Faculty and students of the Faculty of Civil Engineering took part in the 15th International Forum "The Arctic: Present and Future"

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The 15th International Forum "The Arctic: Present and Future" named after A. N. Chilingarov was held in St. Petersburg on December 9–10. SPbGASU was represented by Olga Pastukh, Deputy Dean for Research of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural and Civil Engineering, PhD in Architecture; Sergey Lanko, Associate Professor of the Department of Geotechnics, PhD in Engineering; and Tatyana Zherebko, Assistant Professor of the Department of Technosphere Safety, along with a group of students from the Faculty of Civil Engineering.

This year, the forum brought together thousands of participants to develop solutions in key areas: from resource development technologies and logistics to ecology, youth, human resources, and social policy.

At the forum, SPbGASU students attended thematic master classes, learned about modern approaches to solving engineering and environmental problems in the Arctic, and visited a large-scale exhibition showcasing the latest technologies, equipment, and projects for working in high latitudes.

"Participation in the forum allowed our students to broaden their professional horizons, gain a closer understanding of new technologies in geotechnics, technosphere safety, and innovations in structural and thermal insulation materials. They also expanded their understanding of space-planning and design solutions for construction in the Far North and Arctic zones of the Russian Federation, and established contacts with representatives of industry companies, scientific, and educational organizations. For faculty, the trip was an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues, discuss current trends, and identify new directions for scientific and practical research," noted Tatyana Zherebko.

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.

Review: Russia is ready to make efforts to overcome differences in approaches to resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

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

Moscow, December 17 (Xinhua) — American and Ukrainian delegations met in Berlin on December 14-15 to discuss the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. According to Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), the two-day talks were constructive and productive, and tangible progress was achieved.

Following the talks, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told ABC News that "we strive to complete this process on terms acceptable to all parties involved, and we appreciate the efforts of President Trump, his team, and his entourage to resolve this situation, which must be considered holistically—taking into account both the root causes of the conflict and a number of extremely pressing ongoing issues. After all, the longer we delay, the more difficult it becomes."

"We were very close to resolving everything in 2022, but now things are much more complicated, and differences in approaches are also obvious. But this means we simply need to redouble our efforts to overcome these differences, and we are ready to do so," said Sergei Ryabkov.

According to him, Kyiv and its European partners are counting on a profound and flawed revision of the American peace plan. "I suspect that the Ukrainian authorities, supported by some European capitals, are expecting a profound and, I would say, extremely flawed revision of the original peace plan proposed by the American side and discussed during [US President Donald Trump's special envoy Stephen] Whitkoff's visit to Moscow," he said.

As Sergei Ryabkov noted, the Russian side has no intention of making any concessions regarding Donbas and Crimea, and this is not up for discussion. Furthermore, Russia will never, under any circumstances, consent to the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine, including if these troops are from the so-called "coalition of the willing."

Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday that Russia had not yet received information on the outcome of the negotiations on a Ukrainian settlement, which took place between US and Ukrainian representatives with the participation of Europe.

According to him, the agreements reached during the negotiations may be unacceptable to Russia. "The participation of Europeans [in the negotiations on Ukraine] does not bode well in terms of acceptability," he said. –0–

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

Roadmap for the Future: China's 15th Five-Year Plan

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

russian.china.org.cn | December 17, 2025

Keywords: 15th Five-Year Program

Source: russian.china.org.cn

Roadmap for the Future: China's 15th Five-Year Plan. From October 20 to 23, 2025, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee) was held in Beijing. The plenary session concluded with the adoption of the "Proposals of the CPC Central Committee for the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development."

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.

China's Shaanxi Province has trained 300 professional farmers for Central Asian countries in three years.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) — The 11th professional farmer training course for professional farmers from five Central Asian countries concluded recently in Weinan, a leading agricultural base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, marking the successful completion of the three-year "China-Central Asia" professional farmer training program.

