In the six months since the introduction of a visa-free regime for Russian citizens, the number of Russian tourists received by the Chinese city of Dongning has increased by 85%.

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, March 26 (Xinhua) — In the six months since the introduction of a visa-free regime for Russian citizens, the city of Dongning in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province has welcomed 23,700 Russian tourists, an 85 percent increase year-on-year, according to a statement posted on the official website of the Dongning mayor's office on Tuesday.

As a reminder, China introduced a trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens holding regular passports from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026. Russian citizens holding valid passports can visit China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchanging visits, and transit. Their visa-free stay in China cannot exceed 30 days.

In response to the needs of Russian tourists, Dongning City Hall has implemented a new model for the integrated development of medicine and tourism, launching health tourism routes such as three-day trips for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physiotherapy, two-day trips for dental treatment, and two-day trips for medical examinations, which are aimed at combining high-quality medical services with tourism.

By combining the efforts of three medical institutions, local authorities offered an intensive physiotherapy program lasting up to 10 days. Acupuncture, massage, rehabilitative physiotherapy, and other traditional Chinese medicine treatments were in high demand, making wellness programs a new trend in cross-border tourism.

At the same time, business formats in the city's cultural tourism sector are constantly being enriched and diversified by events such as ice wine tastings, visits to state border gates, and tours of the robot kinematics center and the academy of calligraphy and painting. A comprehensive system of tourism services has been created, combining food, hospitality, travel, shopping, and entertainment.

Using sports as a bridge to deepen non-governmental exchanges between China and Russia, Dongning hosted a number of events, including the China-Russia-ROK eSports Carnival, a China-Russia Junior Basketball Tournament, and China-Russia Winter Swimming and Speed Skating Competitions. During the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar), which fell on March 3 this year, Chinese and Russian tourists gathered in Dongning to enjoy folk performances and jointly perform the Chinese dance "Yangge."

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Melting Snow Isn't the End of Winter! Transforming Ice and Snow Tourism in Liaoning

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

As temperatures rise, ski resorts in the Shenyang area of Liaoning Province are closing for the season one after another. To fill the gap between seasons, many resorts are transitioning to year-round operations, transforming into four-season destinations.

The Northeast Asia Tourism District in Shenyang covers 2.4 square kilometers and is located 38 kilometers from the city center. It is a large complex combining tourism, skiing, and recreation. In previous years, the ski resort in the district would essentially close after March, and employees would essentially take vacation after equipment maintenance. Now, after the season closes, staff are undergoing training to work on new year-round tourism projects.

The resort's plan to transition to year-round operation includes developing mountain recreation during the off-season, converting ski slopes into grass skiing trails, and creating outdoor recreation and family leisure projects in the "Cloud Steppe" using the mountain and forest resources. According to Han Na, Vice President of the Northeast Asia Tourism Region Management Company in Shenyang, the transition to year-round operation is a long-term strategy. The new "Northeast Asia Cloud Steppe" project will begin operations in April of this year.

Two years ago, the "Cloud Steppe of Northeast Asia" project briefly opened and attracted 180,000 visitors, achieving strong financial results. This year, additional attractions will be added, including "Cloud Pasture" and grass skiing. Visitors will be able to ride horses, practice archery, feed animals, and even race along a 520-meter track on a grass sled.

During the off-season, the Tianqiaogou Ski Resort in Dandong promotes active recreation such as forest hiking and mountain biking. The Hejiagou Resort in Yingkou offers summer camping, team building training, and adventure tours. The Jinshitan National Tourist Area in Dalian is bringing sporting events, music festivals, and fairs to the coast. According to Wang Wei, head of the tourism department of the resort area administration, visitors enjoy the snow and hot springs in winter, while in summer, thanks to updated festival events, the area is open year-round.

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.

