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US actions in Iran were a grave strategic mistake, says Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, March 27 /Xinhua/ — US actions in Iran were a grave strategic mistake, and the new US administration will pay for it. Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated this in an interview with RIA Novosti published on Friday.

"I think this is the price of a grave mistake, a strategic error by the White House. Moreover, it will most likely be the new US administration that pays for this mistake—quite possibly a Democratic one, not a Republican one," said D. Medvedev.

The Deputy Head of the Russian Security Council noted that a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East is impossible in the near future.

"We all hope for a peaceful resolution to any conflict. I think that, sad as it may sound, it's impossible in the near future. Because the forces involved are in an extremely antagonistic position: they hate each other," he said.

Dmitry Medvedev also drew attention to the developments in the Middle East peace process over the past 70-80 years. "There's no sign of a peaceful settlement there. It's only getting worse. It's one conflict after another, then Gaza. But even this conflict hasn't brought any peace. Therefore, my prognosis is this: a peaceful resolution to this conflict is not yet in sight," he added.

On February 28, the United States and Israel began striking targets in Iran. Iran is carrying out retaliatory strikes on Israeli territory, as well as on US military targets in the Middle East.

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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China and South Africa held the 9th plenary session of the intergovernmental commission

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

CAPE TOWN, March 27 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with South African Vice President Paul Mashatile in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday and co-chaired the 9th plenary meeting of the China-South Africa Bilateral Intergovernmental Commission.

As Han Zheng noted in his speech, under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, relations between the two countries have entered a “golden era,” been elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in a new era, and continue to move towards the goal of building a high-level community with a shared future.

According to the Chinese Vice President, in today's volatile and turbulent world, China and South Africa, as major developing countries and important states in the Global South, enjoy a wide range of common interests and ample room for cooperation. China-South Africa relations extend beyond bilateral boundaries and are increasingly demonstrating global and strategic influence, Han Zheng stated.

According to him, since the 8th plenary session of the bilateral intergovernmental commission, China-South Africa cooperation in various fields has rapidly developed and yielded significant results. During the current meeting, Han Zheng continued, a broad and in-depth exchange of views took place on the further implementation of the important agreements reached by the two heads of state, as well as on bilateral relations and the promotion of cooperation in key areas, fully reflecting the important role of the intergovernmental commission in planning and coordinating cooperation between the two sides.

Both sides unanimously agreed that, under the new circumstances, the bilateral intergovernmental commission must fully utilize its important role, converting traditional friendship into a sustainable impetus for the development of interstate relations, political mutual trust into concrete actions to protect each other's fundamental interests, and scientifically based and pragmatic strategic planning into tangible results of cooperation.

Han Zheng expressed hope that the relevant departments of the two countries will intensify cooperation, identify key cooperation projects for the next stage and steps for their implementation as soon as possible, and strive to achieve even more significant results and successes.

The two sides need to strengthen the excellent tradition of mutual support between the two countries, strengthen communication and coordinate their positions on issues affecting each other's core interests, as well as on pressing international issues, maintaining exchanges and cooperation at all levels and in various fields, the Chinese vice president said.

He said it was necessary to fully utilize the opportunities for cooperation opened up by China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries and to reach agreement as soon as possible on agreements to achieve early results within the framework of the agreement on joint development of economic partnership.

It is necessary to further strengthen cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure, resources, and energy, increase cooperation in science and technology, and promote closer ties between the peoples of the two countries, Han Zheng added.

P. Mashatile, for his part, stated that over the 28 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa, bilateral ties have steadily developed in both depth and breadth.

The South African side expressed its readiness to work with the Chinese side to effectively utilize the important guiding and coordinating role of the bilateral intergovernmental commission mechanism in developing relations between the two countries, implement strategic plans for bilateral cooperation, unlock the potential of cooperation, and jointly promote modernization.

South Africa highly appreciates China's constructive role in ensuring world peace, security and development, supports President Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative, and expresses its readiness to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in multilateral mechanisms, jointly upholding multilateralism.

Han Zheng and P. Mashatile heard reports from six subcommittees of the bilateral intergovernmental commission on work in areas such as diplomacy, trade and investment, mineral resources and energy, environment and infrastructure, science and technology, and education and culture. –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 IAEA has begun negotiations on a temporary ceasefire to repair the Zaporizhzhia NPP power line.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

March 26, 2026 Peace and security

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lost its connection to the main external power line on Tuesday and now relies on a single backup line. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi announced the start of consultations with Russia and Ukraine aimed at agreeing on a local ceasefire to allow for urgent repairs.

