On March 24, 2026, the Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank (RSHB) is preparing for the spring planting of 80,000 trees in five regions of Russia.

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Source: Ecology Foundation

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The Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank is preparing for the spring planting of 80,000 trees in five regions of Russia.

In honor of the International Day of Forests, the Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank (RSHB) announces plans for spring tree planting in 2026. To date, 12.6 million rubles have already been raised for this purpose.yu1schThe funds will be used to restore forests in the Vladimir, Volgograd, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, and Saratov regions. The planned restoration area will be at least 30 hectares, with at least 80,000 trees planted.

The Ecology Foundation has been implementing the "Plant Trees" project since 2023. It aims to restore the most vulnerable forests that are unable to recover on their own after fires, windfalls, and sanitary felling. After planting, systematic monitoring of the trees is carried out for three years, supplemented by agricultural care, which significantly increases the survival rate of the seedlings.

Preparations for the new season are underway against the backdrop of results already achieved. Over the course of the project's implementation, over 221,000 trees have been planted in 10 regions of Russia. Since its launch, over 19,000 people have donated to the project.

"The International Day of Forests is a reminder that caring for nature begins with concrete actions. For us, forest restoration is a systematic and long-term effort that requires not only planting but also ongoing care. We see that more and more people are willing to support such initiatives, and this helps us expand the program and make our contribution to forest conservation even more tangible," comments Elmira Morozova, Director of the Ecology Foundation at the Russian Agricultural Bank.

The International Day of Forests aims to remind people of the importance of preserving and restoring forests. According to the FAO, the net loss of forests globally from 2015 to 2025 was 4.12 million hectares per year. Against this backdrop, reforestation projects are becoming an important part of the environmental agenda and a tangible contribution to preserving the natural balance.

yu1schdata for the period from 01.08.2025 to 28.02.2026

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The banking industry forecasts that the dollar is not expected to rise above ₽100 in 2026.

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Source: Mainfin Bank –

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Image: mainfin.ru

How do bankers see the dollar-to-ruble exchange rate in 2026?

The survey involved executives from 32 large Russian banks, six of which are considered systemically important financial institutions. According to the study's findings:

84% of respondents expect the dollar exchange rate to be between 80 and 100% in 2026; 56% of surveyed bankers believe the dollar will be quoted between 80 and 90 rubles; 9% of respondents expect the dollar exchange rate to be below 80 rubles; 4% of surveyed participants have an even more positive forecast – the dollar will cost less than 70 rubles; only 3% of experts budgeted for the dollar to be more than 100 rubles.

Incidentally, forecasts a year earlier were more pessimistic. For example, 62% of participants believed the dollar would exceed 100 rubles. Experts also had similar expectations for late 2025, but these forecasts were subsequently adjusted toward a stronger Russian ruble.

What's happening in the currency market at the end of March?

The US dollar exchange rate (according to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation) as of March 24, 2026, is 81.8 rubles. The American currency reached its peak on March 20, approaching 85 rubles, but retreated in the following days. However, the weakening trend of the domestic currency continues due to the following factors:

A significant reduction in the supply of foreign currency on the domestic market, including the suspension of operations by the Ministry of Finance; volatility in the foreign exchange market due to the situation in the Middle East; a reduction in the key rate at the regulator's last meeting from 15.5% to 15%; and a significant federal budget deficit.

"The ruble has been weakening throughout March, but this trend won't last long. In the coming months, revenue from oil sales at a high price will begin to flow into the budget, which will support the exchange rate," the expert notes.

Analysts expect the ruble to strengthen as early as late March, as supply on the foreign exchange market will increase thanks to exporters facing the annual tax on raw materials production. Russians are urged not to give in to the hype and not to buy foreign currency: it's better to wait until May, when the ruble will strengthen and exchange rates will be more favorable.

10:30 03/24/2026

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Polytechnic University as a Point of Attraction: New Steps in Cooperation with Indonesia

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Nikita Shilikov, head of the Russian House office in Indonesia, visited the Polytechnic University. At the meeting, they discussed expanding the long-standing partnership, which in recent years has encompassed not only educational programs but also active engagement with the Indonesian scientific community.

