Category: Russia

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China warns of Japan's deliberate military buildup

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Thursday called for attention to whether Japan is seeking excuses to justify its military buildup.

Guo Jiakun made the statement in response to a request for comment on a report that Japan's Defense Ministry recently signed a land lease agreement with the intention of deploying a mobile radar to monitor Chinese aircraft carriers and aircraft in the waters between Okinawa and Miyako. -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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Review: US and EU disagree on use of frozen Russian assets

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, December 18 (Xinhua) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to European leaders on Wednesday evening, hoping that the EU summit scheduled for Thursday and Friday could reach a consensus on using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. However, as US media reported the same day, the US administration has recently been pressuring EU member states to abandon this plan at the upcoming summit.

V. Zelenskyy will attend the EU summit in Brussels. He stated that Ukraine needs real protection, security measures, and financial solutions, especially a political solution to the use of Russia's frozen assets.

This summit will be the last meeting of EU leaders this year and will focus on issues such as aid to Ukraine. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated on Monday that the EU is discussing various financing options for Ukraine, with a reparations loan being the preferred option for Kyiv.

On December 12, the EU decided to "indefinitely freeze" Russian assets on its territory and intends to determine a specific plan for their use at the upcoming summit. At the October summit, EU leaders failed to reach an agreement on a reparations loan due to objections from Belgium and other countries.

Russia has repeatedly expressed disagreement with the EU's handling of its sovereign assets, warning of possible retaliatory measures. On December 12, the Bank of Russia filed a claim in the Moscow Arbitration Court against the Belgian depository Euroclear for 18.17 trillion rubles (approximately 196 billion euros) in damages.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reported that several weeks ago, in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, he asked how Moscow would respond if the EU decided to confiscate its financial assets frozen in the West. Moscow's response stated that if the EU expropriates Russian assets, "a decisive response will follow, using all instruments of international law."

Following the start of Russia's special operation in Ukraine, the EU and G7 countries froze almost half of Russia's gold and foreign exchange reserves, amounting to approximately €300 billion. Of this, over €200 billion is held in the EU, including €180 billion held by Belgium's Euroclear, one of the world's largest clearing and settlement systems. The European Commission reported that from January to November 2025, the EU transferred €18.1 billion to Ukraine from proceeds from Russia's frozen assets.

The US administration has recently been pressuring EU member states to abandon a plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine at the upcoming EU summit, according to a report by the US publication Politico on Wednesday, citing four European officials.

The report claims that representatives of the Donald Trump administration, bypassing EU decision-making bodies, are directly and secretly communicating with EU member state governments, leading Italy, Bulgaria, Malta, and the Czech Republic to join the ranks of opponents. One senior EU official familiar with EU-US relations and summit preparations stated, "They want to weaken us."

In previous EU discussions, Hungary, Slovakia and other countries have consistently opposed the use of approximately €210 billion in frozen assets from the Russian Central Bank to support Ukraine.

Analysts note that Ukraine will face a budget deficit of €71.7 billion next year. If funds are not received by April next year, Ukraine will be forced to cut public spending. According to the American "peace plan" for Russia and Ukraine, the US hopes to use some of Russia's frozen assets to rebuild Ukraine under US leadership.

Politico notes that the deep disagreement among European countries over the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine reveals a deeper rift across the European continent over how to respond to the new world order and unprecedented pressure from the United States.

V. Orbán announced on Wednesday that the European Commission had removed the issue of confiscating Russian assets from the EU summit agenda. He said that instead of seizing Russian assets, there is a proposal for a joint loan from EU countries to Ukraine.

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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China strongly opposes the European Commission's in-depth investigations into Chinese firms.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) — China has expressed strong opposition to the European Commission's recent in-depth investigations of several Chinese enterprises under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said at a regular press conference on Thursday.

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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"Making people laugh is a source of pride for me": Celebrating Yuri Nikulin's birthday

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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December 18th is a special day for anyone who loves laughter, the circus, and good cinema, as it was on this day in 1921 that the great clown, talented actor, and true hero Yuri Nikulin was born.

Growing up in a theatrical family, Yuri wanted to study acting after finishing school, but the war interrupted these plans.

Two wars

In 1939, the future artist was called up for military service, and for the next seven years he defended our country, first in the Soviet-Finnish War, during which Nikulin's battery protected the approaches to Leningrad from enemy air raids, and then in the Great Patriotic War, during which the artist also fought near Leningrad.

Circus on Tsvetnoy

Returning to civilian life in 1946, Yuri Nikulin attempted to enroll in a theater school, but both GITIS and VGIK rejected him, failing to recognize his talent.

However, he was accepted into the school-studio of spoken genres at the Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, with which the artist never left, first working as a clown and then heading the institution.

