During the New Year holidays, VDNKh will host creative workshops and performances.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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A special project has appeared on the website of the country's main exhibition New Year's Holidays at VDNKhHere you can find information about the events that will take place at the complex from December 29 to January 11. These include figure skating performances, concerts, master classes, excursions, quests, film screenings, and much more. Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

"VDNKh traditionally offers every opportunity to relax with family and friends. We invite Muscovites and tourists to attend family performances based on fairy tales and ice shows featuring famous figure skaters, choose handmade gifts at the fair, and join in on sports training and creative activities," said Natalia Sergunina.

VDNKh guests can expect New Year's performances on December 30th, including the interactive program "Visiting Father Frost," a performance of "The Snow Queen: The Story of Kai and Gerda" on January 1st, and a concert called "Winter in Prostokvashino" on January 4th.

For active recreation enthusiasts, a skating rink covering over 20,000 square meters is open. It is located along the Main Alley, around the Druzhba Narodov and Kamenny Tsvet (Friendship of Peoples) and Kamenny Tsvet (Stone Flower) fountains. From January 3rd to 10th, the ice ballet "Swan Lake" will be performed there. Participants include figure skaters from the team of two-time Olympic and three-time world champion Evgeni Plushenko, Olympic champion and European champion Yulia Lipnitskaya, and European champion Alena Kostornaia. Skating sessions will also be held on the nights of December 27th-28th, January 3rd-4th, and January 6th-7th.

Free hockey training sessions are offered at the Ostankino Park skating rink on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They are designed for children aged four to 14.

In addition, over 30 museum and exhibition venues will be open to Muscovites and visitors during the holidays at VDNKh. Pavilion No. 1, the "Central," will host the exhibition "The Image of Moscow in Russian Art from the Collection of the State Russian Museum" on December 29th and 30th and from January 2nd to 11th. It features paintings by Apollinary Vasnetsov, Vasily Surikov, and Vasily Vereshchagin, icon painting masterpieces by the Moscow school, and portraits of prominent 20th-century residents of the capital. The exhibition is open until February.

More than 150,000 people visited the Russian Museum's exhibition at VDNKh.

Every day except December 31st and January 1st, tours at the Cosmonautics and Aviation Center will tell visitors about New Year's and Christmas celebrations on the orbital station. From January 1st to 5th, as well as January 7th, 9th, 10th, and 11th, sightseeing tours around the complex's grounds will offer insights into its history, iconic landmarks, and holiday traditions.

From January 2nd to 11th, a New Year's program featuring cartoon screenings, DJ performances, and theatrical performances will be held in the square behind the Slovo Museum of Slavic Literature.

Pavilion No. 1 "Central" invites you to create New Year's cards on January 6, 9, and 11, and Pavilion No. 61 will host an educational quest, "The Lost Nutcracker," on January 9.

You can send an exclusive postcard for free at VDNKh's Central Pavilion No. 1.

A series of practical lessons are planned at the KulibinPro engineering workshop, the Moscow Transport Museum, the Russia – My History historical park, Pavilion No. 2 at the Robostation, and the Cinema Museum.

Some events require a ticket or pre-registration.

Winter in Moscow— the main event of the season. The project aims to strengthen social and family ties, create an atmosphere of unity and mutual support, and provide assistance to those currently defending the Motherland. Through a variety of programs, including cultural, educational, and sporting events, it brings together Muscovites and visitors of all ages. Particular attention is paid to supporting participants and veterans of the special military operation and their families, as well as all those providing assistance to the front.

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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.

Contracts worth over 10 billion yuan were signed at the 2nd China-Russia Economic and Trade Conference in Tongjiang.

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. 18 (Xinhua) — The Second China-Russia Economic and Trade Conference, themed "Deepening Mutual Ties, Creating a Shared Future," was held in Tongjiang City, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, the Zhongxinwang news website reported.

During the conference, contracts were signed for the implementation of nine major projects worth a total of 10.3 billion yuan (approximately 1.46 billion US dollars), covering such areas as mechanical engineering and food processing.

