Category: Russian Language

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RUDN University scientists are researching how to save soils from oil and heavy metals.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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The Arctic is a region of strategic importance, with a unique and vulnerable natural environment. Intensive exploitation of its resources has exposed a serious problem: the low resilience of ecosystems to human impacts. Chronic pollution with oil products and heavy metals causes long-term damage, and the mechanisms of natural soil restoration in harsh climatic conditions are poorly understood.

This is precisely the problem being addressed by a project led by Vyacheslav Ivanovich Vasenev, PhD in Biology and Associate Professor at the RUDN University Institute of Ecology. Its goal is to study the biodiversity and metabolic potential of microorganisms in contaminated Arctic soils to develop effective remediation strategies.

"The problem is that we still have a poor understanding of how combined oil and heavy metal pollution affects the functioning of soil microbiota—the main driver of ecosystem self-purification in the Arctic. Without this knowledge, any attempts at remediation (soil restoration) may be ineffective," explains Vyacheslav Vasenev.

From sampling to practical experiments

The project began with sampling contaminated soils in the Murmansk region. Scientists conducted a comprehensive analysis of the abundance and composition of microbial communities, assessing the initial level of anthropogenic impact.

A six-month experiment was then conducted in laboratory conditions simulating Arctic growing season temperatures (10°C). The researchers simulated various restoration scenarios, studying changes in microbial community structure and pollutant concentrations.

Data processing is still ongoing, but preliminary results are already available. It has been established that high heavy metal levels inhibit the ability of microbes to degrade hydrocarbons, critically slowing natural self-purification. However, the scientists found that the addition of active strains of Rhodococcus and Pseudomonas bacteria increased the efficiency of oil product removal over six months from 14.5% to 46–47%. However, the project team notes a complex pattern of changes in metal mobility. For example, zinc content decreased at medium and high pollution levels, nickel content increased at low pollution levels, and cadmium and copper content remained unchanged.

"Our experiment clearly demonstrated that in cold climates and complex pollution, relying solely on the forces of nature is untenable. However, the careful stimulation of natural processes, based on an understanding of the physiology of local microbial communities, produces very positive results," notes Vyacheslav Vasenev.

Area of practical application

Based on the data obtained, scientifically based recommendations for the restoration of Arctic territories were formulated:

The basic approach is to optimize soil properties (add nutrients, regulate pH and moisture). This is a mandatory step for both remediation and the creation of sustainable soil structures for landscaping. The use of sorbents is effective at high levels of contamination, quickly reducing toxicity and protecting biota. The use of active microorganisms is advisable in the initial stages when native (local) microbiota is severely suppressed. A combined strategy, tailored to the specific soil type, contamination level, and planned land use, is most effective.

The study is of an applied nature. Its results will be useful for organizations involved in eliminating environmental damage in the Arctic, design and environmental organizations, local governments and regional environmental committees, as well as businesses operating in the Russian Arctic zone.

The practical applications range from the cleanup of disturbed areas to the creation of sustainable soil and plant systems in northern conditions. This will enable restoration work to be carried out more effectively and with less damage to ecosystems, and will enable the creation of a fully functional, resilient green infrastructure in Arctic cities.

Work on the project continues. Scientists are focusing on isolating pure cultures of psychrotolerant aerobic hydrocarbon-oxidizing, iron-oxidizing, and anaerobic iron-reducing bacteria capable of functioning under complex pollution conditions, thereby expanding the arsenal of tools for Arctic bioremediation.

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 deliberate degradation of Western elites": Maria Zakharova assessed the situation in Western countries

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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On February 3, at a meeting with students at the State University of Management, Maria Zakharova, Director of the Department of Information and Press and official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that a deliberate degradation of society is taking place in the West, discussing the crisis in European diplomacy.

"The most absurd thing I see isn't the fakes, but what they actually say," Maria Zakharova said, assessing the statements of foreign leaders.

She admitted that today there is a feeling that those who have been put in power in the West “are those who, lacking knowledge, experience, and conscience, will not ask questions, but will do what they are told… This is a systematic work that was carried out with them or on them as an experiment.”

A striking example and proof of the degradation of Western society is the Epstein case, which reflects the “monstrous work of corruption that took place in the center of the Western world.”

The Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the opinion that Europe is currently experiencing another round of dehumanization.

