Category: Translation

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China's Yiwu Sets Global Rhythm for Christmas Shopping

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

YIWU, Zhejiang Province, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) — While shoppers around the world are still searching for last-minute gifts, the true pulse of the global Christmas economy is beating confidently in eastern China's Yiwu City, known as the "supermarket of the world."

Kuwaiti merchant Kamel Moumen exemplifies a dynamic and forward-thinking approach. From a wide selection of decorations, he carefully selects Santa Claus hats—not for this December, but for the next Christmas season. His advanced planning is the norm here: factories are already in full swing preparing for the upcoming holidays.

At the Yiwu Junhong Christmas costume and gift factory, owner Jiang Jiangping expects to release over 400 new items by next Christmas. "After October, we fully focus on developing designs for next year," said Jiang Jiangping, whose factory offers nearly 2,000 products. "We've already created over 200 custom designs for European clients."

As the world's largest Christmas production center, Yiwu produces approximately two-thirds of all holiday products worldwide, annually shipping over 20,000 different types of items to over 100 countries. Customs data indicate steady growth: exports in the first three quarters of 2025 reached 5.17 billion yuan (approximately $732.6 million), a 22.9 percent increase year-on-year.

This year, the boom began earlier than usual. Amid global trade uncertainty, foreign buyers stocked up early. Orders, which traditionally peaked in the summer, began this year as early as April. According to Yiwu Customs, exports in May alone showed a staggering increase—over 90 percent year-on-year. In June, exports totaled 890 million yuan, equivalent to half the amount for the first half of the year. In July, exports rose to 1.11 billion yuan, and in August, they approached 1.39 billion yuan.

This flexibility is driven by a robust regional industrial ecosystem. Zhejiang Province's integrated support system, combining flexible supply chains with political, logistical, and financial support, ensures reliable supplies of Yiwu products worldwide.

Innovation is the cornerstone of Yiwu's competitive advantage. At Yiwu Luochen Crafts, two dancing Santa Clauses, among the latest designs for next Christmas, dance to festive tunes.

“The price of these products is a third higher than traditional ones,” noted Director He Jun, adding that advances in AI and growing market demand are driving business innovation, particularly in terms of the ongoing development of interactive products.

He noted that creating a dancing Santa Claus typically requires collaboration with more than 20 supply chain partners, creating a robust industrial ecosystem that allows his company to release approximately 300 new designs annually.

Zhejiang Aoshan Crafts invests 30 percent of its annual profits into R&D. Robotic arms assemble a Christmas bauble in just two seconds, and new equipment has increased productivity by 20 percent.

At a Christmas decor store in Yiwu, street lights with artificial snowfall systems attract crowds of people eager to take photos. The company's director, Long Xijin, noted that the system was developed independently in 2022 and received a US patent in 2024, making Yiwu the exclusive source for such products in the American market.

Cai Qinliang, secretary general of the Yiwu Christmas Product Industry Association, believes that continuous product innovation and increased R&D investment have strengthened the industry's resilience to export challenges.

In an era of changing supply chains, Yiwu has cemented its role as more than just a purchasing hub. Local entrepreneurs say the world needs celebration, and celebration needs Yiwu. Yiwu has become essential infrastructure for the global holiday economy and trade itself, setting the pace of Christmas around the world for the year ahead.

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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A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Taiwan – CENC

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. 24 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 jolted Taiwan's Taitung County at 5:47 p.m. Beijing time on Wednesday, the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) said.

According to CENC, the epicenter of the tremors was located at 22.86 degrees north latitude and 121.12 degrees east longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers.

There have been no reports of casualties or damage yet. -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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The project for planning the territory for servicing the Lesoparkovaya transfer hub has been approved.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The city has approved a land use plan for the construction and reconstruction of the street and road network near the Lesoparkovaya metro station. The work will be carried out under the capital's Targeted Investment Program. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction. Vladimir Efimov.

