Posts

Posted on

Lightning: Iran warns of possible strikes on targets in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar – state media

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

Xinhua | March 18, 2026

Keywords: Iran-Saudi Arabia-UAE-Qatar

Source: Xinhua

Flash: Iran warns of possible strikes on targets in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar – state media. Flash: Iran warns of possible strikes on targets in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar – state media.

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.

Posted on

China stresses its firm determination to safeguard its rights in the South China Sea

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, March 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin on Wednesday stressed China's firm determination to safeguard its rights in the South China Sea (SCS), criticizing the Philippines' "self-inflicted farce."

China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nanhai Zhudao Islands (South China Sea Islands), including Huangyan Dao Island, and its surrounding maritime areas, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the relevant waters, Jiang Bin said, commenting on recent statements by the Philippine Coast Guard.

The law enforcement activities carried out by the Chinese side in waters under its jurisdiction are fully justified, Jiang Bin noted, adding that China took legal and legitimate countermeasures that were professional and restrained in response to the recent provocations by the Philippine Coast Guard.

"Bringing journalists on board during so-called patrol missions to film and promote the 'victim narrative' has become an unsurprising scenario for the Philippine side," Jiang Bin noted.

Edited videos and fabricated lies will never change China's sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, nor will they shake China's firm resolve to defend its rights in accordance with the law, he added. -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.

Posted on

Alexander Novak launched a new production facility in the Titanium Valley Special Economic Zone.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak launched the production of titanium blanks at Isetsky Forge-Mechanical Plant JSC via videoconference in the Titanium Valley special economic zone in the Sverdlovsk region.

The project envisions the creation of a modern, full-cycle production facility—from ingot smelting to machining of titanium semi-finished products. The facility will produce rods, rings, and ingots made of titanium and titanium-based alloys, which are used in the production of high-tech products, including for defense industry enterprises. Once fully operational, production will reach 22,000 units per year.

"Today, we launched more than just a new production facility; we demonstrated how the Russian Government's economic development tools work. One such tool is special economic zones, which enable the creation of modern industrial sites with ready-made infrastructure and reduce costs for investors. The Titanium Valley Special Economic Zone is an example of how comprehensive government support creates conditions for locating high-tech manufacturing. Projects with a total announced investment volume of over 114 billion rubles are already being implemented within its territory, creating over 6,000 jobs, and resident revenues exceeding 115 billion rubles, including over 15 billion rubles in 2025," noted Alexander Novak.

Sverdlovsk Region Governor Denis Pasler emphasized that the launch of the new production facility is the result of the region's systematic efforts to develop industrial infrastructure and attract investment.

"We are strengthening the Sverdlovsk Region's status as a key center of Russia's titanium industry and a leader in the development of high-tech manufacturing to ensure the country's security and technological sovereignty. I thank the government and federal ministries for their attention to our region and their support of the Ural industrial sector. The Isetsky Forge and Mechanical Plant manufactures products for strategic industries. The creation of these new workshops will significantly increase the production of titanium products to 22,000 units per year," said Denis Pasler.

The company's director, Alexey Minochkin, noted that the project's implementation allowed the creation of a modern production facility using government support measures and ensured the production of products in demand by key industries. Stanislav Dorofeev, CEO of the SEZ management company, added that the management company, for its part, provides all necessary support to residents in ensuring favorable conditions for entrepreneurial activity. As part of the project to organize the production of titanium blanks, the future production facility was also provided with all the necessary utilities and facilities.

The Titanium Valley Special Economic Zone was established in 2010 and comprises four production sites with a total area of over 635 hectares. It is home to 26 registered residents implementing projects in metallurgy, aircraft manufacturing, medical technology, and other high-tech industries. Actual investment has exceeded 55 billion rubles, creating over 6,000 jobs. The launch of the new facility will increase titanium production and strengthen cooperation with high-tech industries.

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.

Posted on

Dmitry Chernyshenko: The Golden Ring will become the gold standard for tourism, a benchmark for other regions.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko welcomed participants of the strategic session on the development of the Golden Ring tourist route. The event took place at the Government Coordination Center.

