clearing rubble, and repairing water pipes. However, he emphasized, the need for aid is growing faster than it is being delivered.

In this regard, the Secretary-General stated: “We need a truly sustainable ceasefire.” He also called for the opening of additional crossing points, the lifting of restrictions on the import of critical goods, the removal of bureaucratic obstacles, the provision of safe routes within Gaza, stable funding, and “unimpeded access –including for NGOs".

International law

Guterres specifically noted the "rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank," where Palestinians are facing "escalating violence by Israeli settlers, land seizures, home demolitions, and tightening restrictions on movement." He said tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes following Israeli operations in the northern West Bank.

He stressed that international law must be respected throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. The Secretary-General recalled the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice andAdvisory Opinion of the Court of 22 October 2025 year, according to which Israel “is obligated to permit and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, to cooperate with the United Nations in the fulfillment of its mandates, and to respect the privileges and immunities of the UN and its personnel, including in time of armed conflict.”

Guterres reiterated his support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), stressing that the agency "plays an indispensable role in providing services to Palestinians – in Gaza and elsewhere in the region."

In conclusion, he stated: "This is a crisis created by human decisions. It can be resolved by human choices—if there is the political will to act." The Secretary-General called for full implementation of the ceasefire, an end to the "endless cycle of violence," and clearing the way for a two-state solution.

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

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Sudan: North Kordofan's capital is 'one step' away from collapse

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 19, 2025 Peace and security

Amid escalating fighting in Sudan, people frightened by the scale of the violence are fleeing their homes en masse, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on Friday. According to the organization, approximately 50,000 people have been forced to flee in Kordofan alone since the end of October.

“People are not moving of their own free will; they are fleeing out of desperation and in the hope of finding a safe place,” said Mohamed Refaat, IOM’s head of mission in Sudan.

Speaking via video link from Port Sudan to reporters in Geneva, Refaat called on all UN member states and "all those who can support the people of Sudan" to ensure their protection.

Shelling of residential buildings

Latest reports from the war-torn country indicate that the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF), along with its allies from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), have been shelling residential buildings in the town of Dilling, South Kordofan, for the past 48 hours.

The SRF has been waging war against the Sudanese army since April 2023, following the collapse of the transition to civilian rule. In late October, after a 500-day siege, they captured El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, triggering a new wave of mass displacement. Humanitarian organizations are deeply concerned about the fate of those still remaining in the city, who are reportedly forced to eat peanut shells and animal feed.

"People are scared"

"The mass exodus from Kordofan is no accident. It's a sign that people are extremely frightened," Refaat said.

Humanitarian organizations are expressing alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state, where six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed in drone strikes last Saturday. The Blue Helmets were stationed at a logistics base for the UN mission in Abyei, a disputed region bordering South Sudan.

Hundreds of thousands of lives are at risk

"We estimate that there are still approximately 90,000 to 100,000 people in the city of Kadugli who will be forced to flee their homes if the fighting continues and if they have the opportunity to leave the city," Refaat said. He added that El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, is "one or two steps away from becoming the next target," which would affect more than half a million local residents.

Asked about the impact of severe funding cuts to humanitarian activities in Sudan and beyond, the IOM chief of mission reported that the agency had lost $83 million in resources this year alone. This has forced humanitarian teams to massively reduce their presence in Sudan.

"Because of these cuts, we have to choose who we can save and what support we have to cut off," Refaat said. "We pass by places every day where people are in dire straits, but we can't help because we have to prioritize those who are literally one step away from death."

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

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Russia has become a leader in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles, says Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, December 19 (Xinhua) – Russia has become a leader in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this on Friday during a direct line-in broadcast combined with his annual press conference.

"It must be said, and there's nothing to be embarrassed about, I think we've become the undisputed leader in this area [of drones]. In terms of the number of drones, yes, we lack heavy ones like the enemy's Baba Yaga, but overall, we currently outnumber the enemy in practically all sectors of the front. Perhaps there are specific areas where we're lacking something, but overall, it's an obvious fact," Putin said.

According to the Russian leader, Russia currently lacks heavy drones, but this problem will be solved. "It's well known that there's a shortage of heavy drones. The Ministry of Defense and industry are working on this, and this problem will also be solved," the Russian president noted.