"The road construction and reconstruction project near the Lesoparkovaya metro station aims to relieve congestion on the Moscow Ring Road, Simferopolskoye Highway, and Varshavskoye Highway. In total, approximately two kilometers of existing roads are planned to be reconstructed and almost 10 kilometers of new road network will be built. A land use plan covering over 180 hectares has been approved for the future work. It will affect the districts of Yuzhnoye Chertanovo, Severnoye Butovo, and Yasenevo and will be implemented between the Lesoparkovaya, Annino, and Ulitsa Akademika Yangelya metro stations," said Vladimir Efimov.

The project also includes the construction of a driveway within the Lesoparkovaya transfer hub along the platforms for ground-level public transit. Additionally, a park-and-ride facility and a parking and turning area for public transit will be built there.

"The project will help improve the safety and comfort of the urban environment. Specifically, the modernization of a section of Starobitsevskaya Street is planned, including the installation of a new public transport stop, modern traffic lights, the installation of pedestrian crossings and a bicycle network, and the reconstruction of the State Traffic Inspectorate testing area," added the Moscow Government Minister and Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy.

Vladislav Ovchinsky.

Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that new roads will appear near the future Ilyinskaya station Rublevo-Arkhangelskaya metro line.

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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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A train dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has appeared on the Big Circle Line.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The Moscow Metro, in partnership with the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, launched a themed train to commemorate the agency's 35th anniversary.

Inside the train, passengers will be able to better understand the history of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, its key functions, and achievements. Furthermore, residents will learn about the tasks performed by representatives of various professions within the agency, as well as the training system and traditions of the service.

"Today we are launching a themed train dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. At the direction of Sergei Sobyanin, our partnership with the agency is systemic: we regularly conduct joint exercises and develop preventative and response measures. Thanks to this collaboration, the Moscow Metro is one of the safest in the world. I congratulate all the employees and veterans of the service on this anniversary," said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

Maxim Liksutov.

The themed train "EMERCOM of Russia – 35 years guarding security" will run along the Big Circle Line for six months.

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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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"Believe in Miracles": Volunteer Rescuers in New Year's Costumes Bring Joy to Young Patients

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On New Year's Eve, the annual winter campaign "Believe in Miracles" took place in the capital. Volunteer rescuers, dressed as Father Frost and Snow Maiden, descended from the roof of the Z.A. Bashlyaeva Children's City Clinical Hospital (DGKB) and brought moments of joy and hope to over 600 young patients. After an interactive session, dressed as fairytale characters, they visited the children in their wards and presented them with New Year's gifts.

"The 'Believe in Miracles' campaign is a union of professionalism, genuine kindness, and mutual support. The descent of volunteer rescuers dressed as wizards from the rooftop became more than just a performance for the children; it was an opportunity to experience moments of genuine happiness and faith that a whole world of wonder, discovery, and joy awaits outside the window. As part of the campaign, we will also donate gift sets for playrooms and volunteering resources for children of all ages to the city's hospitals," she said.

Ekaterina Dragunova, Chairman of the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of the City of Moscow.

The organizers of the “Believe in a Miracle” campaign are the Mosvolonter resource center with the support of the capital Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy, Moscow city branch of the "All-Russian Student Rescue Corps" and the youth council underMoscow Department of Healthcare.

The Z.A. Bashlyaeva Children's City Clinical Hospital prepared a theatrical performance featuring fairy-tale characters and a show program featuring artists, magicians, and animators.

"Children and adults at our hospital eagerly awaited this year's charity event. The delight and happiness in the children's eyes inspire parents, doctors, and nurses. Every year, we express our gratitude to the organizers for this opportunity and this wonderful tradition. The intense emotions from the rescue volunteers' descent and the colorful performance give us hope for a speedy recovery for our little patients," shared Ismail Osmanov, Chief Physician of the Z.A. Bashlyaeva Children's City Clinical Hospital, Moscow's Chief Pediatrician, and Professor.

How a holiday is created

Visits from wizards require special training. Volunteer rescuers underwent mandatory training, learned safety rules, and checked the functionality of rooftop equipment (fastenings and safety systems). If the building's structure prevented descent, aerial platforms were deployed, delivering the fairytale characters directly to the windows of the wards.