The event featured a comprehensive program, including an opening ceremony, industry talks, project signings, field research, and other events. The focus was on key sectors such as modern agriculture, cross-border logistics, and digital trade.

The conference created an effective platform for enterprises from the two countries to conduct practical interactions and achieve deep synergies, and significantly promoted the integration and complementarity of industrial and supply chains, thereby helping to transform the advantages of both sides into powerful impetus for joint development and further expand the scale and deepen China-Russia economic and trade cooperation, according to the Publicity Department of the CPC Municipal Committee.

Divided from the Jewish Autonomous Region of Russia by the Heilongjiang (Amur) River, Tongjiang is a medium-sized port for Chinese-Russian waterway trade and a transshipment port for import and export cargo via multimodal river and sea transport. Furthermore, it is renowned as a "paradise of beautiful ecology" and the main settlement area of the Nanai people in China.

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.

US forces have sunk another suspected drug ship in the Eastern Pacific, killing four people.

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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

Washington, December 18 (Xinhua) — The U.S. military sank another suspected drug-laden vessel in international waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, killing four people, U.S. Southern Command reported on social media.

According to the report, the vessel was used by an organization designated as terrorist in the United States. American intelligence confirmed that it "was navigating known drug trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and was involved in drug trafficking operations," the report states.

"A total of four male narco-terrorists were killed, and no American service members were injured," the command said.

The strike was carried out on the orders of Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth, the statement said. No evidence was provided.

Since early September, the Pentagon has sunk more than 26 suspected drug ships in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing at least 99 of their crew members.

In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the American military will "very soon" begin ground strikes against drug traffickers in the Caribbean. His remarks have exacerbated tensions between the United States and Venezuela.

The Trump administration seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela last week and announced new sanctions against four Venezuelan citizens and six companies transporting Venezuelan oil.

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.

Insurers are facing a tough time – the number of large OSAGO payouts has increased by 37% over the past year.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mainfin Bank –

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How has the number of OSAGO payments changed in 2025?

A significant increase in OSAGO payments was recorded regardless of the compensation amount – over the first 9 months of this year, the changes were significant:

The number of large payments (from ₽350 to ₽400 thousand) increased by 37%; the number of payments in the range of ₽300 to ₽350 thousand increased by 14%; insurers began to pay out 27% more often for damages in the amount of ₽250 to ₽300 thousand; an 18% increase was recorded in the group from ₽200 to ₽250 thousand; the number of claims for damages from ₽150 to ₽200 thousand increased by 24%.

The requirement to obtain compulsory motor third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is stipulated by Russian law. Driving without it is prohibited, and violators face a fine (Article 12.37 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Furthermore, in the event of an accident, the uninsured party responsible for the damage is responsible for their own compensation, which, given the constantly rising prices of auto parts, entails significant financial costs.

What's happening to MTPL rates amid rising payout volumes?

The Central Bank of the Russian Federation has revised the terms of compulsory motor third-party liability insurance (CMTPL) policies. The rate corridor for car owners has been expanded by 15% in both directions, while the limits for motorcyclists have been adjusted by 40%. These changes are intended to ensure that Russians receive the fairest possible prices for their policies. However, the new approach has sparked outrage. For example, in Novosibirsk and several districts of Ingushetia, the territorial coefficient has doubled, citing unscrupulous driver behavior as the reason.

"In Novosibirsk and Ingushetia, the level of fraud in the compulsory motor insurance (OSAGO) sector has remained high for the past five years, and the average payout is 1.5 times higher than the national average," the expert notes.

Conscientious drivers will be held accountable for the actions of unscrupulous policyholders, as the territorial coefficient in the aforementioned regions will increase for every policy buyer. Experts fear that the consequences of these changes for residents of Novosibirsk and Ingushetia will be dire: purchasing compulsory motor third-party liability insurance will become an impossible task, and insurers will simply shift their risks onto drivers.

10:00 12/16/2025

Source:

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.

