Category: Russia

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Alexander Novak summarized the preliminary results of the federal project "Labor Productivity" in 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak assessed the results of the first year of the "Labor Productivity" federal project. It is part of the "Efficient and Competitive Economy" national project and aims to improve the efficiency of both business and the social sector.

"Over a thousand companies have joined the federal productivity project in 2025. More than 21,000 employees have been trained in productivity-enhancing tools. The implementation of lean manufacturing principles helps businesses restructure logistics, optimize equipment utilization, and reduce downtime. Experts from the federal competence center and the network of regional centers provide support. This year, they expanded to the DPR and Kurgan Oblast, covering 62 regions. By 2030, RCCs will be established in four more regions of the country," noted Alexander Novak.

At the President's direction, the federal project is intended to cover 40% of medium and large enterprises in key non-resource sectors of the economy and all state and municipal social sector organizations. To this end, 15 out-of-the-box solutions and over 100 best practices for increasing labor productivity have been developed for cultural and leisure organizations, sports organizations, public libraries, social services organizations, and general and higher education institutions. Projects to improve labor productivity have already been completed in 3,600 social sector institutions.

To systematically improve labor productivity, industry competence centers and specialized programs are being established within ministries.

"Eight such OCCs have been established in the real sector of the economy, and six in the social sector. Sixteen sectoral programs have been developed. These programs are designed to identify productivity priorities, generate demand for lean manufacturing tools, develop proposals for removing administrative barriers, and adjust support measures to stimulate productivity growth. They are currently being finalized to create version 2.0," said Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov.

The federal project "Labor Productivity" is a continuation of the national project of the same name, which ran from 2018 to 2024. During this time, more than 6,000 enterprises received support from the federal competence center and the network of regional centers and increased their profits by 484 billion rubles. To participate in the project, enterprises in non-resource industries simply submit an application on the "Productivity.rf" platform.

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 Protected World: An Encounter with Nature

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

To commemorate Nature Reserve Day, which commemorates the founding of Russia's first Barguzinsky Nature Reserve in 1916, Children's Library No. 43 will host a program dedicated to wildlife conservation and the role of nature reserves in preserving the country's natural heritage.

Participants will enjoy a presentation about the most famous specially protected natural areas, as well as a quiz called "Through the Pages of the Red Book," during which they will learn about rare and endangered plant and animal species.

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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Cuba condemns US naval blockade of Venezuela

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

HAVANA, December 17 (Xinhua) — The Cuban government has expressed strong protest against the naval blockade imposed by the United States against Venezuela, local media reported on Tuesday.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated on social media that Cuba “firmly supports the President /of Venezuela/ Nicolás Maduro.”

In another post on social media, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla also expressed his full support for the Venezuelan government, calling the naval blockade of the country “an extremely serious violation of international law and an escalation of aggression against the Bolivarian government.”

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he had ordered a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, escalating a months-long pressure campaign against the country's President Nicolás Maduro.

The Venezuelan government responded by saying that Trump had made a "grave and reckless threat" against the country, which violated international law, free trade principles, and freedom of navigation.

D. Trump declared Venezuela's oil, land and mineral resources to be U.S. property and demanded their immediate return, while simultaneously seeking to impose a naval blockade aimed at "depriving the country of its natural resources," the statement said. –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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Newly elected members of the Kyrgyz Parliament took the oath of office

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

Bishkek, December 17 (Xinhua) — The first meeting of the first session of the new 8th convocation of the Zhogorku Kenesh (parliament) of Kyrgyzstan took place on Wednesday, where deputies elected in the November 30 snap elections took the oath of office, the parliament's press service reported.

The meeting was attended by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers, headed by its Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev.

S. Japarov congratulated the members of the Zhogorku Kenesh on their election, emphasizing the importance of honoring their oath and serving the people. The head of state paid special attention to the history of parliament, highlighting key stages in its development and emphasizing that every member must work in the interests of the people and the state.

During the meeting, the Chairman of the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda of Kyrgyzstan, Tynchtyk Shainazarov, presented members of parliament with certificates and badges of the established form.