Following this magical appearance, an interactive performance was held for the children. Young viewers took part in a performance featuring their favorite characters, enjoyed magic tricks, and enjoyed a bubble show. The program was filled with songs, fun games, and mutual congratulations.

Each child received a bright gift, including educational games, craft kits, and other surprises. For those patients whose health prevented them from joining in the fun, gifts and warm wishes were delivered directly to their rooms by animators and medical staff.

Rescuers-magicians

For all volunteers of the Moscow City Branch of the All-Russian Student Rescue Corps, participation in this campaign is an important mission, an opportunity to contribute to a good cause, bring joy to children, and help them believe in miracles.

Emma Vorobyova, a student at Moscow State Pedagogical University, has been participating in the campaign for three years. During this time, she's tried on costumes as Snegurochka and characters from Soviet fairy tales. Emma recounted how she was once climbing down from a roof dressed as Carlson, peering through the window and saying to a child, "Hello! Remember when I flew away, but promised to come back? Little one, is that you?" The child replied, "Yes!" and smiled broadly. Emma says she almost burst into tears at that moment. She believes people should be there for each other, and if someone is forced to celebrate New Year's in the hospital, and there's any way to bring joy to children in such a situation, then it's essential. They should have a lot of happiness in their lives.

Valery Novikov, a student at the Moscow Pedagogical College, has been visiting children as the main winter wizard for three years. He noted that preparing for the descent is a labor-intensive process that requires specialized skills and a lot of training. Valery says the children's reactions are always genuine: the little ones are delighted, and the older kids, although they may be shy, are still very happy. For him, the "Believe in Miracles" campaign has a deeply personal meaning: it has become a symbol of the holiday. Valery recalls being hospitalized without his parents as a child. "If Father Frost had appeared in the window, I would have been very happy and would have definitely believed in miracles!" he added.

Giving a child undergoing treatment faith in miracles and a festive spirit is one of the most important tasks of volunteers before the upcoming New Year.

Organizing volunteer activities and engaging young people in city events is in line with the objectives of the national project. Youth and Children and the federal project We are togetherMore information about national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

You can find out more about volunteering atwebsite resource center "Mosvolonter", its page on the social network VKontakte and in Telegram channel.

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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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Muscovites are warned of snowstorms and icy roads.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Snow, icy conditions, and blizzards in some areas are expected in Moscow overnight and on the morning of December 26. Wind gusts could reach 15 meters per second.

Inclement weather can lead to reduced visibility, traffic congestion, an increased number of accidents, and damage to power lines, trees, and weakly supported structures. Such conditions are unfavorable for high-altitude work and construction and installation work.

Muscovites and tourists are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving: avoid hiding under trees, avoid shaky structures, and avoid parking near them. Drivers should significantly reduce their speed, increase their distance from vehicles in front, and avoid sudden maneuvers such as overtaking, lane changes, and passing.

In case of emergency, please call 101 or 112 or the single hotline of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the city of Moscow: 7 495 637-31-01.

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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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On December 22, 2025, the Ecology Foundation announced the results of the "Dress Up the Eco-Christmas Tree" competition.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

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The Ecology Foundation has announced the results of the "Dress Up the Eco-Christmas Tree" competition.

December 22, 2025

We recently counted how many Christmas trees have been prepared in Russia for the New Year. It turned out to be half a million. They're alive, beautiful, and fragrant with pine needles…

However, there's still a lot of debate about which tree is more environmentally friendly—an artificial one or a real one. If you have an artificial one, it's a good idea to use it year after year. If you buy a real one, be sure to dispose of it properly after the holidays by taking it to a specialized collection point.

Another option is to make your own Christmas tree from scrap materials. It's environmentally friendly, and old items get a second life. For the second year running, the Ecology Foundation has been holding a themed competition for Rosselkhozbank employees called "Decorate the Eco-Christmas Tree."