12 buildings on Kutuzovsky Prospekt will have architectural and artistic lighting.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Capital specialists urban economy complex 12 buildings on Kutuzovsky Prospekt will be decorated with architectural and artistic lighting. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing, Utilities, and Public Works. Petr Biryukov.

"As part of our urban improvement and comfort programs, we've developed a special lighting project for 12 buildings located on Kutuzovsky Prospekt. The main goal is to integrate these structures into Moscow's unified lighting and color palette. Power engineers from JSC UEK will install a total of over 3,800 energy-efficient lamps," noted Pyotr Biryukov.

All design solutions were coordinated with residents. The new lighting will highlight the architectural features of iconic buildings: historic Stalin-era structures, as well as modern business centers and residential complexes.

In accordance with the adopted concept, all new lighting in the capital is warm or neutral white and moderately lit. This approach helps to intelligently accent building details and elements and create a unified lighting space. The lighting for each building is designed to ensure that the fixtures do not create discomfort for residents while still complying with lighting standards.

Over the past 13 years, Moscow's lighting levels have doubled, and the number of buildings with architectural and artistic lighting has quadrupled. In total, the capital is now illuminated by over one million lamps, with energy consumption reduced by the use of energy-efficient LEDs.

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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.

A concert and master class for the families of SVO participants were held at the Unified Support Center.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

New Year's events were held at the Unified Support Center for Special Military Operation (SVO) Participants and Their Families. Students from the Diana Gurtskaya Social Integration Center prepared a festive concert. Over 100 people participated in the event.

The creative program is part of the pre-New Year's marathon "Winter's Tale," which runs throughout December. Guests can participate in master classes and quizzes, prepare gifts for their loved ones, plan a holiday menu, and much more.

People's Artist of Russia Diana Gurtskaya conducted a master class on vocals. She shared the intricacies of performing arts with members of the "Nadezhda" ensemble, which includes family members of SVO soldiers. At the end of the meeting, Diana Gurtskaya performed the song "Dream" with the wives, mothers, and children of service members.

"It's a great honor and joy for our center and for me personally to take part in the New Year's marathon. It's especially valuable that the families of heroes and defenders of the country are in the audience today. I hope we were able to give them a sense of the joyful holiday," the artist said.

The second part of the program included a concert by students from the Diana Gurtskaya Social Integration Center. These young talents performed musical numbers and created a festive atmosphere for the audience.

Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that Moscow had prepared a New Year's program for the families of the SVO participants andpresentChildren of military personnel aged three to 13 will receive sweets and tickets to the Mayor's Christmas party at Gostiny Dvor. Spouses and parents of Air Defense Forces soldiers stationed in combat zones, as well as veterans who have already completed their service, will receive holiday packages.

A New Year's contact center representative will contact each family in advance to arrange a convenient delivery time. Gifts can also be picked up in person at the Unified Support Center for SVO Participants and Their Families (8 Beregovoy Proezd, Building 2) daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM until December 30 and from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM from January 2 to 9. Additional information is available by phone at 7 499 530-58-30 (from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM).

On December 20, the Unified Support Center will host an interactive family event. Guests will enjoy a dance flash mob and a New Year's performance with Father Frost and the Snow Maiden, participate in a musical quiz, a family light ceremony, and visit the Miracle Square and master class area. The event begins at 12:00 PM.

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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.

As part of the "Winter in Moscow" project, fire pits have opened in Moscow parks.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

This year, you can warm up after a winter walk in special zones located in the capital's parks. They opened as part of the project Winter in Moscow In Fili Park, Khodynskoye Pole Park, Sokolniki Park, the Pokrovsky Bereg recreation area, and Gorky Park, administrators are monitoring safety and maintaining the flame throughout the day.

Bonfire zones will be open daily until February 13th – from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pokrovsky Bereg and Fili Park, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Sokolniki Park, and from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Khodynskoye Pole Park. A curling zone will also be available at Fili and Khodynskoye Pole Parks.

