Category: Russian Federation

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Special Report: Shared Environmental Vision: China and Russia Join Forces to Protect the "King of Mountain Forests"

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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

Vladivostok/Changchun, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — In the depths of a cold winter, Evgeny Stoma and his team make their way through the snow and vast mountain forest in southern Russia's Primorsky Krai.

E. Stoma is the Deputy Director of Protection at Land of the Leopard National Park. He oversees a patrol team of over 100 people who patrol the park's protected area 24/7, protecting wild animals from poaching, fires, and other threats.

At the other end of the vast forest, Yang Zhao, a ranger at China's Manchurian Tiger and Amur Leopard National Park, and his colleagues perform similar tasks. Each patrol shift lasts at least four hours, during which they cover at least eight kilometers. Sometimes, they need to maintain infrared cameras installed in the wild, which requires additional time.

This mountain forest, located on the border of Russia's Far East and northeast China, is jointly protected by inspectors from both countries. It is the primary habitat of two rare and endangered predators—the Manchurian (Amur) tiger and the Far Eastern leopard.

In the early 20th century, the wild Manchurian tiger population plummeted. At one point, some estimates suggest there were only about 500 individuals left worldwide. The Amur leopard also faced extinction. Russia and China are making sustained and determined efforts to preserve these rare animals.

In 2012, the Russian National Park "Land of the Leopard" was established. Its most important mission is to save the world's last population of Far Eastern leopards, as well as to provide a natural, safe habitat for tigers and leopards through conservation efforts.

"Before the creation of Land of the Leopard National Park, we considered capturing all the tigers and leopards and keeping them in zoos to ensure their survival. But ultimately, we decided to allow them to live and thrive in the wild," says park director Viktor Bardyuk.

This work is fraught with numerous difficulties and dangers. E. Stoma has been shot by poachers more than once and has encountered various emergency situations. "For example, in the Kraskino-Hunchun crossing area, there's tall grass and strong winds, creating a constant threat of fire. I once had the experience of one person dying in a fire. The last time this happened was 15 years ago. That person was working with me. There have been many such incidents: car and boat rammings, shootouts, arrests, fights… We don't deal with poachers in a library, we deal with them in the forest," E. Stoma explains.

China is also systematically working to protect Manchurian tigers and Far Eastern leopards. Thanks to a project to protect natural forests and develop a network of nature reserves, the ecological situation in these predators' habitats has significantly improved, allowing their populations to gradually recover. In 2017, the Manchurian Tiger and Far Eastern Leopard National Park was established in China's Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces as a pilot project. Situated directly on the border with Russia, the park covers an area of approximately 14,000 square kilometers. It received official status in 2021.

In addition to traditional foot patrols conducted by rangers like Yang Zhao, the Manchurian Tiger and Amur Leopard National Park is actively implementing modern technology. It uses an intelligent "sky-to-ground" monitoring system that uses satellite remote sensing and artificial intelligence to track tiger and leopard activity in real time, achieving over 95 percent accuracy in identifying individual tigers.

This is the world's first real-time biodiversity monitoring system for large areas. In accordance with the data exchange agreement reached with the Russian side, scientists from both parks are using this system to obtain key information on population dynamics and changes in predator habitat in the border zone.

Conserving the Manchurian tiger and Far Eastern leopard, as well as protecting their habitat, has become a shared environmental goal for China and Russia. Joint work between experts from the two countries on protecting Manchurian tigers began in 2006. In 2019, China's Manchurian Tiger and Far Eastern Leopard National Park and Russia's Land of the Leopard National Park exchanged visits, formally establishing a strategic partnership for the transboundary conservation of tigers and leopards. In March 2024, the China-Russia Joint Laboratory for Research on the Conservation and Restoration of the Manchurian Tiger Population was established. Today, bilateral cooperation is constantly expanding, encompassing new areas: from data integration and joint patrols to the exchange of advanced technologies.

The area, jointly and carefully protected by the two countries' national parks, has become an ideal breeding ground for Manchurian tigers and Far Eastern leopards. According to Feng Limin, Director of the Manchurian Tiger and Far Eastern Leopard Monitoring and Research Center of the State Forestry and Grassland Administration of China, special corridors have been created to ensure the free migration of wild animals across the Sino-Russian border, which has contributed to a healthier population distribution.

Since 2017, the monitoring system has recorded over 30,000 instances of sika deer crossing these transboundary corridors. Furthermore, over 20 Manchurian tigers regularly use them for free movement.

