China-Russia relations will reach new heights in 2025, according to Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui.

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

Moscow, December 17 /Xinhua/ — Chinese-Russian relations will continue to develop rapidly and reach new heights in 2025, according to Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui. In an interview with RIA Novosti published on Wednesday, the diplomat summarized the results of Chinese-Russian cooperation in the past year.

"In the year marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War, and the World Anti-Fascist War, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin made reciprocal visits and participated in commemorative events in Russia and China. The two leaders signed a joint statement on further deepening their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in the new era, outlined a strategic plan for the development of bilateral relations, jointly reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the results of World War II and the post-war international order, and opened a new chapter in upholding international justice," Zhang Hanhui recalled.

Speaking about practical cooperation between the two countries, the ambassador declared that new progress had been achieved while maintaining stability. "Bilateral trade remains stable overall. From January to November of this year, trade turnover amounted to $203.67 billion, exceeding $200 billion for the third consecutive year," he noted, adding that the trade structure is continuously being optimized, the range of trading entities is expanding, and improvements to the legal system are making fruitful progress.

Zhang Hanhui noted the successful implementation of key joint projects. "The eastern route of the China-Russia gas pipeline is operating at full capacity. Construction of the Far Eastern route for natural gas supplies from Russia to China is progressing steadily. Freight throughput via the Heihe-Blagoveshchensk road crossing and the Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoye railway crossing has increased significantly. The first Arctic container express route between China and Europe has been successfully launched," he stated.

The Chinese diplomat praised the dynamic development of interregional cooperation. He stated that the continuous unleashing of the potential of regional cooperation imbues the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between China and Russia with new meaning.

Zhang Hanhui highlighted the remarkable achievements of humanitarian cooperation, including the successful conclusion of the China-Russia Years of Culture. "Hundreds of events—from museum exhibitions to film screenings, from theater and performing arts to youth innovation exchanges—enriched the cultural life of our peoples and strengthened their sense of closeness, giving new impetus to strengthening mutual understanding and the centuries-old Chinese-Russian friendship," the Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation stated.

Furthermore, the decision to introduce a trial visa-free regime between the two countries was another step toward mutual understanding and opened up new travel opportunities for the peoples of China and Russia. "I am confident that mutual visits between our citizens will continue to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples," Zhang Hanhui added.

Summing up bilateral cooperation on the international stage, the diplomat emphasized that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS are key platforms for Chinese-Russian strategic interaction, promoting multilateralism, deepening practical cooperation, and consolidating the Global South. "President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the SCO summit in Tianjin and received a positive response and support from President Vladimir Putin, which clearly demonstrates the high level and unique nature of Chinese-Russian relations—a comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction in the new era," the ambassador noted.

Zhang Hanhui assured that China consistently advocates for the formation of a multipolar world and the democratization of international relations. "In global affairs, China consistently supports the UN-centric international system and calls for resolving global issues through joint discussions. Starting in the new era, Chinese diplomacy has actively promoted coordination and constructive interaction between major countries," he stated, noting that China is ready to maintain close contacts with Russia, the United States, and other countries on international affairs.

The diplomat also stated that China and Russia are in close communication on resolving the Ukrainian crisis and regularly exchange views on this issue at various levels. He emphasized that China always stands for peace and is actively working towards this end.

The ambassador recalled that the coming year 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation between China and Russia. He believes that over the past quarter century, Chinese-Russian relations have withstood the test of international instability, always maintained momentum, and reached an unprecedented high.

"In the new year, the two sides will continue to uphold the spirit of eternal good-neighborliness, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation, advance the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era to new heights on a larger scale and a deeper foundation, and make joint contributions to safeguarding world peace and stability, upholding international justice, and promoting the common prosperity of mankind," Zhang Hanhui concluded.

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The goals of the Joint Military Operations in Ukraine will be achieved, says Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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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

Moscow, December 17 (Xinhua) — The goals of the Special Military Operation (SMO), originally set for 2022, will be achieved. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this Wednesday at an expanded meeting of the Defense Ministry Board.