"The wave of gender experiments on one's own children is the limit… They need something to see the light and stop," concluded Maria Zakharova.

During the discussion with the students, the specifics of conducting diplomatic meetings, relations with China, the necessary qualities for civil service, and the importance of preserving historical memory were also discussed.

The meeting was held as part of the "People of My Country" project, which brings politicians, public figures, bloggers, and artists to the State University of Management to give open lectures, sharing their life experiences and personal examples of how to achieve success and be a worthy citizen of their country.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 4, 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.

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China called on the EU to stop abusing unilateral trade instruments.

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, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) — China on Wednesday called on the European Union to strictly adhere to its commitments to market opening and fair competition principles and stop abusing unilateral trade and economic instruments.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made this statement at a regular press conference, commenting on the EU's readiness to conduct an investigation into a Chinese clean energy company, in connection with the company's alleged receipt of state subsidies, which led to a distortion of competition in the EU market.

The EU has consistently abused unilateral trade and economic instruments, imposing discriminatory and restrictive measures against Chinese companies. Such actions send a protectionist signal, damage the EU's image, and affect Chinese companies' confidence in investing in Europe, Lin Jian stated.

"We call on the EU to strictly adhere to its commitments to market openness and the principles of fair competition, stop abusing unilateral trade and economic instruments, and provide a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment for companies from all countries," the Chinese diplomat emphasized.

He further added that China is ready to resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. -0-

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Xi Jinping: China and Russia should strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields

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, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) — China and Russia should intensify high-level exchanges and strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin via videoconference.

Noting that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, Xi Jinping said the two countries should ensure that bilateral relations continue to develop in the right direction by deepening strategic coordination and more actively fulfilling their responsibilities as major countries. -0-

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Xi Jinping: China and Russia should jointly maintain global strategic stability amid a turbulent international environment

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, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) — China and Russia should work together to maintain global strategic stability as the international situation has become increasingly turbulent since the beginning of the year, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

As responsible major countries and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia have a responsibility to urge the international community to uphold justice, firmly defend the results of the victory in World War II, and resolutely defend the international system with the UN at its core and the fundamental norms of international law, he said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin via videoconference.

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The Crimean (Yalta) Conference: How the leaders of the Big Three shaped the post-war world order

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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Exactly 81 years ago, the Crimean (Yalta) Conference, which determined the post-war world order, began. It took place from February 4 to 11, bringing together the leaders of the anti-Hitler coalition countries. The delegations included:

USSR: Joseph Stalin – Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Chairman of the State Defense Committee, Vyacheslav Molotov – People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, Andrei Gromyko – USSR Ambassador to the USA, a group of senior military and civilian advisers

USA: Franklin Delano Roosevelt – President of the United States, Edward Stettinius – Secretary of State, Harry Hopkins – the president's closest personal adviser, Admiral William Leahy, General George Marshall and other high-ranking military officers

Great Britain: Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain, Anthony Eden, Foreign Secretary, Alexander Cadogan, Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Field Marshal Alan Brooke, Admiral of the Fleet Andrew Cunningham and other members of the Chiefs of Staff Committee

The main goal of the conference was the desire of the Allied leaders to agree on plans for the final defeat of Nazi Germany and its allies. They also saw the need to develop the fundamental principles of a post-war world order, the primary instrument of which was to be the United Nations.

To reach a common understanding, the leaders of the "Big Three" met twice, the heads of government eight times, and the foreign ministers seven times. The Yalta Conference resulted in crucial decisions that shaped the shape of post-war Europe and the entire world for years to come:

Plans for final operations against Nazi Germany were agreed upon. The Soviet Union pledged to enter the war with Japan. A decision was made on Germany's unconditional surrender, complete disarmament, denazification, and division into four occupation zones: the USSR, the USA, Great Britain, and France, under the general governance of the Allied Control Council. A demand was made for reparations in kind: equipment, goods, labor, and payments: one-time and annual. The creation of a Provisional Polish Government and the expansion of borders. The return of South Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, and the acquisition of special rights to lease a base in Port Arthur and operate railways in Menchuria. The principles of the future UN were agreed upon. The Declaration on Liberated Europe was adopted, proclaiming democratic principles.