It was attended by the Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, the Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin, the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Government of the Russian Federation Valery Sidorenko, the First Deputy Minister of Education Aleksandr Bugayev, the State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Sport Aleksandr Nikitin, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov, the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Maxim Korolkov, the head of Rosmolodezh Grigory Gurov, the Governor of the Yaroslavl Region Mikhail Evraev, the Governor of the Kostroma Region Sergei Sitnikov, the Governor of the Ivanovo Region Stanislav Voskresensky, the Governor of the Vladimir Region Aleksandr Avdeev, the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin, the Acting Governor of the Tver Region Vitaly Korolev, the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Mayor and Government of Moscow, the Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee Yevgeny Kozlov, the Metropolitan of Pskov and Porkhov, the Chairman of the Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church for the Development of Pilgrimage and the Bringing of Relics Matthew, representatives of other regions and interested parties. organizations.

"The Golden Ring is one of the most recognizable brands in our country, and perhaps even in the world. Next year, its 60th anniversary will be celebrated in a big way. I welcome all the regional leaders who are part of the 'Brotherhood of the Ring,' and I look forward to their effective work. This year is special for us. It's symbolic that the strategy session is taking place during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, declared by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, and the Day of Crimea's Reunification with Russia," said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

He added that the entire year 2027 will be dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Golden Ring, and participants in the strategic session will discuss how to celebrate it most effectively.

The Deputy Prime Minister announced that the Golden Ring brand is officially registered by the Ministry of Economic Development and its copyright holder is the Russian government. However, it also belongs to the entire country and serves as a certain seal of quality. This imposes a number of obligations regarding responsible use. In the future, the brand will be used on souvenirs, signs, decorations, and much more.

"According to Rosstat, the Golden Ring routes already attract over 27 million tourists annually. I believe if we look at the SberIndex, it represents more than a third of all tourists in our country. Therefore, dear colleagues, you bear enormous responsibility for contributing to the national goal set by the President in the 'Tourism and Hospitality' national project – 140 million trips per year," noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.

According to him, to increase tourist flow to the cities of the Golden Ring, it is necessary to ensure the development of all types of tourism, including patriotic, educational, historical, and gastronomic tourism, as well as various modes of transportation: cars, rail, air, and river cruises.

The Deputy Prime Minister called on the participants to work as one team and at the same time welcome healthy competition.

Dmitry Chernyshenko noted the importance of attracting extra-budgetary investments aimed at modernizing routes and improving infrastructure.

"All of this will need to be planned, just as we plan for the restoration and renovation of cultural heritage sites. We must do this consciously and evenly, focusing our efforts on those sites that we need most. I am confident that the Golden Ring will become the gold standard for tourism in all its forms, a benchmark for our other regions," he added.

At the strategic session, a cooperation agreement on the development of the Golden Ring national tourist route was signed between the city of Moscow, the Moscow region, the Vladimir region, the Ivanovo region, the Yaroslavl region, the Kostroma region, the Tver region, the Nizhny Novgorod region, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, the Center for Strategic Research Foundation, and the Russian Orthodox Church Commission for the Development of Pilgrimage and the Return of Relics. The agreement was signed to develop the Golden Ring national tourist route, associated satellite routes, tourism products and services, and to promote domestic and inbound tourism in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The document was signed on the national instant messenger Max.

Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova spoke about the central event of the anniversary program – an exhibition project with the working title "60 Masterpieces of the Golden Ring." The most recognizable symbols of Russian culture from leading museums along the route will be brought together in one place, presenting the collection as a unified national treasure.

According to the minister, the creation of thematic cross-museum routes will also be an effective tool for developing a unified museum space. These will unite exhibitions, monuments, and cultural practices from different cities around common historical themes.

"Returning to the route, tourists will rediscover it through architecture, literature, crafts, or landscape gardening," added Olga Lyubimova.

More than 90% of tourists travel through the cities along the route by train or by car.

"The majority of satellite routes are automobile tourist routes. There are currently 25 of them. The length of roads included in the routes is approximately 8,000 km, with over 500 road service facilities located nearby, including 70 multi-functional zones, 270 food outlets, and over 200 accommodations. No other metropolitan area in the country offers such a level of service provision. The regions have developed a good foundation for intraregional routes. We believe we need to go further and, as part of the development of the Golden Ring route, move on to developing interregional automobile routes. A number of regions already have this experience," noted Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov.

The expansion of highways will help make travel between regions more accessible and attractive. Several major projects are currently underway, primarily on the M-8 Kholmogory highway.

Dmitry Vakhrukov also proposed exploring the possibility of creating interregional tourist hubs based on the existing airports of Golden Ring cities.

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.

Posted on

Financial news: 03/18/2026, 14-34 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JWUB5 (TBankBO12) were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

March 18, 2026

14:34

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the National Credit Center (JSC) on March 18, 2026, 14:34 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 105.78) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1133.77 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 18.75%) of the security RU000A0JWUB5 (TBankBO12) were changed.