On weekends, entertainment is planned at the bonfire zones. On December 19, DJs will perform in Sokolniki Park from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and in Khodynskoye Pole Park from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

On December 20, Sokolniki Park will host live music from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Fili Park will host DJ sets from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On the same day, Khodynka Field Park will host DJs from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A children's entertainment program featuring Father Frost and the Snow Maiden will also be held at the Pokrovsky Bereg recreation area from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free.

On December 21, evening DJ sets are scheduled in Sokolniki Park from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM; in Fili Park from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM; and in Khodynka Field Park from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Admission is free.

In Gorky Park, the fire pit can be found near the skating rink near the main entrance arch; in the Pokrovsky Bereg recreation area, it's to the left of the beach area; in Sokolniki, it's located on Festivalnaya Square; in Khodynskoye Pole Park, it's on the central promenade; and in Fili Park, it's next to the summer cinema.

"Moscow Parks" is a large-scale city initiative aimed at creating comfortable, modern, and multifunctional recreation areas for residents and visitors of the capital. It unites over 50 park areas, which have been transformed into popular spots for sports, culture, family leisure, and communion with nature. The project not only preserves unique landscapes and ecosystems but also infuses the parks with new infrastructure.

Winter in Moscow — the main event of the season. The project aims to strengthen social and family ties, create an atmosphere of unity and mutual support, and provide assistance to those currently defending the Motherland. Through a variety of programs, including cultural, educational, and sporting events, it brings together Muscovites and visitors of all ages and interests, creating an environment for creative development, active recreation, and warm communication. Particular attention is paid to supporting participants and veterans of the special military operation and their families, as well as all those providing assistance to the front.

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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.

A residential complex was built in the Golyanovo district under the renovation program.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Construction of a residential complex under the renovation program has been completed in the Golyanovo district of the Eastern Administrative District. This was announced by the Moscow Government Minister and Head of the Moscow Department of Urban Development Policy. Vladislav Ovchinsky.

The new building, with a total area of over 26,700 square meters, is located at 1a/3/4 Amurskaya Street.

"The new building, part of the renovation program in the Golyanovo district, has 245 apartments. Five of them are accessible to people with disabilities. The living space exceeds 15,000 square meters. The surrounding area is comprehensively landscaped. The courtyard features a children's playground, a sports field, and a quiet area for relaxation. Nearby are the Cherkizovskaya metro station, the Lokomotiv station of the Moscow Central Circle, educational institutions, shops, pharmacies, medical clinics, and sports centers," said Vladislav Ovchinsky.

The residential complex has been designed to be barrier-free: the entrances have no thresholds or steps, and seven elevators of varying capacities connect the residential floors with the underground parking garage. Accessible apartments feature wide doorways and hallways, and the bathrooms are equipped with additional amenities. The peephole, window handles, and electrical outlets are positioned at convenient heights.

"Mosgosstroynadzor supervised the construction of the building on a plot of land covering almost 0.4 hectares at all stages—a total of seven on-site inspections were conducted at the site. Following the final inspection, the committee's inspectors issued a conclusion confirming the building's compliance with the design documentation," the agency chairman noted.

Anton Slobodchikov.

Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that buildings under the renovation program save up to 40 percent of resources compared to five-story buildings.

The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It affects approximately one million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 buildings. Sergei Sobyanin ordered the pace of implementation of the renovation program to be accelerated.twice.

Moscow is one of the region's leaders in terms of construction volume. The high rate of housing construction is in line with the goals and initiatives of the national project. Infrastructure for LifeMore information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

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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.

You can now find the Journey to Christmas festival venues using a geolocation service.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Journey to Christmas festival venues are now searchable on the popular geolocation service 2GIS. It displays locations on a map across all districts of the capital and helps you navigate the events taking place at each venue.

To find them, simply enter the search term "Christmas Travel" in the service's search bar. The sites will then appear on a map with detailed descriptions and photos, and the navigation tool will help you plan the optimal route.

"This year, the 'Journey to Christmas' festival took place at 35 venues across Moscow, each with its own unique program—from creative workshops to performances and concerts. We are delighted to be collaborating with the festival. 2GIS will help residents and visitors of the capital navigate and choose the most suitable leisure option, whether the closest or most interesting, and plan the optimal route—no matter where in the city they are," noted Dinara Zaydullina, the developer's marketing specialist.