Interesting facts about the conference:

The meeting was considered unofficial, and the media were not invited: each participant was allowed to bring no more than three or four uniformed military photographers for photography and filming. The participants were housed in three palaces: the Soviet delegation in the Yusupov Palace, the US in the Livadia Palace, and the British in the Vorontsov Palace. Although the main meetings were supposed to take place on "neutral territory," the heads of state met in the Livadia Palace. This was due to Roosevelt's inability to travel independently due to illness. The Soviet representative, Joseph Stalin, was conspicuously late for the first meeting. Gromyko's advisor, Rostislav Sergeyev, suggested that this was his way of "setting the tone" for the difficult negotiations. The Crimean palaces had to be restored practically from scratch: after two years of occupation, not even the fabric wallpaper on the walls or the brass door handles remained. More than 2,000 workers were brought in to prepare for the conference, and furniture, food, and beverages were imported from all over the Soviet Union. Winston Churchill was the last to leave the meeting place. He stayed for two days to visit Sapun Mountain in Balaklava, where the British fought in 1854-55.

The Crimean (Yalta) Conference is of paramount historical significance. Firstly, it drew a line under the most horrific event of the 20th century; secondly, it laid the foundations of the post-war order that lasted almost until the end of the century; thirdly, it ushered in a new era in the development of international relations.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 4, 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.

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Students from St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering won bronze medals at the 2026 International Mathematical Olympiad BIMO.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Students from the St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering won bronze medals in the individual and team competitions at the Bukhara International Mathematics Olympiad 2026 (BIMO-2026), which was held from January 25 to 28 at Bukhara State University (Republic of Uzbekistan).

Around 500 students from leading universities in neighboring and far-abroad countries participated in the Olympiad. Participating countries included China, India, Pakistan, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. The Russian Federation was represented by three universities: Lomonosov Moscow State University, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, and Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

SPbGASU was represented at the Olympiad by a team of students from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, led by Acting Head of the Mathematics Department Larisa Grambovskaya.

Based on the results of the individual competition, a bronze medal was awarded to student of group 18-Sb(PGS)-1, Egor Filimonov.

In the team stage, the bronze cup was won by the SPbGASU team consisting of:

Egor Filimonov (group 18-Sb(PGS)-1); Polina Kuznetsova (group TBb-1); Polina Bykova (group 9-Sb(PGS)-1); Evgenia Sofronova (group 18-Sb(PGS)-1).

The Olympiad participants highly praised the organization of the event and the warm welcome provided by Bukhara State University. As part of the cultural program, the students explored the historical sites of ancient Bukhara, a city with over 2,500 years of history.

Beyond the competition, the Olympiad became an important platform for international networking. SPbGASU students actively interacted with participants from other countries and established friendly contacts with the volunteers who accompanied the teams.

Participation in such events helps strengthen international ties, expand students' professional and cultural horizons, and enhance the prestige of SPbGASU and the Russian Federation in the international educational arena.

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: In the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, the "Travel!" forum will help you better understand different cultures.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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The International Tourism Forum "Travel!" presented business program architectureThe event will take place from June 10–14, 2026, with the business portion taking place from June 10–12. The forum is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development. The forum will become a key platform for the Russian tourism market and will focus on developing a competitive tourism product as the foundation for the sustainable development of domestic and inbound tourism.

In 2026, the program is structured around the principle "from meaning to economy" with the unifying theme "Different Cultures – Shared Values: Travel Bringing People Together." It emphasizes the role of tourism as a tool for intercultural dialogue, spatial development, and improving quality of life.

"This year has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. The 'Travel!' forum will focus on tourism as a way to better understand different cultures. Its business program will also focus on the creation of competitive tourism products, promotion, and infrastructure, including that being developed under the 'Tourism and Hospitality' national project. I am confident that this summer the forum will once again attract a large number of participants, and its topics will be of interest to both travel enthusiasts and industry professionals," noted Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

The business program architecture is built around three interconnected areas: "Product," "Infrastructure," and "Promotion." The product block takes center stage, providing a framework for discussing management, investment, and communications decisions. It covers issues of territorial identity, developing competitive offerings, developing human resources, and improving industry efficiency using modern technologies and methods.

The infrastructure section is dedicated to the conditions and mechanisms for developing tourist accessibility, transport connectivity, and the creation of tourist attractions. The "Promotion" track focuses on tools for promoting territories, developing tourism brands, and modern formats for interaction between market participants.

Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov emphasized the program's focus on practical results: "The business program's architecture is designed so that each track leads to specific projects: new routes, infrastructure upgrades, and the launch of services and promotional tools. The tourism product becomes the center of the ecosystem, integrating support measures, investment decisions, and marketing activities around it. 'Travel!' is the place where regions present their flagship offerings, announce new initiatives, and find partners among major market players and international colleagues."

The program will discuss key national and interregional tourism initiatives, including major route and resort projects that are driving demand for travel across Russia: the Golden Ring of Russia and Five Seas and Lake Baikal.

"The forum sets the framework for a comprehensive discussion of the industry's development. It fosters a coordinated approach to implementing state policy, based on the interconnection of strategic goals and practical solutions in the regions," emphasized Presidential Advisor Anton Kobyakov.

The International Tourism Forum "Travel!" is the largest event in the Russian tourism industry, combining a festival format for travelers and a business format for professionals. In 2025, the business forum attracted over 4,000 participants, and the festival venue attracted 433,000 people. 438 organizations, including tour operators, hotel chains, tourist attractions, and equipment manufacturers, showcased their capabilities at 140 exhibition sites. Eighty-nine Russian regions (83 with their own exhibits) and 32 foreign countries (9 with their own stands) participated. The business program included 61 sessions with 427 speakers, and 67 agreements were signed. The festival portion featured 182 lecture events (276 experts), and the main stage hosted over 100 creative groups.

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Ticket sales are now open for Nordwind flights to Bokhtar from Kazan and Krasnoyarsk.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Nordwind Airlines –

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This winter, the airline will launch direct scheduled flights from Krasnoyarsk and Kazan to the Republic of Tajikistan. *Local times at each airport are shown.

Passengers will also be able to take connecting flights to Bokhtar from Moscow and St. Petersburg with a transfer at Kazan Airport.

The current schedule and ticket booking are available on website airlines and at the ticket offices of your city.

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Intermedia: Melodiya has released the rock opera Pesnyary on vinyl.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

The rock opera "Guslyar" by the Belarusian vocal and instrumental ensemble "Pesnyary" has been released on vinyl by Melodiya. This is the sixth record pressed at the label's new Novosibirsk facility.

The ensemble was founded in 1965, at the end of the "thaw." They performed melodic folk rock, inspired by the songs of the Belarusian Polesie region. The ensemble occupied a dual position: within the official discourse, yet outside it. "We only strive to make folk songs sound contemporary," said Vladimir Mulyavin, the leader of Pesnyary, when formulating their artistic program.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Pesnyary sold numerous records, toured the Soviet Union, and performed at its largest venues. Yet, they were constantly plagued by a feeling of a lack of creative freedom. Mulyavin's interest in British and American rock, in large-scale forms and concept albums, gradually led Pesnyary toward more complex expressions. This is how the legendary poem "Guslyar" emerged—the ensemble's only studio-recorded foray into this genre. It is based on the cantata "Kurgan" by Belarusian composer Igor Luchenok.

For "Guslyar," Pesnyary expanded their lineup, adding brass, strings, and an additional rhythm section, aiming for a symphonic richness. The complex choral texture, however, was realized by the ensemble, renowned for its skillful polyphony. Folk instruments—the cymbals and zhaleika—sit alongside a Hammond organ and a Moog synthesizer; the protagonist's gusli is "portrayed" by an acoustic guitar with a flanger effect—a bold move for Soviet recording at the time. Guslyar's musical texture engages with European prog rock of the 1970s, yet remains distinctive thanks to its folkloric modal thinking, soft sonic palette, and outstanding vocals.

The rock opera's plot—the story of a freedom-loving musician who dies in a clash with the authorities—seemed like a personal statement from Mulyavin.

"This is hinted at by the album's plot, which hints at a rebuke to the censors and critics who have done much to ruin his life… It's an act of creative liberation, an attempt to stand up straight and sing at the top of his voice, as the protagonist of Yanka Kupala's poem did: 'Hey, Prince, I won't sell my soul, and the law doesn't rule with gusli players!'" — this is how Denis Boyarinov characterizes the rock opera.

The record was pressed in 2026. The matrices were made from the original analog master tapes. The sound engineer for the remastering and restoration was Maxim Pilipov. The liner notes were written by Denis Boyarinov. The edition contains the full libretto in Belarusian and Russian.

Intermedia, 02/03/2026

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.