The 750 kV Dniprovska power line was shut down on Tuesday after damage was reported. The plant's management and the Ukrainian grid operator are in contact with the IAEA regarding restoration plans. Agency experts at the plant continue to closely monitor the situation.

The repair timeline remains uncertain. However, according to the IAEA director, the agency has proposed that both sides establish a ceasefire to ensure safe conditions for assessing the damage and restoring infrastructure.

Previously, the IAEA has already contributed to the conclusion five such agreements, which made it possible to carry out six separate repairs on power lines associated with the Zaporizhzhya NPP.

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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Top Stories | Thursday: Lebanon, Ukraine, DR Congo, Cuba

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

March 26, 2026 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: shelling of peacekeepers in Lebanon, a Human Rights Council meeting on Ukraine, a worsening situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and an updated humanitarian plan for Cuba.

Shelling in Lebanon

UN Interim Force in Lebanon missile and artillery strikes are reported within Israel, as well as shelling of populated areas in Lebanon. The day before, two UN facilities came under fire: a position in the eastern sector was fired upon with machine gun fire, and another, located near Beit Lif, was damaged after being hit by a suspected mortar shell. No mission personnel were injured. The UN reiterated that its facilities and personnel should not be made military targets.

Casualties among Ukrainian residents

More than four years after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine "The danger to civilians is only growing"This was the warning made by UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif, speaking to the Human Rights Council in Geneva. UN data shows that in the first two months of this year, 60 percent of all civilian casualties occurred in frontline regions, with almost half of those killed being elderly. The main cause of death and injury was "attacks using short-range drones."

UN Security Council meeting on the DRC

The situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains extremely tense Amid the ongoing activity of armed groups, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the country, Viviane van de Perre, warned this while speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday. Since December 2025, numerous serious human rights violations have been documented, including killings, abductions, and sexual violence. The UN also warns that 26.6 million people in the DRC, or about a quarter of the country's population, will experience food insecurity in 2026.

The Cuban crisis

The UN presented an updated humanitarian plan for Cuba, the organization's spokesperson announced today. Since January, Cuba has faced a sharp reduction in fuel imports due to US measures. The updated plan calls for assistance to two million people—approximately one in five residents of the country. To date, only $26 million of the $94 million needed has been received. The UN is focusing on maintaining basic services. The World Health Organization has warned that hospitals are struggling to keep emergency and intensive care units operational.

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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Escalation in the Middle East: UN peacekeepers in Lebanon report attacks on their positions

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

March 26, 2026 Peace and security

Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers continue to carry out their mandate in what the Organization describes as "highly volatile" conditions.

The peacekeeping mission's units are monitoring the situation, maintaining contact with the parties to the conflict, and, where possible, facilitating humanitarian access. Together with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Blue Helmets are delivering food, medicine, and hygiene kits to civilians remaining in the UNIFIL area of operations.

Peacekeepers are reporting rocket and artillery strikes on Israeli territory, as well as shelling of the towns of Beit Lif and Al-Qantara in Lebanon. The day before, two UN facilities came under fire: a position in the eastern sector was hit by machine gun fire, and another, located near Beit Lif, was damaged after being hit by a suspected mortar shell. No mission personnel were injured. The UN reiterated that its facilities and personnel must not be used as military targets.

The situation in Iran

Meanwhile, large-scale humanitarian operations continue in Iran, led by the country's authorities with the support of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Search and rescue operations are underway, victims are receiving emergency medical care, and temporary shelter is being provided.

Staff from the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are providing the population with food, water and medicine.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), key civilian infrastructure has been destroyed. The Iranian Red Crescent reports damage to more than 87,000 residential and commercial buildings, 600 schools, 289 medical facilities, 17 Red Crescent centers, as well as three helicopters and 48 emergency response vehicles. Humanitarian workers are also suffering losses: the Ministry of Health reported 23 deaths and 112 injuries among medical personnel, while the Red Crescent lost one staff member.

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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UN Security Council: Escalation of fighting in eastern DR Congo worsens humanitarian crisis

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

March 26, 2026 Peace and security

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains extremely tense amid ongoing armed group activity and deteriorating humanitarian conditions, warned Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the country Viviane van de Perre, speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday.