The program "Year in Review with Vladimir Putin," which combines the head of state's major press conference and a live Q&A session, aired on Friday.

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

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The All-Belarusian People's Assembly unanimously approved the country's socio-economic development program for 2026-2030.

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

Minsk, December 19 (Xinhua) — The Belarusian Social and Economic Development Program for 2026-2030 was unanimously adopted on Friday by delegates to the second session of the Seventh All-Belarusian People's Assembly (ABPA). The event took place in Minsk from December 18 to 19.

The Belarus Socioeconomic Development Program for 2026-2030 defines seven priorities. These include national demographic security, human development, the creation of a high-quality and comfortable living environment, and increased competitiveness through accelerated technological development and digital transformation. Other priorities include strong regions, strengthening Belarus's defense capability and developing its defense sector, and realizing the country's tourism potential.

As Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin noted, implementing these priorities will allow citizens to experience an improvement in their quality of life. The program is funded, and the sources of funding have been calculated based on the actual capabilities of the economy.

The Belarusian economy is expected to grow at least 3 percent annually over the next five years, and 15.8 percent over the entire five-year period. Investment in fixed capital is also projected to increase by 16.7 percent, labor productivity by 19.8 percent, and exports of goods and services by 19.5 percent over the next five years. Real disposable income growth is projected at 21 percent.

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

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Three people were killed and six were injured in an attack in Taipei.

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

TAIPEI, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — At least three people were killed in a knife and smoke bomb attack in Taipei City, Taiwan Province, China, on Friday.

According to media reports, the attacker was among the dead. Six others were injured.

The attack occurred around 5:30 PM. CCTV footage showed the suspect, wearing a gas mask, throwing smoke bombs near the entrance to the Taipei Railway Station subway station. One passerby suffered smoke inhalation injuries as a result of the smoke bomb explosion.

According to media reports citing a medical facility, the suspect attacked a man who later died from his serious injuries.

The suspect then fled the scene into another busy business district and attacked several more bystanders, injuring six, one of whom died from his serious injuries.

The suspect has been identified as a 27-year-old man who died after falling from a window. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

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

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Update 328 – 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.

Two Ukrainian nuclear power plants (NPPs) have been operating at reduced capacity for the past ten days after a military attack damaged an electrical substation critical for nuclear safety and security, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

Substations are critical nodes in a country's electrical grid, serving as facilities where voltage levels are transformed and controlled to ensure reliable power transmission. For nuclear power plants (NPPs), they are indispensable for maintaining off-site power supplies that support safety systems and cooling functions, making their integrity vital for nuclear safety and security.

Following the latest military activity targeting a substance, during the night of November 7, the Khmelnitskyy and Rivne NPPs were each disconnected from one of their two 750 kilovolt (kV) power lines. In addition, the grid operator ordered a reduction in electricity output of some of their reactors.

Today, although one of the affected lines has since been restored, the other remains out of service. Three reactors continue to operate at limited power, at the request of the grid operator.

"Reliable off-site power is vital for the maintenance and operation of nuclear safety functions. To this end, Agency experts will, through dedicated expert missions, continue to assess the functionality of substances critical for nuclear safety and security," Director General Grossi said.

The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) remains connected to the grid after repairs carried out under the protection of IAEA-brokered localized ceasefires in late October and ten days ago.

Ending a month-long outage of off-site power, this has allowed the resumption of maintenance of the plant's safety systems.

However, one of the two off-site power lines that were re-connected thanks to the recent repairs – the 750 kilovolt (kV) Dniprovska line – was again disconnected on Friday evening after the actuation of a protection system. The cause is still being investigated. The IAEA is engaging with both sides to assist in the timely restoration of the line, Director General Grossi said.

The IAEA continues to implement its comprehensive program of assistance to Ukraine in nuclear safety and security.

As part of the program, the IAEA completed partial deliveries of items to the Joint Stock Company Mykolaivoblenergo consisting of electrical cabinets, circuit breakers surge arresters and similar items needed to maintain a reliable power supply for the safe operation of Ukraine's NPPs. Additional items, that are still in production, will be delivered in the coming months. These deliveries were possible with the support from Austria, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union.