According to a statement published on the Central Election Commission's website on December 10, the Central Election Commission recognized the elections as valid in 30 multi-member constituencies. Based on the voting results, 87 candidates for parliamentary seats were elected in 29 constituencies. The election results in the 13th multi-member constituency were declared invalid due to violations of electoral law.

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 Post has launched a special land freight route between China and Russia.

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. 17 (Xinhua) — A container truck loaded with postal parcels left the Erenhot Cross-Border E-Commerce Cargo Control Center in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Dec. 14, marking the official opening of a special road freight route linking China and Russia via Mongolia by China Post, according to a statement posted on the Erenhot City Hall's official website.

Ereenhot is a key border city linking northern China with Mongolia and southern Russia. The route begins in Ereenhot and ends in the Russian city of Novosibirsk. Its launch marks a new breakthrough in the development of cross-border logistics channels between China, Mongolia, and Russia.

This land logistics channel was reportedly opened by China Post amid the convergence of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, and is designed to meet the growing logistics needs of rapidly expanding trade between China and Russia. It is designed to deliver light and small shipments to Russia as part of cross-border e-commerce. Its opening is also seen as a practical step toward integrating Ereenhot's postal service into the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and will facilitate the development of a comprehensive cross-border e-commerce pilot zone in the city.

In the future, the Ereenhot Postal Service will continue to optimize the operation of the above-mentioned route and improve service levels throughout the entire chain, deepen cooperation with logistics companies in China, Mongolia, and Russia, and further promote the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and the high-quality development of Chinese-Russian and Chinese-Mongolian trade.

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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Chinese Foreign Ministry: Right-wing forces in Japan are accustomed to creating false narratives

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. 17 (Xinhua) — Right-wing forces in Japan are habitual fabricators of false narratives, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday.

At a regular press briefing, he was asked to comment on the assertion by some Japanese that Japan is a “peace-loving” country and that China’s accusations against Japan are “not true.”

Japanese right-wing forces describe the war of aggression against their Asian neighbors as “the liberation of Asia,” present the monstrous massacre in Nanjing as the “Nanjing Incident,” the notorious “Unit 731” as an “organization specializing in hygiene research,” and the forced recruitment of workers and “comfort women” as their own desire, summarized Guo Jiakun. -0-

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A new Biocluster site is opening: Pavilion No. 28, "Beekeeping"

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

With the support of the capital Department of Culture Pavilion No. 28 "Beekeeping" became part of the only one in the country Biocluster, which opened in Moscow this summer. It will house Russia's first public entomology laboratory and the "Buzzing World" exhibit.

"The Beekeeping Pavilion will host Russia's first public entomology laboratory for studying insects under a microscope and conducting scientific and educational programs. The site is equipped with modern optical instruments capable of projecting images onto a large screen. The laboratory will offer classes adapted for different age groups, from preschoolers to adults," said the Moscow Government Minister and Head of the Moscow Department of Culture.

Alexey Fursin.

Renovated Pavilion No. 28 "Beekeeping"

Pavilion No. 28, "Beekeeping," was built in 1953 to showcase the achievements of the bread industry and host temporary exhibitions. In the 1970s, a beekeeping exhibit opened there. In 2024, the pavilion was handed over to K.A. Timiryazev State Biological Museum, an exhibition called "Around the Bee" appeared there, which told about their place among other groups of insects.

The pavilion has undergone renovations. It now features over 40 exhibition displays and 30 multimedia screens, new models, six audio zones, and five interactive gaming and educational spaces.

Additionally, the building's engineering systems, metal structures, and multimedia infrastructure were updated, and necessary work was carried out to maintain a regulated microclimate. For many years, the pavilion was painted yellow. Now, its historical appearance has been restored: the facades have been painted the color of river mother-of-pearl, as they were in the early years of its existence.

Public Entomological Laboratory

The laboratory and exhibition will operate in various formats. These include group visits on weekdays for school and tourist groups, themed programs and activities on weekends, and special events on holidays and commemorate special occasions. Educational programs are adapted to the school curriculum for environmental studies and biology, and materials have been prepared for older groups of kindergarteners.