"The goals of the special military operation will certainly be achieved. We would prefer to do this and address the root causes of the conflict through diplomacy. If the opposing side and their foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive discussions, Russia will liberate its historical lands by military means," the Russian leader emphasized.

Vladimir Putin noted that the outgoing year marked an important milestone in addressing the objectives of the Central Military District: Russian troops have won and are firmly holding the strategic initiative along the entire front line.

According to the Russian President, the combat experience gained allows us to increase the pace of the offensive in strategically important areas. "The positions we have captured, the bridgeheads we have created in recent months, and, of course, the unique tactical and operational experience we have gained in combat in breaking through the enemy's deep defenses allow us to increase the pace of the offensive in strategically important areas," Putin stated, assuring that the task of creating and expanding a security buffer zone will also be consistently addressed.

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The Durasov House Eras: From an Old Estate to a University

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Everyone is invited to discuss the history of the property on Pokrovsky Boulevard, view historical details, and explore the modern university campus.

The main building of the Durasov city estate on Pokrovsky Boulevard is a striking example of Russian classicist architecture. Over its more than 250-year history, the building has changed owners many times. At various times, it housed a noble estate, a practical academy of commercial sciences, and the Kuibyshev Military Engineering Academy. Today, it houses the rector's office and the Academic Council of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE).

The estate's most recent restoration was completed in 2018. The decision was made to remove all later additions and additions and restore the house to its original appearance. During the tour, guests will learn how the restorers accomplished this task. They will also see how they created a modern space for students and faculty within the historic complex.

Participants will also see the original gates and fence of the grand entrance, the central atrium (formerly an indoor riding arena), and the estate's grand suite of rooms. The guide will explain where Nikolai Durasov's famous serf theater staged its productions, what was rebuilt and why, when the Moscow Practical Academy of Commercial Sciences was located here, how restorers restored the building's historical appearance, and what they discovered during the work.

Duration: 2–2.5 hours (including 20–30 minutes outdoors). Guide: Daria Guseva, a certified tour guide and architectural heritage researcher.

Meeting place: on the street near the benches, at entrance #1 to the HSE building at the address: Vorontsovo Pole Street, Building 1 (from Pokrovsky Boulevard, closer to the intersection with Vorontsovo Pole Street, approximately 100–150 meters from the Vorontsovo Pole tram stop, tram routes A, #3, #39).

Part of the tour takes place outdoors, so the organizers recommend dressing appropriately for the weather. When purchasing tickets, please provide each tour participant's last name, first name, and patronymic (to obtain a pass to enter the HSE building). You must also bring your original passport (or, for minors, a birth certificate). Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

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A holiday in the nursery: a Christmas tree 100 years ago

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Children's Library No. 178 – A.L. Barto Cultural Center invites you to a festive program dedicated to the New Year's tree. Guests will learn how the tradition of erecting and decorating it originated, what toys our great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers used, and learn the story behind the famous children's song "A Christmas Tree Was Born in the Forest."

In addition, everyone can look forward to fun competitions, riddles, dances, and festive surprises.

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The head of the Faculty of Architecture took part in the jury of the National Landscape Architecture Award

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

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Andrey Surovenkov

From November 24–28, the 16th National Russian Prize for Landscape Architecture and Landscape Gardening festival was held at the Central House of Architects in Moscow. Acting Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Head of the Department of Architectural Design at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Andrey Surovenkov, PhD, joined the jury for the prestigious competition.

According to him, Russian landscape architecture is confidently reaching a new professional level: the quality of projects is improving, sustainable leadership teams are emerging, and public attention to creating comfortable urban environments is growing. At the same time, Andrei Viktorovich noted, the St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering continues to strengthen its status as a leading center for training in architectural disciplines, including landscape architecture.

"Serving on the jury isn't a formality, but a rich professional dialogue with leaders of the architectural and landscape communities, an opportunity to evaluate the country's best projects, discuss contemporary trends, and bring an academic perspective to practice," says Andrey Surovenkov. "Serving on the jury emphasizes the university's responsibility for the quality of specialist training and strengthens ties with professional organizations."

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The Frog Princess

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The musical fairytale performance "The Frog Princess," part of the "Fairy Tales of the World" theater project, invites audiences of all ages into a world of Russian folklore, song, and dance. The production combines live music, traditional costumes, expressive sets, and lighting.