At the opening of the meeting, Dmitry Arsenyev, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at SPbPU, presented the key areas of work within the International Department: developing interuniversity cooperation and international research collaboration, as well as working with international students and educational programs. He placed particular emphasis on the university's extensive experience with Indonesian universities, which spans over ten years. Over the past two years, cooperation has reached a qualitatively new level. Last year, the SPbPU delegation held a large-scale program, "Polytechnic Days in Indonesia." The events included key universities in the country—the University of Indonesia and Gunadarma University—and also included ministerial meetings and participation in major educational exhibitions. During the visit, agreements were signed to establish a joint Russian-Indonesian center for training personnel in engineering and entrepreneurship, launch a joint dual-degree master's program with Gunadarma University, as well as a memorandum of understanding and a student exchange agreement with the University of Indonesia.

The meeting participants discussed scientific collaboration, including publication activity in international journals (Scopus), and prospects for developing short-term educational programs and summer schools. The head of the Indonesian representative office praised the Polytechnic University's efforts to integrate international students, create associations, and support youth initiatives. He believed that the Polytechnic University has become a magnet for Indonesian students in Russia. The university hosts an annual symposium of the Indonesian Students' Association, PERMIRA, dedicated to youth intercultural entrepreneurship and public diplomacy.

Russia and Indonesia are currently experiencing a truly historic moment in the development of bilateral relations. We are witnessing a dynamic rapprochement between our countries, strengthening humanitarian and academic ties, and the signing of an agreement on the mutual recognition of diplomas and academic degrees, emphasized Nikita Shilikov.

Following the visit, the parties agreed to regularly exchange information, continue negotiations on specific educational areas, and participate in joint events such as exhibitions, conferences, and presentation tours.

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Innovation in Action: Polytechnic at the Industrial Exhibition of Technological Solutions

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Sasta PJSC's own production facility in the Ryazan region hosted an industrial exhibition for Russian manufacturers, suppliers, and developers of technological solutions. The event brought together over 120 domestic companies, displaying high-tech equipment, including five-axis welding and surfacing systems, 3D printers, and automated production lines using domestically produced equipment and components.

Anatoly Popovich, Chief Designer of the KNTN-2 and Director of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport at SPbPU, participated in the exhibition's business program. Other participants included Pavel Malkov, Governor of the Ryazan Region; Valery Piven, Director of the Machine Tool and Heavy Engineering Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation; representatives of Rostec and Technodinamika corporations; and the management of the Sasta plant, led by Diana Kaledina, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and Boris Buyluk, CEO.

Opening the event, Pavel Malkov emphasized that this was the first large-scale industrial exhibition dedicated to advanced metalworking technologies to be held in the Ryazan Region. The exhibition included a conference where participants discussed prospects for industrial growth, production capabilities of enterprises, measures to support customers of domestic machine tools, and shared experiences in implementing advanced engineering solutions for various industrial sectors.

Anatoly Popovich discussed innovative manufacturing technologies, special materials, and alloys used in high-tech industries. He also presented SPbPU's developments and implemented solutions, implemented jointly with industrial partners, demonstrating examples of successful collaboration between academic science and the real economy.

Guests were able to view an exhibition of modern Russian metalworking equipment, including five-axis machining centers, specialized engineering solutions for defense industry and manufacturing companies, automation and robotics technologies, additive manufacturing and new materials, Russian components and tools, as well as domestic software and solutions for industrial digitalization.

Sasta PJSC is a Russian machine tool manufacturer with a full production cycle for metalworking machines, founded in 1974. Since 2020, the company has been included in the list of systemically important organizations of the Russian economy and in the consolidated register of defense industry organizations. The plant's products are certified as being of Russian origin in accordance with Russian Government Resolution No. 719.

Photo: sasta.ru

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A week of exciting events took place at RUDN University

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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RUDN University hosted the "Vietnam Culture Days" from March 17 to 21. The event was organized by a Vietnamese student association. Guests enjoyed national exhibitions, master classes, traditional games, and a gala concert, "Rassvet," where the younger generation presented their contemporary vision of their homeland's rich heritage.