In addition, the South Ukraine NPP received 12 gamma dose rate monitoring stations intended to enhance its radiation monitoring capability. The stations, once in operation, will feed also the IAEA's International Radiation Monitoring Information System (IRMIS) with monitoring data, providing information on the radiological situation on the ground in the plant's normal operation and during an accident. The delivery was supported by the European Union.

Ukraine's Central Enterprise for the Management of Radioactive Waste received IT equipment and the Chornobyl NPP received an off-road vehicle. Both deliveries were funded by the United Kingdom and aimed at enhancing nuclear security measures at the two sites.

These deliveries brought the total organized during the conflict by the IAEA to 174, amounting to over €20.5 million.

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

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Mobile phone restrictions minimize the risk of drone strikes, says Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, December 19 (Xinhua) — Mobile phone restrictions in Russian regions are related to security and aimed at mitigating the risk of drone strikes. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this at the "Year in Review" event on Friday.

"We understand that the restrictions are related to the need to ensure security and minimize the danger from air raids and drone strikes," said Vladimir Putin.

The Russian President noted that this problem could be solved in two ways. "The first is to switch to domestic software and our own hardware. The second is to leverage the capabilities of existing foreign manufacturers, but we would need to negotiate with them to transfer these services to the Russian Federation," Putin emphasized, adding that in any case, "work will need to be done" on both fronts.

The "Year in Review with Vladimir Putin" program, which combines the head of state's major press conference and a live Q&A session, aired live on Friday.

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

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Taiwanese opposition lawmakers have announced their intention to impeach Taiwan's Chief Executive Lai Qingde.

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

TAIPEI, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — Taiwanese opposition lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) announced their intention to impeach Taiwan's Chief Executive Lai Qing-te at a press conference in Taipei on Friday.

Earlier, Lai Qingde expressed support for Taiwan's chief executive, Zhuo Rongtai, who refused to sign amendments to the administrative revenue allocation law previously adopted by the island's legislature.

Fu Kunqi, the organizer of the Kuomintang faction in the Legislative Assembly, noted at a press conference that since Lai Qingde took office as Taiwan's chief executive last May, he has continuously trampled on democracy and caused devastating damage to the interests of the island's people.

Fu Kun-qi stated that all Kuomintang and PNT legislators have decided to speak out on behalf of Taiwan's 23 million people. "Lai Qing-de's tyranny must be overthrown," the lawmaker added.

“We will officially submit a motion to impeach Lai Qingde,” announced Huang Guochang, the organizer of the NPT faction, at the same press conference.

He said the opposition would also hold public hearings across the island to explain why impeachment is necessary and how Lai Qingde's actions have stalled the amendments to the law and thus deprived the people of Taiwan of financial resources that should have been used for construction and care for the people.

A motion to impeach a Chief Executive or Vice Chief Executive of Taiwan must first be proposed by at least half of the total number of members of the legislature and approved by a two-thirds majority vote, and then submitted to the judiciary for consideration.

In the January 2024 legislative elections, the Kuomintang and PNT parties won 52 and 8 seats, respectively, in the island's 113-seat legislature, while the Democratic Progressive Party won 51 seats. –0–

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

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RUDN University awarded the best student volunteers of the year.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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The university announced the results of its main volunteer competition, "RUDN Volunteer of the Year." Seventeen people won in five categories. The Grand Prix went to Elza Shaimukhametova, a student majoring in Veterinary Science at the Agrarian and Technological Institute.

"For me, being a volunteer means dedicating myself entirely to a cause, to people, and to being useful. The reward is the motivation to work harder and longer, and, of course, it's a sign that my work is bearing fruit, that it's not just for nothing," noted Elsa Shaimukhametova.

Desire to help

We'll tell you more about Elsa and her accomplishments in a separate article. The RUDN University volunteer movement currently comprises over 3,000 people from 50 countries. They visit orphanages, help organize major international events, participate in patriotic campaigns, donate blood, and care for the environment and homeless animals.

A total of 50 applications were submitted for the competition, with the leading participants coming from the Faculty of Philology, the Institute of Medicine, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Incidentally, students from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities represented the largest number of RUDN University volunteers, for which the department received an award in the competition among the main educational departments (OUP). The Faculty of Artificial Intelligence also received an award in this category. Although the faculty was founded only a few years ago, its students have already participated in numerous volunteer events and distinguished themselves.