According to local news outlet Huashanwang, this program has become an important practical step in implementing the results of the Xi'an China-Central Asia Summit and further integrating Shaanxi Province into the Belt and Road Initiative. As the program's primary implementer, Weinan Vocational and Technical College has carried out meticulous work in areas such as curriculum development, faculty support, and appropriate living conditions for students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

With a smart agriculture training center, research laboratories, and other modern educational infrastructure, the college focuses on imparting technological knowledge and skills that meet the realities and needs of Central Asian countries in agricultural production, including water-saving irrigation technologies and methods, modern controlled-environment agricultural production, and risk management and prevention based on ecological and biological methods.

In addition, during the course, cultural and educational activities were organized for foreign students, including a visit to a Chinese shadow theater and an introduction to traditional Chinese medicine.

“The completion of the three-year program is not the end, but rather a starting point for strengthening cooperation in the future,” noted Jin Huafeng, rector of Weinan Vocational and Technical College, promising that the college intends to conduct subsequent visits to Central Asian countries to assess training results, as well as to develop in-depth joint training and research programs with colleges in these countries. -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.

Zhu Fenglian: The Taiwanese administration's ban on the mainland's social media app is an example of political manipulation.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) — Taiwanese authorities' blocking of mainland Chinese access to the popular social media app Xiaohongshu (Rednote) is a typical case of political manipulation with "double standards," Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday.

At a regular press conference, the spokesperson noted that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration's so-called efforts to "fight fraud" are nothing more than a pretext driven by ulterior motives, and that the real goal is "Taiwan independence."

Condemning the DPP administration for blocking the channels of exchange between the two shores and depriving Taiwanese people, especially the younger generation, of their right to information and freedom to use social media platforms, Zhu Fenglian said such actions have already sparked strong discontent and protest among Taiwanese people, especially the youth.

Xiaohongshu, headquartered in Shanghai, is a popular social media platform among Chinese-speaking communities. Most of its users seek advice on fashion, cosmetics, travel, and other aspects of everyday life.

In Taiwan, the app has more than 3 million users, of which about 70 percent are under 35 years old. -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 2026 Chinese New Year's concert, "The Chinese Dream – The Beauty of Labor," was held in Beijing.

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, December 17 (Xinhua) — On Tuesday, the Erqi Theater in Beijing hosted the 2026 New Year's concert, titled "Chinese Dream – The Beauty of Labor." Organized by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and the All-China Artistic Ensemble, the concert drew over a thousand spectators, including outstanding workers, artisans, workers in new forms of employment, and workers directly involved in production.

Beijing, December 17 (Xinhua) — On Tuesday, the Erqi Theater in Beijing hosted the 2026 New Year's concert, titled "Chinese Dream – The Beauty of Labor." Organized by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and the All-China Artistic Ensemble, the concert drew over a thousand spectators, including outstanding workers, artisans, workers in new forms of employment, and workers directly involved in production.

Beijing, December 17 (Xinhua) — On Tuesday, the Erqi Theater in Beijing hosted the 2026 New Year's concert, titled "Chinese Dream – The Beauty of Labor." Organized by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and the All-China Artistic Ensemble, the concert drew over a thousand spectators, including outstanding workers, artisans, workers in new forms of employment, and workers directly involved in production.

Beijing, December 17 (Xinhua) — On Tuesday, the Erqi Theater in Beijing hosted the 2026 New Year's concert, titled "Chinese Dream – The Beauty of Labor." Organized by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and the All-China Artistic Ensemble, the concert drew over a thousand spectators, including outstanding workers, artisans, workers in new forms of employment, and workers directly involved in production.

Beijing, December 17 (Xinhua) — On Tuesday, the Erqi Theater in Beijing hosted the 2026 New Year's concert, titled "Chinese Dream – The Beauty of Labor." Organized by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and the All-China Artistic Ensemble, the concert drew over a thousand spectators, including outstanding workers, artisans, workers in new forms of employment, and workers directly involved in production.