Guests will also enjoy tours, master classes, and hands-on activities. For example, in the "Bees and Humans" lesson, participants will study bee products, from honey to wax. And in the "Colorful World" lesson, visitors will learn about the origins of common biological pigments and conduct a chemical experiment.

The interactive exhibition "Buzzing World" introduces visitors to the lives of insects, including the most numerous group of living creatures on the planet—bees. In addition to the collection's exhibits, the exhibition features holographic solutions, enlarged insect models, and augmented and virtual reality technologies. At the exhibition, visitors can learn about the inner workings of a beehive, learn to identify insects by their distinctive buzzing sound, and create their own insect using a media screen.

The "Buzzing World" exhibition will open to the public on December 18. Admission to the site is free on this day as part of Moscow Museum Week. Tickets for other dates can be purchased through Mosbilet.

On December 20 at 14:00 and 15:00 there will be museum tour, dedicated to the diversity of insects, their structure, and lifestyle. Guests will learn about the uniqueness of bees, their role in nature and human life. The event will feature elements of a live exhibition, including a real beehive and stingless bees, unique to Moscow museums. The tour is available with an entrance ticket and a tour ticket.

On December 21 at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM there will be a tour The World of the Bee, where Biocluster researchers will explain the differences between bees and wasps, how honey is produced, and the relationship between insects and paper production. Admission is with a museum ticket and a ticket to the event.

The Biocluster is the first and only complex in the country that unites all the main areas of modern biology under a single umbrella. The project now includes three exhibition pavilions, organized by the K.A. Timiryazev Biological Museum with the support of Moscow Department of Culture, – No. 31 "Geology" with the exhibition "12 Signs of Living Things", pavilion No. 28 "Beekeeping" with the exhibition "Buzzing World" and No. 29 "Floriculture and Landscaping" with the exhibition "Morphogenesis. Third Nature".

The K.A. Timiryazev State Biological Museum was founded in 1922 by Boris Zavadovsky, an academician and leading expert in physiology, endocrinology, and biology. Its main exhibition is housed in the former estate of Pyotr Shchukin on Malaya Gruzinskaya Street (building 15), and its collection comprises over 110,000 exhibits. Among them are unique anthropological reconstructions, zoological collections by renowned Russian naturalists, wet mounts demonstrating anomalies of embryological development, and much more.

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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December 17, 2025 NTV in a new version: the main changes over the past decade

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Gazprom – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

"These days, people's worlds are lived in smartphones, and television has become part of a vast media landscape comprised of digital broadcasts, social media, and online cinemas. Speaking specifically about NTV, the channel's image has changed. Among its audience, especially younger ones, the following message is being conveyed: when you say 'NTV,' instead of 'Scandals, intrigues, investigations,' you hear: 'So, you know who's behind the mask?'"

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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New Year's joy and Christmas light: Moscow will congratulate the SVO soldiers and their families on the winter holidays.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Participants in the Special Military Operation (SMO) courageously defend the interests of our country and selflessly protect it. Every vacation for service members, especially if it falls during the winter holidays, brings great joy. They strive to spend this time in their native places, surrounded by loved ones, and to experience the warmth of their hearts in a short period of time. Those who celebrate 2026 on the front lines will be waiting for good news and gifts from home, and veterans who have completed their service are happy to know they are appreciated, respected, and supported. For those who defended them and their families, whether they were able to reunite for the holidays or not, it is important to feel that they are not alone and that even on the coldest winter night, there is room for the lights of New Year's garlands and the glow of the Christmas star.

In December and January, Moscow is planning numerous events, gift presentations, charity events, and special programs for military personnel and their families. The capital's focus is on the wives, children, and parents of service members, the families of fallen soldiers, veterans, as well as those serving in combat zones or on leave.

Gifts, Christmas trees and concerts

In anticipation of the holidays, children will receive invitations to Christmas trees and sweet treats, while adults will receive New Year's treats. For the youngest members of military families—children aged three to 13—we have prepared sweet gifts and tickets to the Mayor's Christmas tree at Gostiny Dvor. The performances will run from December 28 to January 11.