The instructions are simple: you need to make a Christmas tree from scrap materials. Anything that catches your eye will do—corks, matches, paper…

This year, many interesting entries were received, including a record number of participants – 121. Colleagues submitted photos of their completed Christmas trees via the "Office in Digital" mobile app. The jury reviewed and selected the best from numerous worthy submissions. They were guided by three criteria: environmental friendliness (recycled materials); aesthetics and artistic value; and the number of likes from employees.

Colleagues will receive merchandise from the Ecology Foundation for their creative work.

Congratulations and thanks to every participant. Upcycling is trendy!

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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Strategic partnership in action: results of the December visits of Polytechnic University delegations to the Belarusian-Russian University

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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In December, the Belarusian-Russian University (BRU) hosted four delegations from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. These visits, part of joint educational and research projects, covered key technological areas: cyber-physical systems, welding technologies, intelligent transportation, and modern construction technologies. Each meeting had a rich program and yielded concrete results, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two universities.

As part of the joint work, representatives of the SPbPU Graduate School of Cyber-Physical Systems Management, Associate Professor Vyacheslav Potekhin and Senior Lecturer Elena Selivanova, visited the partner university. An international professional retraining program, "Models and Tools for Enterprise Digital Transformation," was agreed upon and prepared for launch for the first cohort of BRU students, who will begin their studies in March 2026. A joint scientific seminar was also held, featuring faculty and young scientists from both universities, where five papers were presented. Vyacheslav Potekhin conducted lectures and practical classes for BRU students on the topic of "Cyber-Physical Systems and Technologies," including work on a real case. Joint work continued on the online bachelor's degree program, "Artificial Intelligence in Technical Systems," which is already attended by 25 students, and a new online program, "Digital Platforms of Cyber-Physical Systems," offering two qualifications, is ready to launch in 2026.

Representatives from two leading schools of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport (IMMT) of SPbPU also visited the Belarusian-Russian University: the Higher School of Materials Physics and Technology and the Higher School of Transport.

Professor Sergey Parshin and Associate Professor Irina Ivanova (Higher School of Materials Physics and Technology) held lectures on "Modern Welding Technologies" and "Theory of Welding Processes" for students of the Welding Equipment and Technology Department at BRU. Their colleagues from the Polytechnic University also held working meetings with Artur Koroteyev, Head of the Welding Equipment and Technology Department, and his team. They discussed the implementation of joint educational programs in 2026, applied research, the preparation of joint scientific and educational publications, and the academic mobility of students and faculty. As a member of the Dissertation Council at the Belarusian-Russian University, Sergey Parshin participated in the defense of his PhD thesis in "Welding, Related Processes, and Technologies."

The delegation from the Higher School of Transport included Director Alexey Grachev, Associate Professor Sergey Nikitin, and graduate student Maxim Pichugin. The visit included a series of lectures on intelligent transport systems, where modern methods of traffic management were discussed using the example of St. Petersburg. During working meetings with colleagues from BRU, in particular with Igor Leskovets, Head of the Department of Transport and Technological Machines, issues of improving educational programs, creating joint online courses, and integrating artificial intelligence into the educational process were discussed. An important practical outcome was the development of an exchange roadmap: internships at the Polytechnic University on digital technologies and AI are planned for BRU faculty, and short-term continuing education modules are planned for students. For graduate student Maxim Pichugin, the trip was an opportunity to establish initial scientific contacts and explore educational practices. The visit concluded with a tour of the practice-oriented "Industry 4.0" center, where the guests assessed the potential for implementing similar methods in joint programs.

Another significant event was the research internship of SPbPU Higher School of Hydrotechnical and Energy Cooperation (HSEC) staff members—Associate Professor Mikhail Romanov and Senior Lecturer Vyacheslav Zhazhkov. The internship focused on studying advanced non-destructive testing methods for buildings and structures, including ultrasonic, radiographic, and thermal imaging diagnostics. Upon completion of the training, the participants received certificates from Natalia Vologina, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at BRU.

During the visit, a ceremony was held at which 39 employees of the BRU Faculty of Civil Engineering received certificates of advanced training in emission decarbonization and BIM modeling programs, implemented with the support of SPbPU.