The effectiveness of Chinese-Russian cooperation in protecting Manchurian tigers and Far Eastern leopards is clearly demonstrated by the steady growth of these wild animals' populations. According to available data, in 2015, before the launch of the national park's pilot project, only 27 tigers and 42 leopards lived in China. By 2025, their numbers had increased to approximately 70 and 80 individuals, respectively, and their habitat now covers approximately 80% of the park's territory. Even more encouraging is the increase in reproductive success: while at the start of the project, only about 30% of tiger cubs and leopard cubs survived, this figure is now approaching 50%.

The populations of Manchurian tigers and Amur leopards in Russia are also showing steady growth. Since the establishment of Land of the Leopard National Park, the leopard population has increased from 35 to over 120 individuals, and the tiger population to over 50. Thanks to the joint efforts of the two countries, this region of Northeast Asia has become home to the highest density of wild populations of these rare felines in the world.

In November 2025, a Sino-Russian exchange event on cross-border conservation of the Manchurian tiger and the Far Eastern leopard was held in Hunchun, Jilin Province. The parties agreed not only to establish a unified monitoring system but also to jointly produce environmental video footage to promote successful cross-border conservation practices. It was noted that the practical experience of the two countries offers ready-made, effective models for global efforts on cross-border biodiversity conservation.

“We are working towards one goal: to ensure the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature,” emphasized Duan Zhaogan, director of the Manchurian Tiger and Far Eastern Leopard National Park. –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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Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated MSTU "Stankin" on its 95th anniversary.

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

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The Moscow State Technological University "Stankin" held a celebration of the university's 95th anniversary. It brought together over 700 graduates from across the years.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko sent a congratulatory message to MSTU Stankin.

He noted that, at the direction of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, a leading center of excellence for the machine tool industry is being established at Stankin University.

Today, the university is a leading training ground for promising engineering talent, preparing specialists for cutting-edge fields, from mechanical engineering and robotics to the creation of complex automated systems.

"Your talented graduates are helping our country achieve technological leadership—a national goal set by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. Here, students receive a truly high-quality and in-demand education, and this is primarily due to the dedicated, experienced teachers and mentors who make a significant contribution to strengthening Russia's intellectual potential every day," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Thanks to the national project "Youth and Children," the university will receive a new, modern campus by 2030. In partnership with the Moscow government, a world-class, high-tech campus will be built, attracting over 11,000 students.

"As a Stankin graduate, I always remember my student years here with fondness. I wish the university prosperity, success, engaged students, bright, promising developments, and continued progress!" concluded Dmitry Chernyshenko.

During the event, the university presented its key achievements over 95 years, unveiled new projects, and held a concert prepared by student groups from across the years.

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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Marat Khusnullin: Construction of two metro tunnels has been completed in Nizhny Novgorod as part of the Avtozavodskaya Line extension.

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

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In Nizhny Novgorod, tunnel boring work has been completed between the future Sennaya and Ploshchad Svobody stations.

Tunnel boring work between the future Sennaya and Ploshchad Svobody stations in Nizhny Novgorod has been completed – 1,500 meters were excavated in less than seven months under challenging hydrogeological conditions. A ceremony was held to mark the entry into the demolition chamber of the Vladimir mechanized complex.

"With increasing car ownership and traffic volume, it's crucial, especially in large cities, to develop public transportation. The most optimal and efficient system for large cities is the metro, which reduces congestion, saves travel time, and improves the city's ecology. Today, the metro continues to develop in the regions, including with the help of infrastructure loans. For example, in Nizhny Novgorod, a long-awaited event took place: the excavation of a second tunnel from Sennaya station to Ploshchad Svobody station on the Avtozavodskaya Line extension. This work will provide Nizhny Novgorod residents and visitors with additional comfort and safety while traveling around the city, connecting districts and major transportation hubs. Passenger traffic to the upper part of the city, specifically at these two stations, is expected to increase to 12.5 million people per year," noted Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

Nizhny Novgorod Region Governor Gleb Nikitin thanked the metro construction workers for their work. "Thank you for understanding the need to expedite the construction schedule for new metro stations in the historic part of the city. Nizhny Novgorod residents are eagerly awaiting these stations. I saw both the first tunnel and the kilometer of the second tunnel—very impressive, high-quality work! My only wish is for you to keep up the momentum and get on with the main work of constructing the station complexes," said Gleb Nikitin.

According to Vasily Kupyzin, CEO of the Territorial Development Fund, which is participating in the implementation of projects funded by infrastructure loans, the project, which involves the IBC, involves extending the Avtozavodskaya Line by approximately 3 km.