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.

Guizhou: Yunzhong Port in Wen'an Port District officially opened

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

russian.china.org.cn | December 17, 2025

Keywords:

On December 16, Yunzhong Port in Wen'an Port District of Guizhou Province officially opened.

Source: russian.china.org.cn

Guizhou: Yunzhong Port in Wen'an Port District officially opened On December 16, Yunzhong Port in Wen'an Port District was officially opened in Guizhou Province.

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.

New Year's gifts have appeared on the social marketplace "Moscow – a Good City"

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In the run-up to New Year and Christmas, Moscow residents can purchase special gifts on the social marketplace "Moscow – a Kind City." The new winter collection features over 150 items handmade by artisans with disabilities. Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.

"New Year is a time for caring, kindness, and gifts for family, friends, and colleagues. For four years now, thanks to the social marketplace 'Moscow – Kind City,' residents have been able to support Muscovites with disabilities or those facing difficult life situations, while also delighting their loved ones. The online platform offers a catalog of over 1,700 exclusive items, regularly updated with seasonal and themed items. In anticipation of the New Year holidays, we launched a special section featuring gifts created by artisans with disabilities in inclusive workshops run by non-profit organizations (NPOs). The collection includes over 150 items—you'll find knitted hats and scarves, Christmas tree decorations, shaped candles, cotton arrangements, and fragrant tangerine soap. All proceeds go toward salaries for the artisans and the development of charitable initiatives," said Anastasia Rakova.

For example, the Guild of Masters has prepared festive soap sets in the shape of tangerines and soap compositions featuring a snowman and Santa Claus for the New Year. The Life Path Foundation has created a series of bright ceramic pendants that are perfect for decorating the Christmas tree. In addition, this section features animal-shaped lanterns made by the Mosaic of Happiness charity foundation, and cotton figurines of children in winter attire from the Family Traditions craft center. You can choose items from the New Year's collection atwebsite.

Cooking, sewing, and socializing: what they teach in workshops for special people

Social marketplace

Today, the online platform offers unique products crafted by over 1,500 dedicated artisans. They are constantly mastering new skills and techniques, including under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Over the four years of its operation, the project has demonstrated strong momentum. Since 2021, the number of its partners has increased sevenfold: from just seven non-profit organizations at the start, to 50 today. Over 60,000 products have been created, and total sales have reached almost 100 million rubles.

Products made by residents with disabilities were showcased at large-scale city, charity, and corporate festivals and fairs. Businesses are regular customers of the marketplace, regularly placing corporate orders for gift items. The platform offers a unique opportunity for both entrepreneurs and residents to participate in charitable giving and contribute to the development of inclusion in the city.

Russia's first state-owned social marketplace for online stores, "Moscow – a Good City," was created in 2021 by the nonprofit organization. This unique platform gives people with disabilities or in difficult life situations the opportunity to express themselves through creativity, feel valued, make new friends, develop social skills, work, and earn money. The project is being implemented with the support of Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow.

As Sergei Sobyanin noted indevelopment strategy for the Moscow social security system until 2030The synergy between city services and NGOs allows us to provide support to the maximum number of residents in need.

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.

Road repair work has been completed on Musa Jalil Street.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Specialists Moscow City Services Complex Road repairs on Musa Jalil Street in the south of the capital have been completed. Over 65,000 square meters of asphalt pavement on the roadway and sidewalks have been repaired along the entire two-kilometer stretch.

The work was carried out in several stages. First, specialists from the State Budgetary Institution "Avtomobilnye Dorogi" (Motor Roads) removed the old pavement using a milling machine, then repaired the inspection manholes and storm drain grates, replaced the curbs, repaired the pavement, and laid asphalt concrete on the roadway. In the final stage, they applied over 1,500 square meters of road markings.

The last time the road surface was replaced was in 2021. The road surface's warranty period had expired, and ruts had formed, potentially impacting road safety. The work was carried out at night, with partial traffic restrictions.