The winners in the "Event Volunteer" category were:

Adelina Abdulkarimova (Faculty of Philology, 3rd year, Journalism); Polina Shmidt (Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, 2nd year, Chemistry); Ainur Sadykova (Institute of Foreign Languages, 1st year Master's student, Psychological and Pedagogical Education); Ksenia Verbitskaya (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3rd year, Foreign Regional Studies); Alexandra Kozhevnikova (Faculty of Philology, 1st year, Psychology).

"For me, volunteering is an activity that gives my life meaning; it's the people I've helped. My openness and strong desire to help others help me. The most rewarding part of volunteering for me is the people's emotions. People often cried when we parted ways, which is a sign that I've done my job well," says Ksenia Verbitskaya.

The title of the best "Ecological Volunteers" was earned by:

Victoria Lotnik (Institute of Ecology, 2nd year student, Ecology and Nature Management); Ekaterina Aleksandrova (Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Pedagogy, Faculty of Philology, RUDN University).

"I was raised in an eco-friendly lifestyle from childhood. I participated in many environmental campaigns and events, which is why I enrolled in the RUDN University Institute of Ecology. If I had to describe volunteering in one word, it would be kindness," noted Victoria Lotnik.

Opportunity to prove yourself

In the “Social Volunteer” category, the victory went to:

Elza Shaimukhametova (Agrarian-Technological Institute, 2nd year, "Veterinary Science"); Gulchehrabuna Khaitova (Faculty of Philology, 2nd year, "Psychology"); Yana Basel Alshebli (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2nd year Master's student, "International Relations"); Alena Konovalova (Faculty of Philology, 2nd year, "Journalism"); Valeria Popova (Medical Institute, 2nd year, "Dentistry").

"Volunteering is a unique opportunity to express yourself, realize your desire to help people, and develop social skills. It's also an opportunity to connect with people from all over the world and participate in events, including international ones. For example, I recently volunteered at the major forum "MYVMESTE" and helped foreign participants navigate the "Russia" national center," said Valeria Popova.

The best "Volunteer Medics" were:

Anastasia Bogoyavlenskaya (Medical Institute, 6th year, General Medicine); Nadezhda Bryksina (Faculty of Philology, 3rd year Master's student, Psychology); Yulia Ivanova (Medical Institute, 4th year, General Medicine).

And finally, the title of the best “Patriotic Volunteers” was awarded to:

Anastasia Banakhovich (Institute of World Economy and Business, 1st year, Management); Mohamed Saleh (Medical Institute, 1st year of residency, Ophthalmology).

"It's a great honor for me to receive an award in this category. In Belgorod, where I returned three months ago, I participated in events as a Victory Day volunteer and a People's Front activist, helping collect humanitarian aid for the SVO soldiers. When they came to pick up their things and saw me, a foreigner (I'm from Egypt), they asked, 'Why are you helping here?' To which I replied that Russia, especially the Belgorod region, is my second home. And I'm grateful to the soldiers for defending the city," Mohamed Saleh shared.

About the history of the RUDN University Volunteer Center

The RUDN University Volunteer Center has been in existence for 17 years. In 2008, the student volunteer group "Wind of Change" was established within the RUDN University Center for Youth Student Teams. Its members began assisting with the socialization and adaptation of orphans by arranging their interactions with RUDN University students, motivating orphanage residents to apply to universities, fostering the development of youth creativity, creating successful youth images, and instilling tolerance and mutual respect in children.

In 2017, by order of the RUDN University rector, the "Wind of Change" volunteer group was transformed into the RUDN University Volunteer Center. The center's name, "Volunteers of the World," reflects the public organization's main goals. First, to maintain peace, help those in need, and promote volunteerism. Second, to unite all students interested in volunteering, regardless of race, nationality, gender, or language. Since 2024, the Volunteer Center has been providing verified volunteer hours, which are recorded in their electronic workbooks on the platform. DOBRO.RFThe center is developing in several areas: social, event-based, environmental, patriotic, and sports volunteering.

In addition, the center regularly implements educational programs to enhance the volunteer competencies and leadership skills of university volunteers. With the support of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, it organized two intensive training schools for volunteers: one on working with people with disabilities and one on social project management.

You can join the center by contacting its specialists at the address: Miklukho-Maklaya St., Building 9, Office 153, or by writing to the email address volunteer@rudn.ru.

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.