"Construction of new metro stations is underway in the Nagornaya and Zarechnaya districts of the city. Two new stations will be built – Ploshchad Svobody and Sennaya on the Avtozavodskaya Line – and the design and construction site clearance for the future Sormovskaya station in the Zarechnaya district has been completed as part of the Sormovsko-Meshcherskaya Line extension," commented Vasily Kupyzin.

Yevgeny Smirnov, Deputy General Director for Construction at Mosproekt-3, announced that excavation of the first tunnel from the assembly chamber behind the dead ends of Gorkovskaya station is planned to begin in March 2026.

The excavation of the first connecting tunnel on the Avtozavodskaya Line extension in Nizhny Novgorod was completed in February 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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Tatyana Golikova and Olga Lyubimova opened new cultural facilities in the regions.

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

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Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova opened cultural facilities in the regions via videoconference. The event included the ceremonial openings of the "Book Galaxy" children's library in Omsk, the Gorky Central City Library in Makeyevka, the Children's Art School in Anapa, and creative industries schools in the workers' settlement of Koltsovo in the Novosibirsk Region and in Stroitel in the Belgorod Region.

"Cultural development is one of the state's key priorities, as it helps us pass on our traditional spiritual and moral values, our love for our country, our people, and our families, from generation to generation. It's important for us to ensure that all residents of the country, whether they live in a small village or a large city, have the opportunity to attend cultural events, engage in creative pursuits, develop their talents, and spend leisure time with their families," emphasized Tatyana Golikova.

She added that the national project "Culture" was completed last year, under which more than 3,000 cultural facilities were created, reconstructed, and overhauled, more than 7,000 organizations were equipped with modern equipment, and approximately 10,000 creative initiatives and projects across the country were supported.

"This year, the federal project 'Family Values and Cultural Infrastructure' was launched as part of the national 'Family' project. It continues the infrastructure projects already underway and highly sought after by our citizens—renovating community centers, theaters, children's art schools, and museums, creating model libraries and cinemas, and equipping cultural institutions with new equipment. There are also new areas of focus—construction of children's art schools, renovation and equipping of philharmonic halls, and the creation of children's cultural and educational centers. By 2030, we plan to modernize and equip over 10,000 cultural organizations and support over 1,000 creative projects and programs," said Tatyana Golikova.

Two model libraries have opened their doors – in the Donetsk People's Republic and the Omsk Region. As part of the recently completed national project "Culture," more than 1,200 model libraries have already been opened across the country, and nearly 1,300 more will open by 2030. Thanks to this project, libraries have ceased to be mere book repositories and have been transformed into new, modern spaces where people can not only read but also socialize, participate in events, and gain new knowledge.

In the Krasnodar region, a renovated children's art school has opened its doors after renovations, and in the workers' settlement of Koltsovo in the Novosibirsk region and in the town of Stroitel in the Belgorod region, new creative industries schools have opened.

Creative Industries Schools began to be established in 2022. These unique educational spaces with high-tech studios offer young talent the opportunity to acquire creative skills, such as composing music, developing design projects, filmmaking, and working with virtual and augmented reality. 118 such schools have already been established in the country, and they have become hubs for talented teenagers. At least 250 more will be created by 2030.

"This is a significant event for the entire sector, not only summing up the results of work in various areas but also laying the foundation for future achievements. Together, we are creating modern conditions for the spiritual and moral development of people and the support of traditional values," noted Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova.

According to her, modernization is transforming art schools into true talent development centers. New creative industries schools are boosting citizens' creative potential and providing the younger generation with opportunities and conditions for professional development from a young age.

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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Maxim Reshetnikov and Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the Tourism.RF corporation on its fifth anniversary.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the Tourism.RF corporation on its fifth anniversary.

"Tourism.RF Corporation is a key infrastructure partner for the regions in the development of hotel rooms and tourism infrastructure. It sets standards, establishes a high level of quality, and simultaneously sets requirements for tourism infrastructure to meet the needs of both travelers in our country and visitors to Russia," noted Maxim Reshetnikov.

In partnership with regions and private investors, Tourism.RF creates tourist attractions, develops resort development projects, invests in their infrastructure through public-private partnerships, and develops master plans for tourist areas.

"The corporation has been helping develop domestic tourism for five years now. You're implementing 38 projects with 33,900 rooms in 31 regions of the country. This makes a significant contribution to achieving the targets of the national 'Tourism and Hospitality' project," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

He added that two projects with more than 1,300 rooms have already been commissioned, and 36 projects with 32,600 rooms are at various stages of implementation.

