Musical Life: Vivaldi's magnum opus performed by Spivakov and the Moscow Virtuosi will be released on vinyl.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

On the eve of the Christmas holidays, Firma Melodiya is releasing Antonio Vivaldi's "The Seasons" on record for the first time, performed by the renowned violinist Vladimir Spivakov and the golden lineup of his chamber orchestra, the "Moscow Virtuosi."

For Spivakov, Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" is one of his signature works. The cycle, performed so often that it could be called pop music from the classical era, seems almost impossible to interpret. As performed by the Virtuosi, Vivaldi's pieces sound as if they were part of a luxurious palace ball: gallant and dance-like. At the same time, Spivakov's interpretation is energetic and emotional. Despite the concert setting, the chamber orchestra demonstrates perfect ensemble pronunciation and crystalline intonation.

Since the LP format requires a playing time of no more than 40 minutes, a pleasant bonus is the release of a CD recording of the entire concert at the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory on December 15, 1986. In addition to "The Seasons," the second half featured the festive cantata "Gloria." It was performed by the Basque choir Orfeón Donostiarra, with solos by two of the 20th century's most accomplished singers: Makvala Kasrashvili and Tamara Sinyavskaya. The opera singers' roles in the baroque cantata's parts are full of lightness and purity, discipline and a sense of proportion. The orchestra's delicate, composed playing also lends itself to this.

The record and CD were pressed in 2025. The matrices were made from the original digital tapes. The sound engineer for the remastering and restoration was Maxim Pilipov. The liner notes were written by Lyalya Kandaurova and Tata Boeva.

Musical Life, December 23, 2025

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The government will allocate more than 45 billion rubles to create university campuses in a number of regions.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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Between 2026 and 2028, over 45 billion rubles will be allocated from the federal budget to create a network of modern university campuses as part of the new national project "Youth and Children." Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed the order allocating these funds.

Funding has already been allocated in the federal budget for the next three years. It will be distributed to the regions whose campus applications have been approved by the Ministry of Education and Science. These regions include Perm Krai, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Novgorod Oblast, and Tyumen Oblast.

The campuses will be multifunctional spaces with coworking spaces, classrooms, sports facilities, libraries, student housing, graduate student housing, faculty and research staff housing, and technology parks. The creation of such student campuses will not only provide additional opportunities to enhance research and education but will also foster the development of adjacent areas and foster cultural interaction between the city and university communities.

Part of the funding for the campuses will come from businesses and the regions themselves. Interaction with investors will be based on a public-private partnership model or concession agreements.

Work to create university campuses is being carried out at the direction of the President. By 2036, it is planned to create at least 40 such spaces.

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International students from the Polytechnic University received awards from the St. Petersburg government.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Three international students from the Polytechnic University received awards from the St. Petersburg government. The ceremony, held in the historic Smolny building, was conducted by Yevgeny Grigoryev, Chairman of the City Committee for External Relations.

Sofia Yatsenko, a fourth-year student at the Higher School of Biotechnology and Food Production at the Institute of Biotechnology and Food Production (IBBS), was recognized for outstanding scientific achievements. She is studying Biotechnology at the Polytechnic University.

Dmitrii Rusnak, a third-year student at the Higher School of Industrial Management at the Institute of Economics, Management and Transport (IPMET) and Moldova, was awarded for his active social work.

Third-year student of the Higher School of International Relations, Ogultach Rakhimova from Turkmenistan, was awarded an award for creative achievements.

"Polytechnic students not only study, but also create the university's history," noted Dmitry Arsenyev, SPbPU Vice-Rector for International Affairs. "Their victories at the city level demonstrate the highest level of preparation, determination, and talent. We are proud that they represent our university and their countries with dignity, making an invaluable contribution to the academic and cultural life of the Polytechnic and St. Petersburg."

Sofia Yatsenko shared her impressions: "The invitation to the majestic Smolny was a pleasant surprise. It was a joy to see so many talented young people from different countries. Moments like these undoubtedly become some of the most vivid memories of my student years!"

"It's a great honor for me to receive thanks and gifts from the External Relations Committee. Thank you for your attention and support, which inspires me to do even more!" added Ogultach Rakhimova.

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

A meeting of the Organizing Committee for the preparation of the International Forum "Russian Energy Week" was held under the leadership of Alexander Novak.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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A meeting of the Organizing Committee for the preparation of the International Forum "Russian Energy Week" was held under the leadership of Alexander Novak.

A meeting of the organizing committee for the international forum "Russian Energy Week" was held in Moscow, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. The meeting addressed key organizational and substantive issues related to the forum's preparations, as well as coordination of Russian Energy Week events with the eighth summit of heads of state and government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum.

Meeting participants noted that the tradition of beginning preparations for the next Russian Energy Week well in advance allows for more effective international promotion of the forum, a detailed business agenda, enhanced interaction with partners, and expansion of the exhibition's display of fuel and energy equipment and technologies across two venues.

