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December 22, 2025 The international "Conservation Embassy" program will expand to Namibia. International cooperation

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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Regime change in Syria has disrupted production of the region's most widely used synthetic drug.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 22, 2025 Peace and security

Following regime change in Syria a year ago, the illicit production of Captagon, one of the most widely used synthetic drugs in the Middle East, has been significantly disrupted. This is according to a new analytical report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which contains preliminary findings from a large-scale study to be published in 2026.

Since December 2024, the new Syrian authorities have closed 15 industrial laboratories and 13 warehouses previously used for Captagon production and storage. However, the UNODC notes that production likely continues in other Middle Eastern countries. However, researchers have been unable to confirm the widespread belief that some Syrian production facilities may have been relocated to other regions, including Africa.

By the end of 2024, Captagon production in Syria reached several million tablets per day. Experts estimate that the accumulated stockpiles could sustain the illicit market for several more years, fueling regional smuggling networks.

The market is experiencing a shortage, and seizure volumes are growing

The Persian Gulf countries remain a key market for Captagon. Signs of shortages are already being reported in several countries in the region, likely due to increased anti-smuggling measures.

Since December 2024, the UNODC has confirmed at least 177 million tablets seized—approximately 30 tons—across the Arab region. The final figures may be higher as data collection continues.

At the same time, smugglers are actively seeking new routes. The report notes that transhipment and repackaging points in Western and Central Europe, as well as North Africa, are increasingly being used.

The region unites in the face of a common threat

As the threat mounts, countries in the region have stepped up cooperation, sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations, and coordinating efforts to curb illicit trafficking.

According to Bo Mathiasen, Director of Operations at the UNODC, political will and international cooperation were key factors in the record seizures in 2025. He noted that the market's expansion in previous years had divided the region, but now the need for decisive action is helping to consolidate it.

The UNODC warns that disrupting Captagon production chains could lead drug traffickers and users to switch to methamphetamine and other synthetic substances. This could accelerate the spread of new drugs in the region.

The study emphasizes that the fight against illicit drug trafficking must be combined with the development of scientifically based prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation systems. Only such a comprehensive approach will effectively counter the expansion of the synthetic drug market.

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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Breaking: At least four people were injured in a laboratory explosion near Lyon, France – media

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

Paris, December 22 (Xinhua) — At least four people were injured in an explosion that occurred at a laboratory in eastern France on Monday, two of whom were seriously injured, local media reported.

The explosion occurred at the Elkem Silicones laboratory, located near Lyon in the Rhone department. –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 Danish Prime Minister demanded that the United States respect the country's territorial integrity.

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

OSLO, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Monday that they expect the United States to respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.

"We have already spoken very clearly on this issue. Now we reiterate our position. The annexation of other countries is unacceptable, even under the pretext of international security. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the United States should not seize it. We expect respect for our shared territorial integrity," the two leaders said in a joint statement.

The comments came after US President Donald Trump announced late Sunday that he had appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States' special envoy for Greenland, reigniting diplomatic tensions between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark.

“Jeff understands how important Greenland is to our national security and will vigorously advance our country’s interests for the safety and survival of our allies,” Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social.

J. Landry said on social media X that he was honored to take on this position “to make Greenland part of the United States.”

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced that Denmark would summon US Ambassador Ken Howery for a meeting and demanded respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, which includes Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland.

"I am upset, especially by the special envoy's statements about Greenland joining the United States. We find this completely unacceptable," L. L. Rasmussen told the Danish television channel TV 2.

Since taking office in January of this year, D. Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control over Greenland, stating that he would not rule out using “military or economic coercion” to achieve this goal.

Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. In 1979, it was granted home rule, increasing the region's autonomy. However, Greenland's foreign affairs and defense remain under Danish jurisdiction.

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 territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark must be preserved – EU Spokesperson for External Relations and Security Policy

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

Brussels, December 22 (Xinhua) — Denmark's territorial integrity and sovereignty, including over Greenland, must be preserved, said Anwar El-Anuni, the European Union's spokesman for external relations and security policy, commenting on the US appointment of a special envoy for Greenland.

“Maintaining the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, its sovereignty and the inviolability of its borders is of key importance to the European Union,” the official representative said at a press conference, adding that the EU’s position is based on its long-established approach to this issue.

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States' special envoy for Greenland. On Monday, Landry thanked Trump on the social media platform X, stating, "I am honored to serve you in this voluntary capacity to make Greenland part of the United States."

The appointment of a special envoy has exacerbated tensions between the United States and the leaders of Denmark and Greenland. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced on Monday that he intends to summon US Ambassador Ken Howery for a meeting.

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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2,309 regulatory legal acts were submitted to the NPC Standing Committee for review in 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) — A total of 2,309 regulations and judicial interpretations have been submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) for registration and review in 2025.

This figure was announced at the ongoing session of the NPC Standing Committee. On Monday, the NPC Standing Committee's Legislative Work Committee submitted a report on the registration and review of regulatory legal acts for 2025 to the session.

Registration and examination are powers granted by the Constitution and laws of the PRC to ensure the conformity of various types of regulations and judicial interpretations.

According to the report, several local regulations were revised during the review process, such as the requirement for a minimum purchase price of 120,000 yuan (approximately US$17,004) for vehicles used in the online taxi industry.

As noted in the report, in 2025, the commission also received 6,705 proposals for revision of regulations from Chinese citizens and organizations. –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 EU has extended economic sanctions against Russia for another six months.