"Thanks to your work, more than 1,100 rooms were added to our country in 2025. This fall, the second phase of the all-season resort Zavidovo opened in the Tver Region. Such exciting projects are destined to become magnets for tourists from across Russia and abroad. I wish the Tourism.RF corporation ambitious ideas and success in its work for the benefit of our regions," said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

As part of the national project "Tourism and Hospitality," with the support of Tourism.RF and VEB.RF, three modern hotels with 1,130 rooms and one of the largest water parks in Europe were built in Zavidovo.

Since 2023, Cosmos Hotel Group has opened a hotel in Omsk with the support of Tourism.RF. Four more hotels are currently under construction in Pskov, Tobolsk, Yakutsk, and Magadan.

Together with partners and with the support of the Russian government and the regions, the Tourism.RF corporation will continue to build tourism infrastructure.

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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Financial news: On December 19, 2025, the Federal Treasury will hold a deposit auction of 22,025,441.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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Application selection parameters;

Application selection date is 19.12.2025. Unique application selection identifier is 22,025,441. Deposit currency is rubles. Fund type is Unified Treasury Account. The maximum amount of funds placed on bank deposits, in monetary units, is 40,000,000,000. Placement period, in days, is 364. Date of deposit is 19.12.2025. Date of return is 18.12.2026. Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) is FLOATING. Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, in % per annum is the basic floating interest rate for placement of funds RUONmDS. Minimum spread, in % per annum is 0. Terms of the bank deposit agreement (term, replenishable, or special). Replenishable. The minimum amount of funds placed per application, in monetary units, is 20,000,000,000. The maximum number of applications from one credit institution is 2. Application selection form (Open with random completion, Closed, Open with extension). Open with extension. Application selection schedule (Moscow time). Application selection venue: Moscow Exchange PJSC.

Acceptance of applications from 10:00 to 10:20. Applications in preliminary mode from 10:00 to 10:05. Applications in competition mode from 10:15 to 10:20. Random end of trading period (sec.): 0 Bid step: 0.1 Time step (sec.): 60. End time of the extension period: 10:30:00. Formation of a consolidated register of applications from 10:30 to 11:00. Setting the cutoff interest rate and (or) recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful from 10:30 to 11:10. Sending an offer to credit institutions to conclude a bank deposit agreement from 11:10 to 11:30. Receipt of acceptance of the offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions from 11:10 to 11:30. The time of transfer of the deposit in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 63 and 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated April 27, 2023 No. 10n.

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Financial news: On December 19, 2025, a deposit auction of 22,025,440 rubles of the Federal Treasury will be held.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Application selection parameters;

Application selection date is 19.12.2025. Unique application selection identifier is 22,025,440. Deposit currency is rubles. Type of funds is the Unified Treasury Account. The maximum amount of funds placed on bank deposits, in monetary units is 798,000,000,000. Placement period, in days is 3. Date of depositing funds is 19.12.2025. Date of return of funds is 22.12.2025. Interest rate for placing funds (fixed or floating) is FIXED. Minimum fixed interest rate for placing funds, % per annum is 15.76. Basic floating interest rate for placing funds is the Minimum spread, % per annum. Terms and conditions of concluding a bank deposit agreement (term, replenishable or special) is Term. The minimum amount of funds placed for one application, in monetary units, is 1,000,000,000. The maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 2. Application selection form (Open with random completion, Closed, Open with extension). Open with random completion. Application selection schedule (Moscow time). Venue for application selection: Moscow Exchange. Applications will be accepted from 10:00 to 10:10. Applications in preliminary mode from 10:00 to 10:05. Applications in competition mode from 10:05 to 10:10. Random trading end period (sec.): 120 Bid increment:

Time step (sec.):

Extension period end time:

Formation of a consolidated register of applications from 10:30 to 11:00. Setting the cutoff interest rate and (or) recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful from 10:30 to 11:10. Sending an offer to credit institutions to conclude a bank deposit agreement from 11:10 to 11:30. Receipt of acceptance of the offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions from 11:10 to 11:30. The time of deposit transfer in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 63 and 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated April 27, 2023 No. 10n.

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December 18, 2025 "Survive the Ice": How the World of a Soviet Antarctic Station Is Created. Production designer Yulia Makushina (pictured) spoke to Mosfilm.ru about the extensive work involved in creating the visual world of Mosfilm's new film, "Survive the Ice." The primary goal was to recreate the spirit of Soviet polar stations, and the greatest challenge was constructing a full-fledged set in the Far North, near Murmansk.

