The Iranian President declared his determination to implement strategic agreements with Russia.

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

Tehran, February 18 /Xinhua/ — Iran is "serious" about implementing a comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, and Tehran's relations with Moscow have entered a "new era," Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday.

As noted in a statement released by the Iranian President's Office, M. Pezeshkian expressed these thoughts in Tehran during a meeting with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, who was visiting Iran.

The Iranian President emphasized that since taking office in July 2024, he has held several meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that the decisions made during the talks with him protect the interests of both countries and open up new prospects for bilateral relations.

According to M. Pezeshkian, Tehran is making rapid progress in implementing strategic agreements in various sectors, including transportation, energy, oil and gas, agriculture, food, defense, and security. He added that he monitors progress on the agreements reached on a weekly basis and has instructed Iran's oil, energy, and agriculture ministers to expedite their implementation.

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.

Marat Khusnullin: In the Luhansk People's Republic, restoration work on six artificial structures is 50% complete.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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Restoration of artificial structures of road infrastructure in the Luhansk People's Republic.

In the efforts to create high-quality and safe road infrastructure in the reunited regions, attention is also being paid to artificial structures. These are among the most complex engineering projects, the reliability of which determines transport accessibility and communication between settlements. For example, in the Luhansk People's Republic, work on six artificial structures included in this year's restoration program is 50% complete, according to Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

"Bridges and overpasses serve a strategic function, ensuring stable logistics between cities and municipalities, as well as within them. Their role is also crucial for the prompt operation of emergency services. For example, in the LPR, work on six artificial structures is 50% complete. Road workers began repairs last year, ahead of schedule," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Marat Khusnullin added that, to date, specialists from the state-owned company Avtodor have restored approximately 40 bridges and overpasses in the region, 20 of which were damaged during the fighting.

"This year, a total of 10 bridges will be brought up to standard. New supports will be built or existing ones reinforced, superstructure beams will be installed, barriers will be installed, and new road surfaces will be laid," noted Vyacheslav Petushenko, Chairman of the Board of the State Company "Avtodor."

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.

Marat Khusnullin: Nearly 700 billion rubles in private investment was attracted to the Siberian Federal District thanks to infrastructure loans.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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In the Siberian Federal District, which comprises 10 regions, various financial instruments are used for infrastructure development, including infrastructure budget loans (IBK), special treasury loans (STL), and treasury infrastructure loans (TIL). The regions use these funds to create and modernize utilities, social services, road, transport, and tourism infrastructure.

"Infrastructure loans, issued to regions on favorable terms—at 3% per annum for 15 years—support the construction and renovation of social facilities, utilities, and road infrastructure, which in turn stimulates the comprehensive development of regions and improves the quality of life for citizens. Since 2021, projects implemented with the participation of IBC and SKK in the Siberian Federal District have contributed to the commissioning of over 2.3 million square meters of housing, the attraction of 694.3 billion rubles in extra-budgetary investments, and the creation of 17,600 new jobs. The largest volume of housing commissioned thanks to infrastructure loans was in the Irkutsk Region—over 1 million square meters, the Kemerovo Region—372,400 square meters, and the Altai Krai—325,750 square meters," said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

According to First Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Alexander Lomakin, a total of 184 projects and events are planned to be completed in the regions of the Siberian Federal District using funds from the IBC, SKK, and KIK.

"Since 2021, 88 projects and activities have been completed in the Siberian Federal District thanks to the infrastructure loan program. This includes the construction and reconstruction of nearly 249 km of utility networks and 78.8 km of roads, and the delivery of 49 trolleybuses to the Omsk Region. Furthermore, 783 new buses have been delivered to the regions using SCC funds, and the modernization of two boiler houses in the Altai Region has been completed," noted Alexander Lomakin.

Work continues on 96 more projects and projects under the Siberian Federal District's infrastructure loan program. These include utility networks within the SmartCity Novosibirsk innovation, scientific, and educational center, the 4.1-kilometer Small Transport Ring in Tomsk, and the first phase of a 10.8-kilometer metro-tram line in Krasnoyarsk.

Vasily Kupyzin, CEO of the Territorial Development Fund, noted that in 2025, the Government Commission on Regional Development also approved treasury infrastructure loans totaling 37.5 billion rubles for regions of the Siberian Federal District, which will be used for 64 projects and activities.

"Including within the cap on housing and utilities modernization projects, KIK funds totaling almost 23 billion rubles will be allocated to 52 projects and activities. Additionally, 4 billion rubles have been approved for three projects within the cap on long-term Arctic zone development plans. Another 10.5 billion rubles from KIK have been allocated for nine major projects as part of a competitive selection process for investment projects. Moreover, some of these tasks have already been completed – thanks to KIK, six utility infrastructure projects totaling 13.6 km have been completed in the Omsk Region," said Vasily Kupyzin.