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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

Brussels, December 22 (Xinhua) — The Council of the European Union on Monday extended its previously imposed sweeping economic sanctions against Russia for another six months, until July 31, 2026.

Sectoral sanctions, first introduced in 2014, were significantly expanded after February 2022. According to the EU Council, the restrictions include broad restrictions in areas such as trade, finance, energy, technology, dual-use goods, industry, transport, and luxury goods.

The restrictive measures also include a ban on the import or transit of seaborne oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the European Union, the exclusion of several Russian banks from the SWIFT system, and the suspension of broadcasting and licenses for several Russia-backed media outlets accused of spreading disinformation. Furthermore, the EU has taken targeted measures to prevent sanctions evasion.

The EU said these measures would remain in place for as long as Russia's actions continued, with further steps to be taken if necessary.

The EU statement also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing support for Ukraine. Last week, the European Council approved a €90 billion (approximately $105.4 billion) loan to meet Ukraine's military and economic needs over the next two years.

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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Russia reserves the right to respond in kind to possible US nuclear tests, says Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

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 22 (Xinhua) – Russia will act in kind if the United States conducts a nuclear test. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated this on Monday at an event of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

According to him, the countries of the European Union are manically obsessed with the "chimera" of an alleged "attack by Russia" being prepared against them, but Russia has no intention of attacking the EU and NATO countries and is prepared to legally document this.

France and the United Kingdom are moving "to a new level of coordination in the nuclear sphere, which includes joint nuclear planning and, accordingly, the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons by these two countries within the framework of a single plan," the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister noted.

The Russian diplomat added that the Russian side still has serious questions for the United States regarding Ukraine, but the administration of US President Donald Trump has taken a number of steps in the right direction.

At the same time, Sergei Ryabkov emphasized, Russia continues to take steps to maintain an open window of opportunity in the interests of political and diplomatic measures to ensure predictability and restraint in the strategic sphere. However, the United States has not yet responded to Russia's initiative to maintain central quantitative limits after the final termination of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) in February, the diplomat stated.

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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Building partnerships within the CIS is in the interests of the peoples of the organization's countries, says Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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

St. Petersburg, December 22 (Xinhua) — Expanding partnerships across a wide range of areas within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is in the fundamental interests of the peoples of the organization's member countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this Monday while speaking at an informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.

"Overall, I am convinced that expanding partnerships within the CIS in a wide range of areas is in the fundamental interests of the peoples of our countries," TASS quotes him as saying.

As the Russian leader noted, over the past 30 years, the organization has established itself as a reputable regional integration association, in which member countries build relations based on the principles of genuine good-neighborliness, equal partnership, mutual benefit, respect, and consideration of each other's interests.

Vladimir Putin emphasized that the CIS countries share similar or overlapping approaches to key global and regional issues and are unanimous in their approaches to world order. "All CIS states unanimously support the formation of a just world order based on the universally recognized principles of international law, with the UN playing a central role," he added.

According to the Russian head of state, the joint fight against terrorism, extremism, organized crime, and corruption remains an important area of cooperation. To this end, close operational contacts have been established between the security agencies of CIS member states, and long-term cooperation programs are being implemented.

“We will continue to work together to address the challenges of socio-economic development, strengthening stability and our common security,” concluded Vladimir Putin. –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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A RUDN University student created an interactive culinary map of Vietnam.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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Fourth-year student at the RUDN University Graduate School of Management, Le Thi Huong Ly (Tourism major), developed and registered an interactive gastronomic map of Vietnam with Rospatent. The digital guide allows for a deeper dive into the country's culture, planning delicious itineraries, and supporting local businesses.

The project, created under the guidance of academic supervisor Olga Zeveke, is more than just a website. It is a research project that combines modern IT technologies with the preservation of cultural heritage.

What can the card do?

An interactive map is a comprehensive digital product that solves several traveler's problems at once:

Information. The map displays traditional dishes, drinks, and local products (delicacies) from different regions of Vietnam. Navigation. Users can find places to try local food, from street vendors to restaurants. Cultural immersion. Each spot is provided not just with a description, but also with cultural context—the history of the dish, its ingredients, and photographs.

This approach is fully consistent with the global trend of considering cuisine a key element of cultural identity and a powerful tourism resource. Vietnam's culinary heritage is rich and diverse.

Relevance of the project

The RUDN University student's development is interesting not only from a tourism perspective but also from an economic one. The map could become a tool for supporting local businesses, as it directly assists producers and restaurants by providing them with a digital "shopfront" to attract tourists.

"The project also fulfills an important mission of preserving and digitally recording unique recipes and traditions, which is especially valuable in the era of globalization," noted Le Thi Huong Ly.

Furthermore, the map is in line with the development of culinary tourism. The project fits perfectly into Vietnam's strategy for developing as a tourist destination, where experiencing authentic cuisine is the primary motivation for travel. The development of culinary tourism has been officially recognized as one of the country's priorities.

Technology and the Future

The project is designed as a website, making it accessible from any device. Its interactivity is a key advantage. Users can select regions, explore detailed information about dishes, filter establishments by type, and plan their own personal gastronomic itinerary.

The project's overall goal is to create a unified platform uniting culinary specialties (gastronomic attractions) from around the world. This is a striking example of how academic knowledge, applied research, and the personal initiative of a RUDN student can lead to the creation of a real, sought-after product at the intersection of education, culture, and modern technology.

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.