"Russian Energy Week has established itself as a key international platform for substantive dialogue on the development of the fuel and energy sector. In 2026, we will begin preparations for the forum well in advance to expand its international component, strengthen the practical focus of the business program, and ensure the participation of a wide range of Russian and international partners. Our goal is to formulate an agenda that reflects the strategic priorities of energy policy, the technological development of the industry, and its role in ensuring sustainable economic growth," noted Alexander Novak.

During the meeting, issues related to determining the dates and location of the forum, approving the main parameters for organizing work with participants, and launching an invitation campaign were discussed.

The Manege Central Exhibition Hall has been proposed as the forum's venue, and Gostiny Dvor as the location for the fuel and energy equipment and technology exhibition. The Roscongress Foundation has been proposed as the forum's operator.

A separate section of the meeting was devoted to issues of preparation for the eighth summit of heads of state and government of the countries participating in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, which is planned to be held in Russia in 2026.

"In preparing for Russian Energy Week, special attention is being paid to developing a comprehensive and balanced program that combines strategic discussions, practical formats, and an exhibition. Synchronizing the forum's events with the international energy agenda, including interaction with GECF member countries, will enhance REW's international status and create additional opportunities for professional dialogue, exchange of experience, and the development of long-term partnerships," emphasized Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of Russia and Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee of the Russian Energy Week International Forum.

During the meeting, the preliminary logic of the event schedule was discussed. This includes holding the main business program of Russian Energy Week in the first days of the forum with the possibility of participation by representatives of the GECF delegations, holding a plenary session of the REW-2026, and organizing a GECF summit on the final day, simultaneously with Youth Day at the REW site.

It was emphasized that the key focus of preparations for 2026 remains the development of Russian Energy Week as a central international industry platform, combining a business program, exhibition display, and youth agenda.

The forum also plans to host traditional events, including the Global Energy Prize and the awards ceremony for the winners of the Energy of the Pen international competition. In 2026, the prize program will be expanded with a visiting session planned for Latin American countries, which will expand international scientific and expert dialogue in the energy sector.

Furthermore, to further the forum's humanitarian and social agenda, the All-Russian Media Forum for Professional Excellence "Energy of the Winners" was launched in 2026. The project was initiated by the Ministry of Energy, the Defenders of the Fatherland State Foundation, the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, and the Roscongress Foundation.

The media forum aims to promote employment for special military operation veterans in the fuel and energy sector, as well as to enhance the prestige of work in the industry and the status of blue-collar and engineering professions. This initiative is particularly relevant given that 2026 has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia by presidential decree.

National and regional television and radio companies will participate in the competition, presenting original journalistic works, including documentaries, television and radio programs, reports, essays, and special projects dedicated to people in the industry and opportunities for professional development in the fuel and energy sector. A distinguished jury will evaluate the works based on historical accuracy, professional level, depth, and originality of presentation.

The meeting also addressed the development of the REW 2026 business program, exhibition development, event security, and the promotion of the forum in Russia and abroad. The need for the active participation of members of the organizing committee, federal executive bodies, partner companies, and industry associations in the forum's informational coverage was emphasized.

Following the meeting, it was proposed to record the discussed parameters for preparing the international forum "Russian Energy Week" and issues of coordination with preparations for the GECF summit in the minutes of the organizing committee and to begin their practical implementation.

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Red Wings opens ticket sales to Georgia from Moscow for the summer period on December 25, 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Red Wings Airlines –

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Red Wings Airlines announces the launch of ticket sales for direct scheduled flights from Moscow to Georgia for the 2026 summer season. Flights from Domodedovo Airport to Batumi and from Zhukovsky Airport to Tbilisi will offer passengers convenient travel options for vacations and leisure trips.

Flights from Domodedovo to Batumi will operate from April 1 to October 2026 on comfortable domestically produced Tu-204/214 aircraft. Flights from Zhukovsky to Tbilisi will begin on March 29 and run through October 2026, operated by modern Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft.

The addition of new routes to the summer schedule will allow passengers from Moscow to plan trips to both the Black Sea coast of Batumi and Tbilisi, Georgia's cultural and business center. Regular flights will also be a convenient solution for business meetings.

Tickets are now available on the Red Wings website and mobile app.

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.

Financial news: Installment service operators.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Central Bank of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

1. Study the requirements of the necessary Federal laws and regulations.

2. Check the applicant's eligibility.

Organizational and legal form Business company.
Minimum amount of equity (capital) 5 million rubles.
Official website

The website is located in the Russian national domain zone; the applicant is the owner of the website's domain name.

To check the ownership of a website's domain name, use the Whois web service.

Shareholders (participants) and members of management bodies The list of persons, as well as qualification requirements, requirements for business reputation and other requirements for these persons are provided Articles 8 and 9 of the Law of July 31, 2025 No. 283-FZ.

Specialized services for verification:

3. Activate personal account of an information exchange participant.

4. Prepare and send to the Bank of Russia via personal account of an information exchange participant a set of documents for entering information into the OSR register according to the procedure “4010 Applicants”.

Application for inclusion of information about a legal entity in the OSR register. Documents attached to the application.

5. Wait for the Bank of Russia’s decision.

The period for consideration of an application for entering information about a legal entity into the OSR register is 30 working days.