The infrastructure loan program is overseen by the Russian Ministry of Construction. The Territorial Development Fund is participating in the project implementation.

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.

A fire safety team has been dispatched to the site of an explosion at a fireworks store in central China.

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, February 18 (Xinhua) — The Office of the Industrial Safety Commission of the State Council and the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) have dispatched a monitoring team to the site of an explosion at a fireworks store in central China's Hubei Province, which has killed 12 people so far, the MEM announced on Wednesday.

As the department noted, the group was tasked with coordinating rescue efforts and investigating the cause of the incident.

The provincial government has been directed to establish an investigation team to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the culprits to justice in accordance with laws and regulations.

The explosion occurred around 2:00 p.m. Wednesday in Zhengji Township, Xiangyang City. –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.

Snap elections in Bulgaria will be held on April 19, the president said.

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

Sofia, February 18 (Xinhua) — Snap elections in Bulgaria will be held on April 19. President Iliana Yotova announced this on Wednesday, adding that she would issue a decree appointing an interim government proposed by Prime Minister Andrej Gyurov.

I. Yotova made the corresponding statement immediately after A. Gyurov proposed the composition of the interim government to her at a meeting broadcast live on television.

“I will issue a decree on the appointment of your cabinet and will await your oath before the People’s Assembly /parliament/, and I will also issue a decree on holding parliamentary elections on April 19, 2026,” I. Yotova stated, addressing A. Gyurov.

"The most important task is to prepare for fair parliamentary elections in accordance with the country's legislation," she emphasized.

According to I. Yotova, other tasks include overcoming the risks facing the country related to the energy system and rising commodity prices, as well as protecting national positions in Europe. –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.

The Slovak government has declared a state of emergency due to insufficient oil supplies.

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

Bratislava, February 18 (Xinhua) — The Slovak government declared a state of emergency on Wednesday due to insufficient oil supplies, the Slovak news agency TASR reported.

In the face of disruptions in oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, the Slovak government has decided to release up to 250,000 tons of oil from state reserves for the Slovnaft refinery located in Bratislava. –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.

Pancakes, buffoons, and folk entertainment: how the State University of Management celebrated Maslenitsa

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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On February 18, the State University of Management celebrated the midpoint of Maslenitsa week.

At the farewell to winter festival, guests were treated to dozens of entertainments: spoon and boot throwing, Russian Jenga made from logs, sack races, tug-of-war, and performances by buffoons and stilt walkers.

The highlight was, of course, the pancakes: attendees were given over 400 servings of the sunny treat and treated to aromatic tea from real samovars.

University Rector Vladimir Stroyev himself attended the celebration. He wished everyone a happy Maslenitsa and wished everyone a great start to the semester.

For two hours, students came to the square, took treats, participated in games, and took commemorative photos.

"Despite the cold, we're having a great time and warming up with hot tea. Here, you can demonstrate not only your strength and agility in competitions, but also your knowledge, and even win some great prizes," shared Polina Tyukova, a third-year student majoring in Entrepreneurship.

We remind you that Maslenitsa week is in full swing, and you can follow its traditions and university life on the official GUU channels on MAH, Telegram, and VKontakte.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 18, 2026.

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

Computer science, biology, and physics have become the most popular subjects for the Unified State Exam in the capital.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Registration for the Unified State Exam (USE) has closed in Moscow. This year, more than 93,000 people in the capital plan to take the GIA-11, including over 72,000 11th-grade graduates this year, over 13,000 graduates from previous years, and over 6,000 college students. More than 1,000 people will take the state final exam, the press service reported. Moscow Department of Education and Science.

Moscow is creating all the conditions necessary for graduates to thoroughly prepare for the Unified State Exam. The school year for eleventh-graders is structured in a unique way: in the first semester, they master the core curriculum, and in the second, they focus on preparing for the Unified State Exam. At least 40 percent of the time in the second semester is devoted to practical exercises, where they can thoroughly examine complex topics and the exam format. This preparation format also helps them objectively assess their abilities and make an informed choice. This academic year, computer science, biology, and physics are among the most popular elective subjects for the Unified State Exam among Moscow graduates. Overall, interest in the sciences continues to grow. Over 43,000 eleventh-graders took the Advanced Level Unified State Exam in Mathematics—a six percent increase over last year. Interest in physics has also grown: over 14,000 graduates will take this subject—a five percent increase over the 2025 figure. Over 19,000 people chose computer science—a three percent increase. This dynamic is a direct response to economic demand and a conscious choice in favor of in-demand engineering and IT specialties," the department's press service noted.