She noted that despite the challenging conditions, the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) continues to carry out its tasks in accordance with resolution 2808.

Escalation of hostilities and the risk of regional conflict

According to her, clashes between the M23 armed group, backed by Rwandan forces, and DRC government forces, supported by allied forces, continue to intensify in the provinces of North and South Kivu. The frontline is expanding, including areas near the border with Burundi, increasing the risk of regional escalation. The situation in Ituri province also remains alarming.

According to van de Perre, there has been an increase in the use of attack drones and electronic warfare systems, including GPS jamming.

In areas under M23 control, the formation of parallel administrative structures continues, undermining governance and complicating the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Diplomatic efforts continue

Despite the escalating situation, diplomatic steps are being taken, the rapporteur noted. The UN welcomed the recent reaffirmation by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda of their commitment to implementing the so-called Washington Accords. At the same time, efforts continue within the Doha process and under the auspices of the African Union to establish ceasefire monitoring mechanisms.

In mid-February, the Acting Special Representative visited Goma – the first aircraft landing at the local airport in more than a year since air travel was suspended. During the visit, consultations were held with key partners and stakeholders to advance practical agreements for the launch of the monitoring mechanism.

In this regard, van de Perre called on the Security Council to facilitate the prompt opening of Goma and Kavumu airports and the resumption of flights, stressing that air traffic is essential for the population and humanitarian organizations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Protection of civilians

The UN mission continues to implement measures to support the civilian population. Specifically, peacekeepers provided protection to nearly 3,000 people sheltering at its base in Fataki and increased patrols. Thanks to the mission's operations, approximately 18,000 farmers were able to harvest and transport their crops.

The UN emphasizes the importance of security sector reform and strengthening state institutions as key conditions for ensuring sustainable peace.

Large-scale human rights violations

Numerous serious human rights violations have been documented since December 2025, including killings, abductions and sexual violence, related to the conflict. 173 cases of sexual violence have been confirmed, affecting 111 people, primarily women and girls. The UN notes that the actual scale of the violence is likely much higher.

Human rights defenders, journalists and civil society representatives in areas controlled by armed groups continue to face intimidation and arbitrary detention.

The humanitarian crisis is deepening

The humanitarian situation has changed significantly, the Acting Head of the UN Mission reported. There are approximately 6.4 million internally displaced people in the DR Congo, nearly 4 million of whom are in the eastern regions. Meanwhile, approximately 4.3 million people have already returned to their homes.

The UN warns that 26.6 million people in the DRC, or about a quarter of the country's population, could suffer from food shortages by 2026.

Humanitarian operations are facing serious challenges, including funding cuts and security threats. Since December, at least 10 incidents have been recorded that have put humanitarian workers at risk.

The recent death of a UNICEF worker in a strike on her home in Goma was a tragic reminder of the risks humanitarian workers face, van de Perre noted.

Call to action

In conclusion of the briefing, she stressed that coordinated international efforts are needed to achieve peace in eastern DRC.

"The people of Congo, who have long suffered from violence and illegal exploitation of resources, deserve to see peace and good governance become a reality," the rapporteur said.

She called on the parties to honour their commitments and on the Security Council to take decisive action to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further violence.

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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March 27, 2026

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

#HonestRecycling. Recycling toothbrushes

Why is this important?

Dentists recommend changing your toothbrush at least four times a year. With a toothbrush weighing approximately 40 grams, this means each person sends at least 160 grams of plastic to landfills annually. Nationally, this waste volume exceeds 23,000 tons per year—equivalent to the weight of 358 passenger airplanes!

The multi-component composition of toothbrushes complicates their disposal. Bristles are made of polyester or nylon, and the handle is made of polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate, sometimes with added rubber. Like many other discarded plastics, toothbrushes often end up in waterways and oceans. To reduce environmental damage, plastic toothbrushes should be taken to recycling centers, where they will be recycled and used in other products.

How are toothbrushes recycled?

Sorting: Toothbrushes are first sorted by color to reduce the use of dyes, and then by handle material type (polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate).

Separation and cleaning: a special guillotine is used to cut off the bristle heads. The bristles and metal components are extracted. The bristle and metal mixture is collected for a pilot batch of recycling, and the plastic is sent to production.