Getting to Know the Traditions

The week kicked off on March 17 at RUDN University's main building. First Secretary of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the Russian Federation Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa attended the opening ceremony. The diplomat thanked the university for its support of Vietnamese students and the opportunity to introduce the university's multinational family to the distinctive culture of their country.

An exhibition of artifacts depicting the history and cultural heritage of Vietnam unfolded in the lobby of the main building. A highlight of the day was a performance by the Lotus dance group, a regular participant in university-wide concerts.

The Institute of Russian Language took over the events on March 18. An exhibition hosted within its walls allowed students, especially those new to Russia, to learn about the customs, traditions, and culture of the Asian country.

The central events of the Culture Days took place at the Interclub. The second-floor hall featured a rich exhibition and interactive spaces, including national games and master classes led by the students themselves. The event brought together not only RUDN students but also guests from other Moscow universities, as well as Vietnamese citizens living in Russia.

Unity of tradition and modernity

The final chord was the evening concert "Blossom", the symbolic name of which refers to the images of the four sacred animals of Vietnamese culture – the Dragon, the Unicorn, the Turtle and the Phoenix.

The President of the Vietnamese Student Union, Húa Tran Mai Linh, a student of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, addressed the audience with a heartfelt speech.

"I am deeply moved to stand here in the warm atmosphere of the 'Blossom' gala evening. The theme of our cultural week this year is 'Tinh Hoa' ('Essence'). For us, 'essence' represents values shaped by generations: love for the homeland, the pursuit of knowledge, the spirit of overcoming difficulties, and an unquenchable will to develop. We wanted to convey these cherished meanings to our international friends. Today, Vietnam is confidently entering the international arena—in the economy, science, and technology—while preserving its unique identity. I believe that each of you is part of this journey, because knowledge and friendship are the strongest foundation for the future," said Hua Tran Mai Linh.

The concert program brought together talented students from RUDN University, as well as representatives from the Higher School of Economics, the Kikot Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State University of Management, MISIS, and the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.

The audience enjoyed professional vocal and dance performances and also tested their knowledge in a quiz dedicated to the history and modern achievements of Vietnam. The highlight of the evening was a performance of the well-known song "Vietnam," which literally blew the house away.

The event concluded with a group photo session, leaving participants and guests with warm memories and a deep understanding of the cultural essence of the Asian country.

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.

RUDN University students shared their experiences participating in the BBICC-2026 international case championship in Belgrade.

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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In early March, Belgrade hosted one of the prestigious international business case competitions, the Belgrade Business International Case Competition (BBICC) 2026. The RUDN University team participated in this competition for the first time. Although they failed to win, the students gained valuable experience that will surely enable our university's students to return next year and win prizes.

This time, the contestants had intense days of competition, including working on real business problems from three major Serbian companies. Students from the Graduate School of Management and the Faculty of Economics at RUDN University progressed from systematic preparation to final presentations, demonstrating a high level of analytical skills and teamwork.

Detailed elaboration

Our team began preparing for the championship a month and a half before the start. This early approach allowed us not only to thoroughly develop our professional competencies but also to form a cohesive team capable of collaborating effectively under tight time constraints and high competition.

During the first stage, the students analyzed previous years' cases from Jaffa Crvenka, Science Fund, and OKTACRON, which helped them understand the structure of the assignments and solution requirements. After the list of participating companies for this season (Kafeterija, AbelaPharm, and AFI Serbia) was announced, the students quickly collected and systematized information about each of them, allowing them to assess the market context and potential business challenges in advance.

The work was carried out under the guidance of mentors Olga Yuryevna Zeveke, Nikola Balev, and Alexander Leonidovich Chupin. The students met regularly in the RUDN University coworking space to jointly develop solutions, and then conducted detailed case studies with their academic advisors. This comprehensive preparation ensured a high level of coordination and analytical depth.