In this case, the Bank of Russia may send the applicant a request to provide documents confirming compliance with the requirements. Law of July 31, 2025 No. 283-FZ.

If such a request is sent, the period of 30 working days will be calculated from the date of its execution by the applicant.

1. Study the requirements of the necessary Federal laws and regulations.

2. Check the applicant's eligibility.

Official website

The website is located in the Russian national domain zone; the applicant is the owner of the website's domain name.

To check the ownership of a website's domain name, use the Whois web service.

3. Prepare and send to the Bank of Russia via personal account of an information exchange participant a set of documents for entering information into the OSR register according to the procedure “4010 Applicants”.

Application for inclusion of information about a legal entity in the OSR register. Documents attached to the application.

4. Wait for the Bank of Russia’s decision.

The period for consideration of an application for entering information about a legal entity into the OSR register is 30 working days.

In this case, the Bank of Russia may send the applicant a request to provide documents confirming compliance with the requirements. Law of July 31, 2025 No. 283-FZ.

If such a request is sent, the period of 30 working days will be calculated from the date of its execution by the applicant.

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.

Financial news: 12/26/2025, 10:16 AM (Moscow time) the upper limit of the price corridor and the market risk assessment range for the PLT/RUB currency pair were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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In accordance with the Methodology for Determining Risk Parameters of the Foreign Exchange Market and Precious Metals Market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by the National Clearing Center (JSC) on December 26, 2025, 10:16 AM (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to RUB 6,049.42 in the TOD settlement mode) and the market risk assessment range (up to RUB 6,376.491, equivalent to a rate of 17.08%) for the PLT/RUB currency pair were changed. New values are available. Here.

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.

Dmitry Grigorenko: The plan to launch all 70 federal and 425 regional life situations has been implemented.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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All federal and regional life events planned for launch in 2025 have been implemented. Now, 70 federal and 425 regional life events are available on the State Services portal, as well as regional portals and websites. Among the most popular federal services of the past year are "University Admission," "Receiving a Tax Deduction," and "Protection from Online Fraud." The digitalization of government services is being implemented as part of the national project "Data Economy," overseen by Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.

Real-life situations represent a new stage in the development of the government services system. One service combines, on average, approximately 17 government services related to a single topic, and helps users access them comprehensively, in a single-window mode. This approach to unifying government services helps reduce the time it takes to resolve a user's issue, eliminating unnecessary paperwork and government department visits. Information already available in the government system is automatically downloaded when accessing services included in a single package.

"Today, you can resolve your issue with a life situation on the government services portal in just a few clicks. People can now complete tasks that used to take hours, days, and sometimes even months without leaving home. Life situations help save time. These services allow you to access related services comprehensively, in one place, without collecting unnecessary documents. We have launched all 70 federal and 425 regional life situations planned for implementation. The service covers a wide range of topics, including new ones such as 'Birth of a Child,' 'Tax Deduction,' 'Opening an IT Company,' and even 'My Pet,'" said Dmitry Grigorenko.

The most popular federal life situation in 2025 was "University Admission," used by 9,955,626 people. The second most popular service was "Getting a Tax Deduction," used by 4,406,971 people. The "Online Fraud Protection" service was accessed by 3,267,950 people, and 1,957,441 users received services under the "Retirement" life situation. The "Large Family" service was used by 980,620 people.

The transition from disparate services to real-life situations is one of the results of a comprehensive transformation of the entire public service delivery system. Furthermore, the transformation includes the launch of proactive services and services available online immediately upon request, as well as the implementation of strict quality standards and personal accountability of agency employees for each service.

In 2026, the development of neglected life situations, the introduction of new proactive government services, and strict quality control of all government services will continue.

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.

Those accompanying veterans of the SVO to sanatorium-resort treatment and rehabilitation will have their travel, accommodation, and meals covered.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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In 2026, combat veterans who participated in the Special Military Operation (SVO) will be able to travel to Social Fund rehabilitation centers for treatment with accompanying persons, who will also receive covered travel, accommodation, and meals. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a resolution approving the rules for the provision and payment of such services.

This concerns the provision of support to health resort treatment or medical rehabilitation for military personnel who have received a Group I disability or who require support for medical reasons.

The mechanism for reimbursing travel expenses to and from treatment has also been expanded. Starting in 2026, tickets will be available directly through the Social Fund.

Veterans receive free medical rehabilitation and spa treatment at Social Fund rehabilitation centers located throughout Russia. To apply for these services, you can use the Unified State Services Portal or visit a Multifunctional Center (MFC) or a local Social Fund office.

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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.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister found guilty in 1MDB case

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

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) — A Malaysian court on Friday found former Prime Minister Najib Razak guilty of all four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering in a case related to state sovereign wealth fund 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad).

The trial lasted more than seven years. Judge Collin Lawrence Sekera announced that the former prime minister was found guilty of all four counts of embezzlement from 1MDB and 21 counts of money laundering totaling over 2.2 billion ringgit (US$544.15 million).

Najib Razak is serving time in Kajang Prison in connection with a separate case involving SRC International, a former 1MDB unit. –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.