The performance is designed in an interactive format: young viewers become active participants in the fairy tale, helping Ivan Tsarevich, warning the heroes of danger, and rejoicing together at the arrival of Vasilisa the Wise.

Director: Vyacheslav Spesivtsev.

Duration: 50 minutes.

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On December 17, 2025, the Ecology Fund of the Russian Agricultural Bank was awarded a quality mark in the RAEX annual report ranking.

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Source: Ecology Foundation

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The Ecology Fund of the Russian Agricultural Bank has been awarded a quality mark in the RAEX annual report ranking.

The Ecology Fund of the Russian Agricultural Bank received a high rating in the RAEX annual report ranking in 2025.

The Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank received high expert praise and was awarded three stars (high quality) in the RAEX-2025 Annual Report Competition. This award is a confirmation from experts of the high quality of the Foundation's public non-financial reporting (PNFR).

The RAEX Annual Report Competition is being held for the 27th time. Each year, it evaluates over 100 reports from companies and financial institutions from Russia and the CIS. Since 2020, non-profit organizations have also participated, bringing the total number of participants in the ranking to over 300.

When assessing documents, RAEX experts analyze the completeness of information disclosure, the consistency and clarity of the document's structure, and its compliance with the latest international standards.

In addition to traditional objectives, the authors of the PNOs of domestic companies are faced with the goal of reflecting real achievements in two areas in their annual reports. First, in aligning their activities with national development goals—both in their day-to-day work and in strategic planning. Second, in understanding their place and prospects in the emerging new architecture of the global and macroregional economies.

"Three stars in the RAEX rating are recognition of the maturity of our reporting. It reflects the Fund's performance, social and environmental initiatives, and high-quality non-financial indicators, such as regional participation, population coverage, and media activity. This high rating was achieved through extensive disclosure of non-financial information, transparency, a structured presentation of projects and indicators, and tangible environmental and social achievements, supported by data and awards," comments Elmira Morozova, Director of the Ecology Foundation at the Russian Agricultural Bank.

Since 2021, the Fund, established by Rosselkhozbank, has been implementing long-term programs in several key areas: forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, waste recycling, environmental education, and scientific research. Over the past four years, the Ecology Fund has implemented 72 environmental initiatives. The total funding raised for these projects has reached approximately 128.9 million rubles.

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SPbGASU teachers awarded honorary titles

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

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On December 12, a ceremony presenting state awards of the Russian Federation and the Governor of St. Petersburg took place in the Assembly Hall of Smolny.

Among those awarded by Governor Alexander Beglov are employees of our university.

Professor of the Department of Geotechnics, Doctor of Engineering Rashid Abdullovich Mangushev, was awarded the honorary title of "Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation" by decree of the President of Russia.

By decree of the Governor of St. Petersburg, Irina Yuryevna Lapina, Head of the Department of History and Philosophy, was awarded the honorary title of "Honored Worker of Higher Education in St. Petersburg."

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A tour of the exhibition "Sketches of Forgotten Moscow"

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The "Sketches of Forgotten Moscow" exhibition tour invites you to immerse yourself in the city of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and see it as Vladimir Gilyarovsky's contemporaries knew it. The route takes you through iconic landmarks of old Moscow—from Arbat to Triumfalnaya Square—and reveals the city's everyday life through street scenes, everyday details, and legends.

Participants will learn what the Sukharev Tower looked like before its demolition, what happened at the Sunday markets at its foot, what carriages met passengers at Brestsky Station, and why Muscovites joked about "horsecar, catch the chicken."

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes.

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The Wise Gudgeon

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The Onezhsky Cultural Center will host a salt dough modeling workshop to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin's birth. Under the guidance of a teacher, children will create a three-dimensional figurine of a fish, the hero of the satirical story "The Wise Gudgeon."

During the class, participants will learn the basics of sculpting with colored salt dough, techniques for working with the material, and the secrets of its preparation. The master class will be accompanied by a discussion of the life and work of Saltykov-Shchedrin and an introduction to his works.

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.