Today, the Circus on Tsvetnoy is named after Yuri Nikulin, and his son runs it.

Acting career

The actor entered the film industry at age 36, making his first appearance in a cameo role in "Girl with a Guitar," starring Lyudmila Gurchenko. After several more small but memorable cameos, he joined the legendary trio Balbes, which, along with Experienced (Yevgeny Morgunov) and Coward (Georgy Vitsin), captivated audiences.

Comedies starring Yuri Nikulin continue to attract thousands of people of all generations to their screens. He created unforgettable characters in "The Diamond Arm," "Kidnapping, Caucasian Style," "The Old Robbers," "The Twelve Chairs," and others.

The actor was no less adept at dramatic roles, as can be seen in films such as "When the Trees Were Tall," "They Fought for Their Country," "Twenty Days Without War," "Scarecrow," and others.

Yuri Nikulin was remembered as a man of boundless kindness. "I'm a clown," the artist said of himself. "I get joy when I hear the audience laugh. I get joy when I see the smiles of children and adults."

Thank you for the laughter and tears, for my favorite films and the Circus on Tsvetnoy, happy birthday, legend!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 18, 2025.

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

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Fairytale frigates carrying gifts decorated Moscow's river terminals.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Specialists urban economy complex Enormous fairytale frigates have been installed at the Northern and Southern River Terminals. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing, Utilities, and Public Works. Petr Biryukov.

"The themed structures feature ships with wind-filled sails, with New Year's gifts on their decks. Each vessel is 10 meters long and decorated with bright LED lighting. The frigates were positioned near the station buildings, and Christmas trees decorated with colorful baubles, stars, garlands, and other ornaments were erected nearby. Lighted trees were also installed at the Northern River Terminal," added Pyotr Biryukov.

New Year's Moscow

Over four thousand illuminated decorative structures and Christmas trees were installed throughout the city for the New Year and Christmas holidays. They create a festive atmosphere and provide additional illumination at night.

Light arches have appeared on Pushkinskaya Square and Novopushkinsky Square, on Tverskaya and Manezhnaya Squares, and on Gazetny and Kamergersky Lanes. They have undergone technological upgrades and now operate in full color with the ability to control light and color scenarios. The pedestrian section of the Boulevard Ring is traditionally decorated with light tunnels and the number 2026, and a giant Christmas tree bauble has been installed in Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill.

The center of Moscow was decorated with illuminated arches.

Modern energy-saving LED lighting is used to decorate the city. These lights consume tens of times less electricity, are safe, and are designed to operate in all weather conditions.

In recent years, Moscow has accumulated a sufficient supply of decorative elements to fully embellish the city. All lighting and decorative structures are multifunctional, reusable, and transformable.

Moscow has begun preparing for the New Year, using decorations from previous years.The capital's bridges were decorated for the New Year.Light tunnels decorated Moscow in anticipation of the New Year.

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

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

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Poetry of creation

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The concert-performance is based on Sergei Mikhalkov's book "War Poems" and explores poetry as a testament to the times, human resilience, and faith in Victory. The production is based on poems written by the author at the front and in the home front—heartfelt, direct, addressed to soldiers and officers, mothers and wives, children, home front workers, and prisoners of war.

Directors Evgeny Dubovskoy and Igor Sergeyev construct the play as a restrained and precise conversation about war, devoid of external pathos, where poetic words become the central character. It is a reflection on the inner strength of man, his responsibility to history, and the ability to create even in the midst of destruction.

The performance features Polina Borunova, Marianna Vasilyeva, Yulia Vostrilova, Danila Dzygar, Pavel Ilyin and others.

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes.

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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Israel approves $34.7 billion gas deal with Egypt

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

JERUSALEM, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday he has approved a gas deal worth 112 billion shekels (about $34.7 billion) under which the country will supply natural gas to Egypt.

According to the terms of the agreement, the American energy company Chevron will carry out the deliveries together with its Israeli partners.

Calling it "the largest gas deal in Israel's history," Netanyahu noted that approximately 58 billion shekels ($17.97 billion) will flow into the state treasury. He expressed hope that the deal will strengthen "Israel's status as a regional energy power and contribute to stability in our region."

Energy Minister Eli Cohen, speaking alongside Netanyahu, called the agreement's approval a "historic moment" for Israel, both diplomatically and economically. He noted that the deal followed months of intensive negotiations. Gas companies intend to invest over 16 billion shekels ($4.96 billion) in gas infrastructure as part of the deal, the official added.

Israel has become a natural gas producer following the discovery of major fields in the eastern Mediterranean over the past decade, including Tamar and Leviathan. The country has transformed from an energy importer into a regional exporter.