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.

Posted on

On the 140th anniversary of the birth of submarine designer Alexei Asafov

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Today marks the 140th anniversary of the birth of Alexei Nikolaevich Asafov, the designer of the first Soviet submarines. He was a 1911 graduate of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute and a talented engineer who made a significant contribution to the development of shipbuilding in the USSR.

Alexey Asafov was born on March 18, 1886, in Kronstadt, the son of a steamship factory worker. His childhood among ships shaped his dream of becoming a marine engineer. To this end, he enrolled in the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute, which provided fundamental engineering training.

After graduating from the Polytechnic Institute in 1911, Asafov began his career at the Admiralty Shipyard, where he participated in the construction of the battleship Gangut. There, fate introduced him to the distinguished shipbuilder Ivan Grigoryevich Bubnov. In 1912, Alexey Nikolaevich transferred to the Baltic Shipyard in the submarine department, and then went to Revel (Tallinn), where he spent five years building Bars-class submarines—the best submarines in the Russian Navy at the time.

After the revolution, the engineer returned to Petrograd. Amid devastation and famine, he took charge of submarine repairs at the Admiralty and Baltic Shipyards. Thanks to his efforts, the submarines Panther, Okun, Minoga, and others were returned to service.

In the 1920s, Asafov became the head of Sevzapvoenprom, and then the chief engineer of the Sestroretsk arms factory.

In 1928, Alexey Asafov was arrested in the Industrial Party case. But his engineering talent proved in demand even in prison. He was assigned to the Special Technical Bureau (OTB) of the OGPU, organized on the premises of the Baltic Shipyard.

It was here, as a prisoner, that he proposed the revolutionary idea of a high-speed squadron submarine for joint operations with surface ships. The project was approved at a meeting of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR, where the engineer, who had not yet been released, was admitted. In 1931, construction began on three submarines of Series IV, the Pravda class, named after the newspaper of the same name. The series was considered less than successful, but it became an important experimental testing ground and the prototype for the famous K-class.

Released in 1932, Asafov was appointed chief engineer of OKTB-2 and began work on his main project. His task was to create a small submarine capable of being transported by rail to strengthen the Pacific Fleet.

Thus, the VI series—the M-type (or "Baby") submarines—was born. These were the world's first submarines with a welded hull, which increased strength and reduced weight. The boats were easily transported in sections and assembled on site.

However, during testing of the lead boat, due to unprepared production, according to shipbuilders, the "Malyutka" was built with a riveted hull. This resulted in unsatisfactory results. Asafov was arrested again on charges of sabotage.

Alexei Nikolaevich Asafov did not complete the work he had begun. He died on February 21, 1933, of a severe illness while returning from Germany. He is buried at the Novodevichy Cemetery in Leningrad.

After his death, the engineer's previously rejected proposals were implemented, and the M-type boats went into mass production. A total of 30 boats were built to his design, and subsequent modifications (Series XII) became even more widespread. These "Malutkas" served faithfully during the Great Patriotic War.

It was only on September 24, 1990, that Alexey Nikolaevich Asafov was posthumously rehabilitated. Today, we remember him as one of the founders of Soviet submarine construction, whose engineering genius and tragic fate are inextricably linked with the history of the country and our university.

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.

Posted on

International cooperation, science, education, and upbringing: GUU and VAVT discussed areas for joint projects

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A delegation from the State University of Management, led by Rector Vladimir Stroyev, paid a return visit to the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade (VAVT) to discuss future areas of cooperation.

Representatives of the State University of Management were met by the Rector of the Russian Academy of Foreign Trade, Vittoria Idrisova; the Vice-Rector for Continuing Professional Education, Alexander Nikitenko; the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Olga Kulikova; and the Director of the Methodological Center for Improving Education in Foreign Economic Activity, Anna Badulina.

Guests were given a tour of the campus, including learning spaces, gyms, a swimming pool, recording studios, an auditorium, and other facilities that support students' full development.

After the walk, representatives from the educational institutions moved on to discussing areas of cooperation, beginning with the previously raised issue of establishing a working group within the Eurasian Network University. Vladimir Stroyev invited representatives from the Russian Academy of Foreign Trade to attend the next ENU meeting in May, which will be attended by members of the Eurasian Economic Commission, the State Duma, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and others, to learn about the consortium's work firsthand.