Crushing and molding: The pens are crushed in two stages in specialized crushers. The resulting crushed plastic is fed into a machine where the raw material is heated and molded under high pressure into the desired shape for the new product.

What is made from recycled toothbrushes?

Typically, plastic toothbrush bodies are used to make small food packaging, small clips, ballpoint pen bodies, and larger ones are used to make paving slabs. There are also several interesting projects for creating urban infrastructure:

As part of the "Toothbrush, Give Up!" environmental initiative, a city bench made from 35 kg of shredded toothbrushes was installed in Moscow. The project was implemented jointly by SPLAT Global, the wholesale company METRO, the British Higher School of Art and Design, and Universal University.

The Vladimir-based company "Spetstrans" manufactured 1,700 square meters of paving slabs for landscaping a park in the village of Okulovka in the Novgorod region. The paving slabs were made from 2.5 tons of recycled plastic toothbrushes.

Where to donate toothbrushes?

To eco-centers ("Collector", "Assembly", Second Life, "Zelenka", etc.);

To recycling collection points (7Other, Re.Akciya);

To the sites of recycling collection events of eco-volunteer organizations (for example, at the events of the eco-movement “Separate Collection”);

In special boxes in the stores "Perekrestok" and "Doctor Slon".

You can also find collection points by searching for "toothbrush collection" on Recyclemap or 2GIS, as well as in environmental groups and on the websites of eco-projects in your city.

What to do with wooden and electric toothbrushes?

In an effort to reduce their environmental impact, many are switching from plastic toothbrushes to bamboo or electric ones. However, it's also important to dispose of these alternatives properly.

A bamboo toothbrush appears completely eco-friendly, but its synthetic bristles do not biodegrade. Before disposal, the bristles must be carefully removed and placed in mixed waste, and the bamboo handle must be composted or buried, where it will naturally decompose within 4-6 months. This is in stark contrast to a plastic toothbrush, which takes centuries to decompose.

Electric toothbrushes also require special handling: their bodies and replaceable heads are made of plastic and metal, and the gadgets themselves also contain batteries, which are hazardous waste. These devices should not be thrown in the regular trash; they should be taken to specialized electronics collection points for safe recycling.

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 Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has donated 313 tons of medical supplies to Iran as part of humanitarian aid.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, March 27 (Xinhua) — Russia has donated 313 tons of medical supplies to Iran, delivered by rail as part of humanitarian aid. The Ministry of Civil Defense, Emergencies, and Disaster Relief (MES) press service announced this on Friday.

The delivery took approximately four days and was made possible thanks to the cooperation of various Russian and Azerbaijani agencies, said Dmitry Melnik, Director of the International Affairs Department of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. The humanitarian aid was provided at the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This marks the second shipment of Russian humanitarian aid to Iran. Previously, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations delivered 13 tons of medical supplies to Iran via Azerbaijan via an Il-76 aircraft. –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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Georgia's economy is showing strong performance, says Prime Minister

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

Tbilisi, March 27 (Xinhua) — Despite global challenges, the country's economy continues to develop steadily and demonstrate strong performance that exceeded expectations, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on Friday in Tbilisi at the 51st International Conference of the Central and Eastern European Banking Association.

The head of the Georgian government noted that in 2021-2025, the average growth of the country's real gross domestic product amounted to 9.3 percent.

According to him, the high level of confidence in the country's economic prospects was reflected in the placement of Eurobonds this year, when international demand exceeded supply by 5.5 times. "This demonstrates strong confidence in Georgia's economic prospects," I. Kobakhidze emphasized.

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 launch of Russia's new manned spacecraft is planned for 2028, according to Roscosmos.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, March 27 /Xinhua/ — The first flight of a promising new-generation transport spacecraft is planned for 2028. This was announced by Sergei Krikalev, Deputy Director General for Manned Programs at the Roscosmos State Corporation, at the discussion panel "How to Manage Space: Modern Management Technologies" at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) on Friday.

“According to current plans, this ship should begin space flights in 2028,” said S. Krikalev.

According to him, the ship has already undergone static and dynamic tests. Parachute tests are next, during which a model of the ship will be dropped from a helicopter.

S. Krikalev noted that the spacecraft is not being developed as a replacement for the currently flying Soyuz spacecraft. It will perform other missions, such as flying beyond Earth orbit.

The new spacecraft was previously known by the names "Federation" and "Eagle." Testing is also planned for flights to the Russian orbital station in 2028. –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.