English and social studies are also popular among graduates. These subjects are required for admission to many humanities and socioeconomics programs at universities.

To receive a secondary general education certificate, 11th-grade students must successfully pass two mandatory exams: one in Russian, which will take place on June 4, and one in mathematics (basic or advanced level), which will take place on June 8. These subjects are included among the first on the schedule, allowing graduates to receive their certificates without delay. Students can choose the remaining exams independently, depending on their plans for admission to higher education.

In 2026, the Unified State Exam will be held in three stages. The early stage will run from March 20 to April 20. The main stage will begin later than usual, on June 1, with exams in literature, history, and chemistry. This decision was made to ensure that students can fully master all subjects and complete their studies without curtailing the curriculum.

Physics and social studies exams will be held on June 11, and biology, geography, and foreign languages (written portions) will be held on June 15. Traditionally, two days—June 18 and 19—have been allocated for the Unified State Exam in computer science and the oral portion of the foreign language exam. Reserve days for the Unified State Exam in all subjects are scheduled from June 22 to July 9. An additional period for taking the Unified State Exam will run from September 4 to 25.

You can view the full exam schedule for eleventh-graders atwebsite Regional Information Processing Center of the City of Moscow. For questions about the state final certification in the capital, please call: 7 499 653⁠-94⁠-50.

More about Moscow education – inofficial channel in the MAX messenger.

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.

The State University of Management (GUU) spoke about the opportunities for studying at military universities.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On February 18, students of the Pre-University and the State University of Management met with representatives of the Military Commissariat of the South-Eastern Administrative District (SEAD) and a veteran of the special military operation (SVO).

The students were told about the opportunities offered by studying at military universities, the admissions process, and the nuances of their studies. They also answered questions about their interests. Finally, the 10th-grade students were reminded about military training.

Elena Borodulina, an employee of the South-Eastern Administrative District Military Commissioner's Office, listed the largest universities offering military specialties and the required subjects for admission. She invited anyone interested in pursuing a career in the military to the commissioner's office for more information.

Valentin Stepanov, Head of the Military Registration and Mobilization Department at the Main Directorate of Military Management, shared his knowledge of the Russian FSB Academy, where he worked for many years. Specifically, he noted that students should apply to the academy as early as the end of 10th grade, as in addition to entrance exams, there is a preliminary interview and checks for any restrictions on military service.

Guards Major Yevgeny Vasilyev, a veteran of the Air Defense Forces, spoke to the audience about his experience studying at the military university, noting the extensive practical training and emphasizing the importance of not only physical fitness and knowledge, but also moral character:

"An officer is always a future educator. Therefore, commanders or a special commission personally evaluate all applicants to determine what kind of person you are and whether you can instill high moral qualities and love for the Motherland in the next generation."

Participants not only asked questions of the speakers but also stayed after the meeting to personally engage with the speakers and clarify any points of interest.

As a reminder, the State University of Management's Pre-University has begun enrolling students for 10th grade for the 2026/2027 school year on a budgetary and contractual basis.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 18, 2026.

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

Sobyanin: Targets for the development of physical education and sports in Moscow for 2026 have been approved.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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By the end of 2025, the number of Muscovites who regularly engage in physical activity and sports has grown to 6.8 million people. This is more than three times the 2010 figure (2.1 million people). Sergei Sobyanin announced this, as well as the Moscow Government's plans for sports development in 2026, on his channel inMAX messenger.

“We also continue

active development "Sports infrastructure. In 2025, 41 facilities were commissioned, including 12 permanent facilities and 29 prefabricated sports complexes," the Moscow Mayor wrote.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel inMAX messenger

Numerous public sporting events, including festivals, marathons, and mass races, were held in 2025. Furthermore, Moscow hosted 175 major sporting events last year.

In total, the capital hosted over 18,000 events included in the unified calendar of Moscow's physical education, sports, and mass sports and entertainment events, as well as numerous other competitions. A total of 3.8 million people participated.

Given these positive results, Sergei Sobyanin supported proposals to hold major sporting events this year.

"We have approved the key objectives for developing publicly accessible physical education and sports for 2026. These include holding over 200 major events—the Big Running Festival, Football Day, Basketball Day, Chess Day, the Moscow Marathon, and others," the Moscow Mayor added.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel inMAX messenger

Additionally, plans include completing the construction and renovation of 47 sports facilities, as well as further developing public infrastructure for winter and summer sports. This includes the development of 23 new-style all-season sports grounds, 11 flagship and 21 district and regional ski trails, and 15 water recreation areas.

Moscow will host the first Big Running Festival.Sergei Sobyanin: Moscow will host three sporting events on May 31 and June 1.

Subscribe to Sergei Sobyanin's official channels on messengers MAX And Telegram.

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.