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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In the first 11 months of 2025, the foreign trade turnover of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region increased by 14.1 percent.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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

BEIJING, December 18 (Xinhua) — Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region's foreign trade turnover increased 14.1 percent year-on-year to 459.19 billion yuan (approximately $65 billion) in January-November 2025, 10.5 percentage points higher than the national average, the Xinjiang Daily reported Thursday, citing local customs data.

Since the beginning of this year, various regions and departments in Xinjiang have been actively implementing policies and measures to support the foreign trade sector, ensuring sustainable and high-quality growth in exports and imports. Between January and November, Xinjiang's foreign trade turnover already exceeded the total for the entire year 2024.

In the first 11 months, Xinjiang's total export and import volume in general trade increased by 61.5 percent year-on-year, accounting for 50.4 percent of Xinjiang's total foreign trade turnover.

From January to November, Xinjiang's trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative grew by 8.8 percent year-on-year, accounting for 87.7 percent of Xinjiang's total foreign trade during the reporting period. Meanwhile, Xinjiang's trade with ASEAN, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America jumped by 74.1 percent, 124.7 percent, 82.3 percent, 81.9 percent, and 68.3 percent year-on-year, respectively.

In the first 11 months, the foreign trade turnover of non-state enterprises, state enterprises, and enterprises with foreign capital in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region increased by 14.5 percent, 5 percent, and 21.8 percent, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

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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China's first underground gas storage facility continues to operate after 50 years of operation.

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

HARBIN, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) — As of Dec. 16, over 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas have been pumped into and out of China's first underground gas storage facility (UGS) at the Daqing Oil Field in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province since it began operation 50 years ago.

The Lamadian UGS facility has been operating continuously for more than 18,000 days, exceeding the generally accepted service life of such facilities, which is set at 30 to 50 years, according to Daqing Oilfields.

Moreover, this UGS facility has become a record-breaker, operating for 50 years without any safety or environmental accidents.

Recently, a new stage of gas pumping began at the gas storage facility, which plans to extract 84 million cubic meters of gas to meet energy needs in Heilongjiang Province, a region known for its harsh winters.

To solve the problem of associated gas, which is released in large quantities during oil production, oil workers in Daqing built the Lamadian underground gas storage facility in 1975, which became the first such facility in 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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The Polytechnic University's stardom is growing

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The White Hall hosted the semi-final of the largest student cultural and creative project, "Polytechnic Star," which has been unveiling new talented vocalists and presenters for 18 consecutive seasons.

The participants went through auditions, numerous rehearsals, and meticulous preparation. The White Hall stage featured everything from world pop hits to rap and beatboxing. The entire show program was meticulously prepared and directed by the project's organizing team, led by Denis Levshin. The event was supported by the Student Club and the help of volunteers from the KOrgi organizing team.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this incredible project. After months of preparation and the efforts of both organizers and participants, the long-awaited semi-final finally took place, and not only did it take place, but it was held at the highest level. Everything was perfect—from the semi-finalists' performances to the musical accompaniment during the breaks. I'm sure the final will amaze everyone even more with its scale and vibrancy!" commented Fatima Osmanova, a finalist in the "Hosts" category and a first-year student at the Institute of Mathematics, Economics, and Telecommunications.

The evening was memorable for its vibrant and dynamic performances, unique media coverage, and the sincere emotions of the participants and support groups.

I'm so happy to have made it to the finals. During our rehearsals, the stage truly felt like home, and I've made even more progress in a direction that truly brings me immense happiness! The guys and I have become very close during this time and have become a true team. The level of organization and scale of the project are simply outstanding. The organizers are incredibly talented. I won't make any predictions for the finals; I only know that I want to give it my all and enjoy what we're doing! shared season 18 finalist Anna Sviridova, a first-year student at the Institute of Mechanics, Economics, and Telecommunications.

The performances were judged by experienced experts for whom creativity, music, and youth initiatives have become an integral part of life: Tatyana Barabanova, Deputy Head of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity at SPbPU; Alexander Tsepkalo, host of student and city events and finalist of the 15th season of the Polytechnic Star project; and Chairman of the United Student Council. Thomas Schochenmayer, as well as singer-songwriters – the winner of the 15th season Elena Shundeeva and the winner of the 11th season, Artem Ilchenko.

This year, the team was almost completely revamped, and we once again undertook a titanic effort to ensure the semi-final was a success! We put maximum effort into unlocking the potential of each vocalist: we added a lot of unique elements to their songs, allowing them to explore new genres and roles. It's also great that this year, the system for training hosts from scratch was fully operational, and we were able to showcase the results of this work at the semi-final. The semi-final was quite dynamic, with many memorable and captivating performances. And judging by the audience's feedback, we succeeded," shared project director Denis Levshin.

Of the 26 semi-finalists, 16 advanced to the final round. The project final will take place on April 23 in the White Hall. The name of the new "Polytechnic Star" will be announced then.

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.