In response, Vittoria Idrisova invited the rector's office of the State University of Management to the Academy's anniversary celebration, which will take place on May 22.

Dmitry Bryukhanov, Vice-Rector of the State University of Management, proposed launching a joint online educational program, noting our university's significant experience in this area, as several similar agreements have been concluded this year alone. The Vice-Rector also recalled that the Ministry of Education and Science's Interregional Educational and Methodological Center for Project-Based Learning operates at the State University of Management and invited the participants to learn more about its activities.

Maria Karelina, Vice-Rector of the State University of Management, discussed potential areas of collaboration in scientific projects, including cross-border trade and engineering.

Pavel Pavlovsky, Vice-Rector of the State University of Management, presented the results of participation in the "Service-Learning" project, cited examples of successful projects and collaborations with a number of partner universities and organizations, and invited participants to participate in the "Family History. Immortal Memory" competition, an important national initiative initiated by the State University of Management.

As a result of the meeting, the parties strengthened their resolve to conclude a cooperation agreement and agreed to coordinate its main areas in a working manner.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: March 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.

Posted on

U Aung Lin Dwe has been elected as the new speaker of Myanmar's upper house of parliament.

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

YANGON, March 18 (Xinhua) — U Aung Lin Dwe of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) was elected as the new speaker of the Nationalities Assembly (upper house) of Myanmar at a parliamentary session held in Naypyitaw on Wednesday, Myanmar State Television and Radio Broadcasting (MRTV) reported.

According to official results released by the Union Election Commission, the USDP won a majority of seats in the Union Assembly in the general elections earlier this year.

The Assembly of the Union of Myanmar consists of two chambers, with a total of 664 seats: 440 in the Assembly of People's Representatives (lower house) and 224 in the Assembly of Nationalities. –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.

Posted on

The Chinese-Russian Dialogue on Economics and Education was held in Moscow.

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, March 18 /Xinhua/ — The China-Russia Dialogue on Economics and Education, organized by Renmin University of China and the Free Economic Society (VEO) of Russia, took place in Moscow on Tuesday.

As Renmin University of China Party Committee Secretary Zhang Donggang stated in his speech, education and talent are the foundation for promoting high-quality economic development. He stated that Renmin University of China will seize the opportunity presented by the China-Russia Cross Years of Education (2026-2027) to deepen educational cooperation between the two countries, strengthen collaboration in scientific research, and, together with leading Russian universities, inject new impetus into the development of the bilateral economic partnership. Zhang Donggang also called for strengthening mutual understanding and trust through educational dialogue to shape a new architecture for Sino-Russian educational cooperation.

Sergey Bodrunov, President of the Russian VEO, noted that developing economic ties is a priority area of cooperation between Russia and China. He emphasized that Russia has recently seen growing interest in Chinese culture, as well as China's achievements in the economy and other areas. The VEO intends to more actively introduce Russian audiences to the works of Chinese researchers to better understand the processes taking place in China, including the experience of Chinese modernization. According to Sergey Bodrunov, Chinese modernization serves as an example of successful economic and social transformation, as well as the comprehensive transformation being implemented in China.

State Duma Deputy and First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Education and Science Oleg Smolin noted that the number of high school students in Russia studying Chinese is growing. More and more students are choosing it as their first or second foreign language, and the number of Russian students studying at universities in China is also growing. The deputy is confident that, given the rapid development of technology, maintaining a balance is especially important: he believes that the natural intelligence of young people should never be inferior to artificial intelligence.

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.

Posted on

There have been no signals from Europeans about a desire to engage in dialogue on energy, according to the Russian President's press secretary.

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, March 18 (Xinhua) — There have been no signals from European countries that they want to engage in dialogue within the framework of energy cooperation, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated at a briefing on Wednesday.

“There have been no signals from the Europeans that they want to at least engage in dialogue,” said D. Peskov.

"Regarding the president's order to consider the possibility of an early exit from European gas markets, this issue is under consideration. A sufficiently in-depth analysis is required," the Kremlin spokesman emphasized.

According to him, the war in the Middle East has provoked profound upheavals in global energy markets.

"The energy market is currently experiencing very serious upheavals due to the war in Iran. And, of course, these upheavals make it difficult for everyone to predict market dynamics," D. Peskov noted.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the government had been tasked with assessing the feasibility and advisability of halting energy supplies to the European market. In January, the EU Council approved a regulation on the phased phase-out of Russian LNG and pipeline gas.

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.