Musa Jalil Street is located in the Zyablikovo district and runs from Besedinskoye Highway to Orekhovy Boulevard. It is named after the renowned Tatar poet and Hero of the Soviet Union, Musa Jalil. At the very beginning of the street, near the Gorodnya River valley, a monument to the poet stands. There are approximately 15 streets in Russia named after him.

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.

Moscow is sharing its experience in modernizing its transport sector with the regions.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Moscow Transport Advanced Development Center held the final defense of projects for the third cohort of graduates from the "MTA: Management in the Transport Industry" program. Participants included senior and mid-level executives from organizations in the transport sector.

The "MTA. Transport Management" program is in its third year of training specialists who develop the capital's infrastructure. This year, representatives from the regions also joined the training, learning about Moscow's experience and best industry practices.

"Over the past 13 years, Moscow's transport system has undergone a rapid evolution—transforming from a fragmented and overburdened system into a global leader in scale of modernization. Today, we not only see results but are also ready to share our accumulated expertise with colleagues in the regions. This experience forms the basis of the HR Services Department's program, which aims to build teams of change leaders. These specialists will be able to adapt the capital's best practices to the specific needs of their regions," said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

Maxim Liksutov.

Innovative solutions for the industry

The program was developed by the Department of Human Resources Services of the Moscow Government in cooperation with the capital's Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure DevelopmentIts goal is to develop a unified management culture, train highly qualified transport managers capable of developing and implementing innovative solutions for the industry, ensuring its sustainable development, and improving the quality of transport services in Moscow and the Russian regions.

Over the course of 11 months, the executives studied industry trends, technologies, and customer service standards, mastering the latest management, budgeting, and change management tools. At their defense, they presented project initiatives they developed in teams during the training. Some of these initiatives are already being implemented in Moscow's transport system, making life even more comfortable for city residents.

In the final round, the projects were evaluated by leading industry experts from the capital's transportation sector and senior Moscow government officials. They discussed with the authors the optimal tools and steps for implementation, as well as the potential for scaling the identified solutions nationwide.

"Since the program's launch in 2023, we've been training strategic decision-makers in transportation organizations. The 'MTA: Management in the Transport Industry' program is a space for openly discussing challenges and finding practical solutions that will help make transportation infrastructure even more convenient and modern for millions of residents of the capital and the country's regions," noted Polina Loginova, Head of the Moscow Government's HR Services Department.

New approaches in the regions

This year, the participants included senior and mid-level executives from organizations in the city, as well as from Novosibirsk, Tolyatti, Murmansk, Nizhny Novgorod, and Voronezh. They exchanged experiences and management tools with their Moscow colleagues, including during reference visits to Moscow transport organizations, discussed important technological and organizational issues, and prepared innovative projects for defense.

The participation of leaders from other regions allows us to develop a unified, systemic approach to managing transportation organizations at all levels. This will facilitate the implementation of innovations that will make transportation more accessible to residents.

A graduate of the program, Alexander Vostrikov, Head of the Department of Road Management and Transport of the Togliatti City District Administration, emphasized that the training is a unique opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues from Moscow's transport system, a leader in road infrastructure improvements. He added that the regions face challenges related to upgrading infrastructure, services, and management approaches. Dialogue with experts and colleagues offers numerous opportunities to address these challenges and make transportation even more convenient, modern, and customer-centric.

After the finals, the executives join the alumni club and continue their development among colleagues and like-minded individuals. Some of them become mentors and project sponsors for participants in another program, "Mini-MTA. Supporting Change in the Transport Industry." This program aims to update and prepare for the implementation of existing projects and develop management teams.

Together, the "MTA. Transport Industry Management" program, "Mini-MTA. Supporting Change in the Transport Industry," and the alumni club form the MTA program ecosystem. It recently won the all-Russian "Smart Pyramid-2025" award for "Best Corporate Training Program."

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.