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Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 18, 2025

News editorial office

Production designer Yulia Makushina (pictured) spoke to Mosfilm.ru about the extensive work involved in creating the visual world of Mosfilm's new film, "Survive the Ice." The primary goal was to recreate the spirit of Soviet polar stations, and the greatest challenge was constructing a full-scale set in the Far North, near Murmansk.

A team of artists and set designers is currently preparing to construct a key filming location—the Voskhod station, a prototype for the real-life Soviet and Russian Antarctic station Vostok. Work is underway on several fronts: from historical research to the design of complex structures capable of withstanding the polar winter.

VOSKHOD STATION: AN ARTISTIC IMAGE BASED ON A REAL OBJECT

Yulia Makushina noted that, as the film's production designer, her task was not to replicate one specific station, but to create a comprehensive yet compelling artistic image.

"We're creating this image from various polar stations. We want it to be convincing, but also artistic… It's something unique, a combination of everything there, so it's interesting and compelling on camera," explains Yulia Makushina.

To delve deeper into the subject, archival photographs, documentaries, and materials from the Mosfilm library were studied. The artists consulted with polar explorers who worked in Antarctica in the 1980s. However, as Yulia Makushina notes, some technical details had to be reconstructed from photographs, as even eyewitnesses no longer remember all the nuances.

CONSTRUCTION IN EXTREME CONDITIONS

The most complex and large-scale project is the station's full-scale set, which will begin construction in February next year on the site of a former airfield in the Murmansk region. The location was chosen due to its guaranteed snow cover and relative (by regional standards) protection from the strong winds typical, for example, in Teriberka.

The production designer demonstrated a model of the future set, which will consist of several buildings: service and residential quarters, a building housing diesel generators and a water purification and storage system, warehouses, and so on. The set will not be hollow—the buildings will be constructed from metal structures capable of withstanding Arctic storms. Stuntmen and pyrotechnicians will also be working within them, as one of the film's central scenes involves an extreme situation at the station.

"Of course, this is a professional challenge. Textured and painted work in -30°C temperatures and windy conditions is a serious test for the artists and prop masters who bring our vision to life," says the production designer.

Around 30 people will be involved in construction, with another seven specialists working on the set and props. After filming, the set will likely be dismantled.

In addition to the station, a fleet of unique equipment is being created for the film: · Airplane mockup (built in St. Petersburg) · All-terrain vehicle "Kharkovchanka" (also manufactured in St. Petersburg)

Interior filming will take place on Mosfilm soundstages. The station's living and working modules, including the mess hall, infirmary, and radio room, will be built there. Real Moscow locations have already been selected for other scenes: the interiors of a scientific institute, as well as exteriors and interiors at Moscow's airports.

Thus, viewers of "Survive the Ice" will see not computer graphics, but a completely tangible world, created by the hands of artists, decorators, and builders in conditions close to those in which the film's characters find themselves.

As a reminder, the film "Survival in the Ice" is set in the early 1980s. The film's central characters are the staff of a polar station in Antarctica who find themselves in an extreme situation during one of their wintering trips.

The film's director of photography is Alexander Kuznetsov (White Tiger, Anna Karenina. Vronsky's Story, Gloomy River), the production designer is Yulia Makushina (Decision on Liquidation, GDR, For Us and You), the costume designer is Vladimir Nikiforov (Khitrovka. The Sign of Four, Streltsov, Tobol), the sound engineer is Vitaly Roshchupkin (Khitrovka. The Sign of Four, Vladivostok, Decision on Liquidation), and the makeup artists are Evgeniya Malinovskaya and Mikhail Vigdorov.

The film is being produced by Gopkins Film Production, commissioned by Mosfilm. Producers are Denis Lopatkin and Alexander Perevezentsev, and executive producer is Anatoly Shelyakin.

The film's general producer is Karen Shakhnazarov, a film director and head of the Mosfilm Film Concern, and its deputy general director, Andrey Gushchin, is the producer. The film is being made without any state budget funds or sponsorship.

As a reminder, Mosfilm.ru previously reported on the completion of extensive screen tests for the project "Survive the Ice."

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 government is launching a grant program to support agricultural colleges.

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

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Document

Resolution of December 12, 2025 No. 2015

Starting in 2026, colleges training personnel for agricultural enterprises will be able to participate in the Agroprofi grant program and receive funding for their own development projects. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree approving the rules for providing and distributing subsidies for these purposes.