Competitive atmosphere

BBICC 2026 brought together participants from 15 countries. The organizing committee provided full support for the delegations, from airport transfers to accommodation at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Old Mill Belgrade. The program included an opening ceremony, workshops, visits to case companies, as well as cultural events—the Amazing Race, a dinner at the National Museum of Serbia, and informal meetings. The competition was held in strict accordance with the rules. Teams solved short (5-hour) and long (24-hour) cases in specially designated rooms, with University of Belgrade student ambassadors monitoring compliance. Panels of judges, including representatives of partner companies and the business community, evaluated the presentations.

Challenges for Serbian companies

At the championship, the RUDN team completed three competitive tasks based on real-life challenges facing companies in the Serbian market.

Kafeterija is a chain of artisan coffee shops with over 60 locations in Serbia and Montenegro. The participants were tasked with adapting the brand to the values of Generation Z while maintaining authenticity. They were tasked with assessing customer touchpoints, developing mechanisms for increasing customer value, and proposing a roadmap for improving the mobile app.

AbelaPharm is the leader in the Serbian probiotic market (33% share) with its own research and development center. The students developed a strategy for the launch of a new premium line, Next Generation Enterobiotik, including an omnichannel sales model and an international expansion plan for one of the flagship products.

AFI Serbia is one of the leading commercial real estate developers in the region. The case combined two challenges: building a business community around the new AFI City Zmaj project and increasing AFI Serbia's corporate brand awareness in local and regional markets.

A challenge and a source of inspiration

Students note that the championship provided much more than just competitive experience.

"BBICC 2026 was a true challenge and a source of inspiration for us. Over the course of the Olympiad, we immersed ourselves in completely different business realities: from a business community development strategy for AFI Serbia to finding customer retention solutions at Kafeterija and developing an approach to entering a new market for AbelaPharm. Each case required unconventional thinking, in-depth analysis, and the ability to quickly adapt to a new industry. This was a unique opportunity to work with real-life challenges facing leading companies and see how theory turns into practical recommendations. I'd also like to highlight the atmosphere: 20 universities from 15 countries, a true crossroads of cultures. We not only presented our vision but also absorbed the energy of the international student community. Making new acquaintances, sharing experiences, and making friends from all over the world—this is an experience that will stay with us for a long time," said Natalia Zlatovcena, a fourth-year student at the Graduate School of Management.

"Participating in the Olympiad left a very positive impression on me. First and foremost, I'd like to commend the organization of the event. The opportunity to interact with participants from other countries was especially valuable. It was incredibly interesting to learn from their experience, learn how they organize their process, and, of course, it was a pleasure to share my own achievements and traditions," said Daniyar Chinaliev, a fourth-year student at the Graduate School of Management.

"The competition will remain one of the most vivid memories of my student life. BBICC was an event of incredible scale, which, in a week of intensive work, gave me more experience and knowledge than I could have imagined. The most important part for me was connecting with students from 15 different countries and learning from their public speaking experiences, a format that was fresh and unfamiliar to me. Of course, it was also a pleasure to get to know Belgrade, the local cuisine, traditions, and people," says Anastasia Lutsenko, a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Economics.

International cooperation

Participation in BBICC 2026 was a significant milestone in developing RUDN University students' analytical, communication, and teamwork skills. The competition format, as close as possible to real-life professional work, allowed them to strengthen their skills in structuring information, developing informed decisions, and presenting them under tight deadlines.

Interacting with the expert jury and observing the performances of international teams proved particularly valuable: the students adopted modern standards of business communication and solution visualization adopted in international practice. Furthermore, following the championship, contacts were established with university representatives from across Europe. The RUDN team hopes to further develop this collaboration, including inviting international colleagues to participate in similar events in Russia. The experience gained will serve as a solid foundation for new academic and career achievements.

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 company from Mordovia tested the KAMAZ-6595 dump truck.

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

Magma HD, an agricultural enterprise from Mordovia, tested the latest-generation K5 KAMAZ-6595 dump truck in real-world conditions. Drivers found the new high-tech model from KAMAZ PJSC to be an effective transportation solution for the agricultural sector.

Magma HD LLC specializes in growing grain and oilseed crops. A KAMAZ-6595 dump truck was delivered for a one-month trial run. The truck was tested at sites in the Chamzinsky District of Mordovia, hauling chalk and sand from a quarry.