An unusual team of over 100 Santa Clauses, chosen from among the employees, is responsible for delivering sweet gifts. Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Moscow. Each of them underwent "magical" training to put on a mini-performance for children.

New Year's holiday packages are already being delivered to the wives and parents of special military operation participants serving in combat zones, as well as veterans who have completed their service. A New Year's contact center representative will contact each family in advance to arrange a convenient delivery time. Gifts can also be picked up in person at the Unified Support Center for Special Military Operation Participants and Their Families (8 Beregovoy Proezd, Bldg. 2) daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM until December 30, and from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM from January 2 to 9. For additional information, please call the New Year's contact center at 7 499 530-58-30 daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

In anticipation of the New Year, the Unified Support Center has organized a special program for SVO participants and their families. Throughout December, guests can attend performances, participate in creative workshops, prepare gifts for loved ones, plan a New Year's menu, and more. On December 17, there will be a New Year's concert by students of the Diana Gurtskaya Center for Social Integration, along with a vocal master class led by People's Artist of Russia Diana Gurtskaya. The marathon will culminate on December 20 with an interactive family tour of the center's various venues. The program includes a New Year's performance, a dance flash mob, a music quiz, and much more.

Free tours, performances, and skating rinks

The V.V. Mayakovsky State Museum invites SVO members and their families to tour the memorial apartments: on Studenetsky Lane (call 7 495 605-19-29 to register) and on Bolshaya Presnya (call 7 499 255-01-86 to register). A lecture by the curators of the exhibition "Victory Park: Images of Memory in Contemporary Russian Art" is scheduled for January 13 at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Petrovka. Guests will also learn about the ancient burial mound of Saur-Mogila, located in the Donetsk People's Republic. The memorial complex was restored by Russian forces in 2022. Registration for the lecture can be done through Mosbilet.

The Zurab Tsereteli Museum and Studio will be offering special tours and interactive programs from December 16th to 30th. Registration is available by calling: 7 495 650-73-58. The Alexander Shilov Gallery invites you to free themed tours, "They Fought for Their Country!", dedicated to the defenders of the Fatherland as depicted by Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation, People's Artist of the USSR, and Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts Alexander Shilov. To attend these events, please register in advance by calling the institution at 7 495 697-73-10. Soldiers of the Special Military District and their families can visit the A.S. Pushkin State Museum and the Alexander Shilov Gallery free of charge. Tickets are available at the box office.

From December 22, 2025, to January 11, 2026, more than 800 children and adults from the families of SVO soldiers will attend 42 performances at Moscow theaters free of charge. Libraries and cultural centers will host more than 100 free events for children, including those from the families of SVO soldiers, as part of the New Year's celebrations.

In addition, all events within the framework of the project will be held at the Moskino cinema park Winter in Moscow will be free for the country's defenders and their families. The program includes vibrant cinema weekends with master classes and film screenings, and a New Year's performance for children on the stage. Gonzaga Theatre, participation in a large-scale New Year's celebration, as well as all thematic events within the framework New Year's holidaysYou can get free tickets through the service Mosbilet.

In addition, free tickets are provided for visiting the new skating rink in the Olympic complex. LuzhnikiThese can be obtained by presenting documents at the skating rink's ticket office. Also, throughout the winter season, SVO participants and their families will be able to participate in winter sports free of charge at the Vorobyovy Gory ski resort by pre-registration, as well as receive a discount on sports equipment rental.

Project Made in Moscow The "Gift Factory" art pavilion on Bolotnaya Square will host a series of free events. Over 200 children of military personnel will attend an immersive performance dedicated to the Russian folk tale "The Twelve Months." The "Made in Moscow" New Year's celebrations will run from December 23rd to January 10th in the morning. Children will enjoy interactive activities, contests, and creative workshops. Each child will have the opportunity to make a wish and send a letter to Santa Claus, as well as receive a gift from local brands. Throughout the winter, Bolotnaya Square will host free events, creative workshops, and ice skating for families of the Air Defense Forces (with a valid ID, free skates and access to the ice rink without registration or waiting in line).