Grants will cover up to 90% of the development project's cost. The remaining 10% can be provided by the employers for whom each agricultural college trains personnel. The selection competition for development projects will be conducted by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture.

These projects should include, among other things, the reconstruction or major renovation of educational infrastructure, the acquisition of equipment, textbooks and teaching aids, and the procurement of educational software. The project implementation period should not exceed three years.

To participate in the grant program, colleges must train specialists in the following specialty groups: "Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries," "Veterinary Science," "Industrial Ecology and Biotechnology," and a number of others.

Comment

From Mikhail Mishustin's opening remarks at the Government meeting, December 18, 2025

“We hope that such measures will improve the quality of education in agricultural colleges in the short term, so that young people who are ready to work in rural areas are familiar with the most modern technologies in the agricultural sector,” Mikhail Mishustin noted, commenting on the decision taken atGovernment meeting on December 18.

The work is being carried out within the framework of the federal project "Personnel in the Agro-Industrial Complex" of the national project "Technological Support for Food Security."

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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Syria's Transition: Significant Progress and Remaining Risks

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 18, 2025 Peace and security

One year into the transition in Syria, the UN Security Council discussed progress and remaining threats. Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo noted that during her visit to Syria on December 4, Security Council members "saw firsthand both the opportunities opening up for the country and the challenges it faces."

According to her, the Syrians, celebrating in early December events culminating in the political transition on December 8, 2024, "reaffirmed their unwavering belief in peace, stability, prosperity and justice for their country – despite the obvious and serious challenges they face."

Among the positive steps, DiCarlo cited the restoration of state institutions, the beginning of the integration of armed forces under a unified command, the adoption of a constitutional declaration, the formation of a new cabinet, and the holding of indirect legislative elections in October. National Dialogue Day was also held, and the People's Council and Constitutional Court may be fully formed soon.

In addition, a number of countries have lifted bilateral sanctions against Syria. DiCarlo recalled that “just yesterday the US Congress repealed the Caesar Act, and last month the Security Council adopted Resolution 2799, which removed sanctions designations with President Sharaa and Interior Minister Khattab."

Unstable situation

Despite the decline in violence, the situation remains volatile. "The situation on the ground remains fragile, and intercommunal dynamics remain tense," the UN representative said.

"Unfortunately, these tensions have erupted into violence over the past year," she said, citing large-scale clashes in coastal areas in March, a terrorist attack on a church in Damascus in June, and violence in the predominantly Druze province of As-Suwayda in July.

DiCarlo stressed that the United Nations "unequivocally condemns the violence" and called for transparent investigations and accountability for those responsible.

Regional security issues

Israeli strikes in the south of the country are particularly concerning. According to the rapporteur, at the end of November, "as a result of the invasion and accompanying IDF strikes on the city of Beit Jinn, 13 people were killed," and local residents were forced to flee their homes.

She reiterated the Secretary-General's call on Israel to "refrain from violating Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity" and stressed the need to respect the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement. "The resumption of dialogue between Syria and Israel on security issues is urgently needed," she said.

Terrorist threats

DiCarlo also noted the ongoing focus on counterterrorism, as well as concerns about the presence of foreign fighters and the possible resurgence of ISIS (Daesh). She recalled the recent attack on a joint US-Syrian patrol near Palmyra, which resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.

At the same time, the proliferation of weapons creates additional threats, and mines and unexploded ordnance “continue to kill and maim Syrians daily.”

According to DiCarlo, this underscores the need for the political transition to be accompanied by "Syria's security sector reform program, as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration measures."

Humanitarian situation

Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya delivered a humanitarian briefing on behalf of the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator. She noted that the "hope sparked a year ago" remains encouraging, but stressed the need for "vigorous and consistent international support."

According to her, one of the most visible signs of Syrians' faith in the future was the return of people home. "Two million internally displaced persons have returned – many after years of living in camps," she said, adding that "more than 1.3 million people have returned from neighboring countries."

At the same time, many are returning “to damaged or destroyed homes and communities with extremely limited access to basic services and jobs,” so they will continue to need humanitarian assistance.

UN humanitarian agencies have been able to simplify and streamline operations and now provide assistance to 3.4 million people each month – “a 25 percent increase compared to last year, despite lower funding levels.”

"Rarely does a crisis of the scale of Syria offer such significant opportunities for turning the tide. The past year has given us reason for hope and encouraged us to redouble our efforts. We must seize this moment," Msuya emphasized.

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.