Using the geolocation service, users can learn about all the festival's events and find atmospheric venues featuring carousels, ice shows, and master classes. For example, from December 18, 2025, to January 11, 2026, Tverskoy Boulevard will host a gallery of beauty Christmas trees created in collaboration with Russian brands. And Manezhnaya Square will host a magical village of antique cotton toys and a fair where you can buy gifts and souvenirs.

"Our collaboration with the geoservice has been bringing the holiday closer to Muscovites and visitors for years. Thanks to the integration, finding any festival site is now as easy as looking into a neighbor's yard. People not only get an address—they see photos, learn what's happening right here, right now, and instantly plan a route. This is the convenience we've always wanted for our guests, so that Christmas feels not only in the air but also within reach—on a smartphone, on a map, just a few clicks away from the start of the adventure," said Pavel Gusev, a representative of the organizing committee for the "Moscow Seasons" and "Journey to Christmas" street festival series.

The Journey to Christmas festival is held as part of the project Winter in Moscow and combines the traditions and innovations of winter recreation. Venues across the city will feature over 170 ice shows, fairs offering unique merchandise, skating rinks with convenient infrastructure, unique photo zones, galleries of decorated Christmas trees, and hundreds of events—festive, sporting, creative, and entertaining. The main venue on Manezhnaya Square and surrounding venues will feature free performances for children, a "Strongest Resident of the District" competition, creative and culinary master classes, and other activities.

Winter in Moscow— the main event of the season. The project aims to strengthen social and family ties, create an atmosphere of unity and mutual support, and provide assistance to those currently defending the Motherland. Through a variety of programs, including cultural, educational, and sporting events, it brings together Muscovites and visitors of all ages and interests, creating an environment for creative development, active recreation, and warm communication. Particular attention is paid to supporting participants and veterans of the special military operation and their families, as well as all those providing assistance to the front.

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.

Starting December 20, ground transportation routes will be adjusted in various parts of the city.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Starting December 20, two routes will be merged in northern Moscow, and five new stops will be added throughout the capital.

"Following Sergei Sobyanin's instructions, we continue to develop the ground transportation network and reduce travel times for passengers. Starting December 20, we will adjust two bus and electric bus routes in the center and north of the capital. They will be combined under route No. 442. Buses from route C510, which was removed after tram No. 5 was launched on this section, will be added to the route. This will increase the frequency of service and speed up the transportation of residents and visitors to nearby metro stations, social and cultural attractions," said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

Maxim Liksutov.

Routes T42 and 110 will be merged into new route 442. Electric buses will run from Rizhskaya metro station to Sokol station via Dinamo Stadium and residential areas. This change was made possible by the opening of new tram route 5 on Trifonovskaya Street. The C510 electric bus route, which was completely duplicated by the new tram route, has been cancelled. Its vehicles have been rerouted to the new electric bus route 442.

In addition, five stops will be added for seven ground transportation routes in different parts of the city. For example, a new stop will be added on route #902. Buses will begin calling at the large residential complex "Alkhimovo." This will reduce travel time for residents to the nearest Silikatnaya station on the Moscow Central Diameter. Route #538 will now depart from the "Ulitsa Bochkova" stop, where electric bus #561 will also stop. Residents of large residential complexes in the Ostankino district will now have convenient and environmentally friendly transportation close to their homes.

Additionally, passengers on all city and suburban routes of the Moscow-Region public transport project can evaluate their performance by participating in a large-scale survey. A QR code for completing the survey is located on every Moscow bus near the driver's cabin and opposite the second door. The survey can also be completed bylink.

In accordance with the objectives of the national project Infrastructure for Life Moscow is placing significant emphasis on modernizing its social and public infrastructure, including increasing the number of convenient public transportation routes and upgrading its rolling stock. Furthermore, as part of the national project, the capital has begun developing the Central Transportation Hub. It will become a unified transport system with predictable commuter rail service for over 30 million residents in 11 Russian regions. More information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

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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.