To ensure maximum objectivity, three experienced drivers were involved in the testing: two had previously driven trucks from leading foreign brands, and the third had driven a classic KAMAZ-6520 dump truck. Each test participant operated the new vehicle for one week. In summing up the results, the drivers noted the superiority of the K5-generation KAMAZ-6595 over its imported counterparts. They also praised the smooth ride and comfortable cabin, which significantly facilitates the driver's work during a busy work schedule.

"We approached the test with the utmost rigor to eliminate subjectivity. The result is clear: the new-generation KAMAZ-6595 dump truck is a completely new level. In terms of its overall characteristics—comfort, suspension comfort, and engine traction—this KAMAZ surpassed the foreign competitors in our fleet. This truck is an effective solution for the agricultural sector," emphasized Alexander Rusyaev, Chief Mechanic of Magma HD LLC.

The high-tech K5-generation KAMAZ-6595 dump truck is designed for transporting bulk construction, industrial, and household cargo. The KAMAZ-6595 can also be used as a base carrier for various types of special-purpose equipment. An updated cab with a four-point spring suspension provides increased driver comfort. A multimedia system with a 10-inch touchscreen and a multi-function steering wheel are installed. The dump truck is equipped with a modern, fuel-efficient KAMAZ R6 engine producing 482 hp and a manual 16-speed transmission. A distinctive feature of the K5-generation KAMAZ dump truck is its reinforced frame and drive axles rated for an axle load of 16 tons. The truck is equipped with a 20-cubic-meter dump body. The platform is heated underbody and sidewalls using exhaust gases. The dump truck's payload capacity is 25 tons.

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.

Russia will not ignore Japan's purchase of drones from Ukraine, according to the Foreign Ministry.

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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, March 26 /Xinhua/ — Russia will perceive Tokyo's attempts to cooperate with Kyiv in the military sphere as hostile actions, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated at a briefing on Wednesday.

"Such reports—especially if confirmed—once again confirm that Tokyo is increasingly involved in military cooperation with the Kyiv regime, which is openly demanding weapons for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in exchange for drones," the diplomat said, commenting on Tokyo's plans to purchase Ukrainian drones. According to her, "all this is increasingly making the prospects for a peaceful resolution" to the conflict in Ukraine more and more remote.

M. Zakharova warned that any attempts by the Japanese leadership to arrange the supply of lethal weapons and military equipment to the Kyiv regime will be viewed by Russia as hostile actions and will inevitably be followed by harsh retaliatory measures. –0–

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The Boao Forum for Asia is growing in importance, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

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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, March 26 (Xinhua) – Russia is interested in developing deep and sustainable economic ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region and expanding its existing ties with the Boao Forum for Asia. This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova at a briefing on Wednesday.

"In today's challenging geopolitical environment, the importance of such formats is only growing. These are dialogue structures that facilitate the deepening of regional cooperation and the development of specific areas for strengthening trade and economic cooperation," the diplomat noted, adding that similar formats include the Boao Forum for Asia in China and the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia.

She stated that the organizers of the current Boao Forum for Asia are raising topics related to current global economic trends. For example, the discussion will cover issues related to the digital economy and artificial intelligence management, creating favorable conditions for trade and investment, and developing cross-border payments and e-commerce. This agenda is also important for Russia, which actively interacts with both its Chinese friends and other partners from Asian countries, Zakharova said.

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British military has been given the right to inspect "shadow fleet" vessels in its waters.

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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

London, March 26 (Xinhua) — The British Armed Forces have been granted the right to inspect so-called "shadow fleet" vessels transiting the country's territorial waters, the British government announced on Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has authorised military and law enforcement action to intercept vessels under London's sanctions and passing through British waters, his office said in a statement.

The decision was made following recent operations in which the British Navy supported allies in monitoring and tracking "shadow fleet" vessels.

Several European countries recently conducted operations in the Baltic Sea against "vessels suspected of belonging to an illegal shadow fleet," the statement said. British authorities announced their intention to intensify the fight against this fleet and close their waters to sanctioned vessels.

According to K. Starmer, these measures are aimed at ensuring the country's security and weakening Russia's ability to conduct operations in Ukraine. –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.