At the final working meeting of the leadership of the SPbPU Institute of Industrial Engineering and the Faculty of Civil Engineering at BRU, promising areas of cooperation for 2026 were outlined. The most significant of these were the development of documentation for the launch of a joint network bachelor's degree program in "Technosphere Safety" in 2027 and the creation of a joint educational laboratory on BIM technologies.

A series of December visits by SPbPU delegations to the Belarusian-Russian University clearly demonstrated the high dynamism and practical focus of the strategic partnership. Having moved from general agreements to implementation, the universities are successfully launching new educational programs, organizing internships, conducting joint research events, and planning the creation of a common educational infrastructure. This multifaceted collaboration creates a solid foundation for the development of a unified scientific and educational space and the training of highly qualified personnel capable of addressing pressing technological challenges facing the economies of Russia and Belarus.

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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Well-type sewage pumping stations have begun to be manufactured in Moscow.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Specialists urban economy complex Serial production of sewage pumping stations has been launched in the capital. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing, Utilities, and Urban Development. Petr Biryukov.

"Sewage pumping stations are a crucial element of the wastewater disposal system, responsible for collecting wastewater and pumping it to treatment facilities. As part of the import substitution program, we launched our own production of well-type sewage pumping stations; they can be quickly installed in small areas or in areas with complex geology," noted Petr Biryukov.

The project was implemented within a tight timeframe: less than six months passed from the development and receipt of technical specifications to the release of the first units. The full production cycle was launched at the Mosvodokanal JSC site.

Today, the company can manufacture sewage pumping stations with capacities of 300, 500, and 1,000 cubic meters of water per day. All products are certified and manufactured in accordance with modern standards. The station housings are made of fiberglass, allowing the new equipment to be used in a wide range of climatic conditions.

Sewage pumping stations manufactured in the capital are successfully used at socially significant facilities. One of them was installed in Donetsk as part of the city's infrastructure rehabilitation program.

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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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Students celebrated the first director of the Polytechnic University, Andrei Gagarin, with music.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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On the 170th anniversary of the birth of Prince Andrei Grigorievich Gagarin, the first director of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute, Polytechnic students—members of the Polyhymnia Youth Choir and the Chamber Choir—performed a large celebratory concert. It was Prince Gagarin who laid the foundation for the comprehensive education of Polytechnic students and assigned music a key role in this.

The first director of the Polytechnic Institute was a unique individual—he harmoniously combined a passion for engineering with a strong fascination with music. The first music club, the first student orchestra, and the first choir are all thanks to Andrei Grigorievich. From the institute's inception, the Assembly Hall (now the White Hall) became a functioning concert venue for student and professional groups.

Today, SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy and Director of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity Boris Kondin continue the tradition of nurturing students in music and creativity. This is evidenced by the growing popularity of the student orchestra and choral groups, and the successful development of the White Hall, which has remained true to its artistic vision for 20 consecutive seasons.

The concert in the White Hall on December 22nd reflected this commitment to tradition. Valery Klimov, Director of the SPbPU History Museum, shared important facts from the life of Andrei Gagarin, the institute's first director. He explained that he was a descendant of an ancient noble family, that he was baptized in the church at the Winter Palace, and that his godparents were Emperor Alexander II and the Dowager Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, and that December 22nd is both the date of his birth and the date of his death.

"An entire moment between December 22, 1855, and December 22, 1920, an entire life," noted Valery Klimov. "And let the epitaph on Prince Andrei Grigorievich's tombstone be his message to posterity: 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.'"

The Polyhymnia Youth Choir performed the reflective song "There Is Only a Moment" with solo trumpet. This number was no accident in the concert program, especially since Andrei Grigoryevich Gagarin was a master cornet player.

The program featured the most cheerful music—the best compositions from choir repertoires, songs from films, and favorite New Year's hits that the entire audience sang.

The concert concluded with the anthem of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, performed by all participants. 60 voices sang the university's praises: "Pride of Russia, inspired by Peter, glory through the centuries, dear Polytechnic!"

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.