As part of the project "Moscow is helping" Moscow entrepreneurs participating in the "Made in Moscow" project will collect humanitarian aid for military personnel and residents of the new regions, including New Year's gifts and consumer goods. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a charitable foundation to support the needs of the Air Defense Forces and the families of service members.

Numerous events aimed at supporting special military operation participants, their families, demobilized soldiers, residents of the country's new territories, and people in difficult life situations are already taking place in the capital as part of the city festival "Journey to Christmas" and the "Winter in Moscow" project. These initiatives combine a festive atmosphere, sports, art, and charity, helping to create a New Year's miracle and strengthen the spirit of unity. All events are free and open by invitation. Learn more about them inmaterial.

Charity events

Everyone can share their concern and support the country's defenders and their loved ones. To this end, the city is hosting a variety of charity events, from the festive "Hanging Mandarin" tocapital fairs to initiatives that can help solve larger problems.

For example, at the Winter in Moscow sites, New Year's gifts are collected for SVO participants, children from new regions, and shelter animals. Gift Factory pavilions have been opened for this purpose. For example, they are located atRed Square, Tverskaya Square, and Novy Arbat. More than 30 of these will be open throughout the city until February 28. collection pointsAt the Gift Factory pavilions, anyone can donate men's gift sets, personal hygiene products, insoles, socks, mittens, gloves, and thermal underwear. Children living in new regions will find New Year's sweets, construction sets, and school supplies useful, as well as craft kits and Christmas tree decorations.

As part of the "Feed a Friend" campaign, donations of pet supplies are also being offered for evacuated animals living in shelters in the Belgorod and Kursk regions. Reflective bracelets, stickers, and other items that enhance visibility at night are also being accepted for residents of border regions. The "Light of Kindness" campaign will run until February 28, 2026.

There is also a chance to fulfill the wishes of children of SVO participants in the campaign "Kind Christmas Tree", transfer to the district volunteer centers "Good Place" and the pavilions "Gift Factory" of the project Moscow is helping gifts for military personnel in hospitals as part of the campaign "The Course of Good" or humanitarian aid for residents of new and border regions to one of the 15 goods collection headquarters, write to the heroes video greetings Happy New Year and Merry Christmas.

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

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Countering fraud and preventing fires: A security conference was held at the Polytechnic University.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Polytechnic University held a conference, "Ensuring Security in an Educational Institution," for the heads of institutes, higher schools, and departments. Maxim Pasholikov, Vice Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security, chaired the conference.

Also participating in the event were: Deputy Prosecutor of the Kalininsky District Lidiya Bortnikova, employee of the Investigative Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Kalininsky District Daniil Sigunov, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor of the Kalininsky District Kira Torbeeva, First Category Specialist of the Department for Legality, Law and Order, and Security of the Administration of the Kalininsky District of St. Petersburg Elena Pridanova, and educational psychologist of the Center for Psychological, Pedagogical, Medical, and Social Assistance of the Kalininsky District Natalia Neryadikhina.

Experts discussed common telephone fraud schemes and attacker tactics, and provided recommendations for preventing and combating extremist activity in the telecommunications sector.

Natalia Davydova, Director of the Audit, Financial Control, and Economic Security Service at SPbPU, presented a report on the university's efforts to combat corruption.

Artem Zimin, Head of the Information Security Systems Administration Department, provided examples of phishing attacks and explained how to protect against them.

Anastasia Filippova, Head of the Fire Prevention Department, discussed fire safety regulations in the university's buildings and dormitories in detail, and provided examples of typical fire safety violations.

A separate issue at the conference was the transition to electronic applications for passes, admission of people and vehicles, and the entry and exit of material assets. Lyudmila Sorokina, Head of the Pass Bureau, outlined the new document processing procedure in detail.

Summing up, Vice Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security Maxim Pasholikov noted: "The main goal of the event is to prevent illegal activities, minimize the risk of criminals committing crimes using telecommunications networks, and ensure compliance with access control regulations. We ask the heads of institutes, higher schools, and structural divisions to disseminate this information to staff and students."

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.