The UN and Uzbekistan summed up the results of a five-year partnership that has improved the lives of millions.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 25, 2026 Economic development

The United Nations and the Government of Uzbekistan officially concluded their 2021–2025 cooperation cycle, presenting a comprehensive assessment of the results achieved. The results of the five years demonstrate significant progress in the social sphere, digital transformation, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.

Social support, digital services and infrastructure modernization

As of 2025, approximately 200,000 people received vital social assistance through the partnership. The foundation was also laid for the introduction of state maternity benefits.

Digitalization has become a key element of the reforms: 12.8 million citizens have gained access to faster and more convenient government services.

In the healthcare sector, specialized care was provided to 1.8 million women and newborns, which was an important step in strengthening the maternal and child health system in Uzbekistan.

Educational institutions across the country have implemented modern teaching methods and digital literacy programs. At the same time, new environmental initiatives have been launched, aimed at integrating climate action with the creation of green jobs.

A New Stage of Cooperation: Investing in People

Following the completion of the current cycle, the UN will move on to implementing the new Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030.

Sabina Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, emphasized that the next phase will be based on a single principle: investing in people. The new approach aims to ensure development is inclusive and empowers everyone, especially vulnerable groups, to actively participate in the country's life and realize their potential.

Partnership Reaches New Level

Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Otabek Fozilkarimov noted that sustained dialogue with international partners, primarily the UN, has become a key factor in the country's progress. He stated that under the joint leadership of the President of Uzbekistan and the UN Secretary-General, cooperation has reached new heights in recent years.

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Sobyanin: The victim of the drone attack is being given all necessary assistance.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Another enemy drone has been shot down. According to preliminary information, its debris fell near the village of Klenovo, causing a fire in a private home and injuring one person. This was reported on the channel.MAX messenger Sergei Sobyanin reported.

"City emergency services are working at the scene, providing the victim with all necessary assistance," the Moscow Mayor noted.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel inMAX messenger

Earlier, the Mayor of Moscow stated that the air defense system successfully repelled an attack by 27 drones heading towards the capital.

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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.

Hungary will gradually cut off gas supplies to Ukraine due to disagreements over oil transit.

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

Budapest, March 25 (Xinhua) — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on Wednesday that his government will gradually halt gas supplies to Ukraine. He linked this move to the ongoing blockage of crude oil supplies to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline.

In a video message published on social media ahead of the weekly cabinet meeting, Orban announced that Ukraine has been blocking the pipeline for approximately 30 days.

"Until Ukraine supplies oil, it will not receive gas from Hungary," the prime minister emphasized, adding that Ukraine had attacked infrastructure connected to Hungary's southern gas supply route.

According to V. Orbán, Hungary will store gas domestically and increase reserves to ensure its own energy security.

This move marks a further escalation in the weeks-long dispute over energy transit in the region. Oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia via Ukraine, have been suspended since the end of January. Hungary has suspended exports of petroleum products such as diesel fuel and gasoline to Ukraine and vetoed the EU's proposed €90 billion (US$104.23 billion) financial support package for Kyiv.

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.

The UN Secretary-General has appointed a personal envoy to resolve the conflict in the Middle East.

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

UNITED NATIONS, March 25 (Xinhua) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday appointed French diplomat Jean Arnault as his personal envoy to lead the UN's efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict and its aftermath.

According to a notice to correspondents issued by the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, J. Arnault has nearly 40 years of experience in international diplomacy with a focus on peace and mediation, as well as extensive experience leading UN missions in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Previously, J. Arnault was the UN Secretary-General's special representative in countries such as Colombia, Afghanistan and Burundi. –0–

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China has the will and ability to make new contributions to global maritime governance, says Chinese Foreign Minister

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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

Beijing, March 25 (Xinhua) — China has both the will and the ability to make new contributions to global maritime governance, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the statement in a video address to participants of the 3rd meeting of the preparatory commission for the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).

As Wang Yi noted, the conclusion and entry into force of this agreement is a victory for multilateralism and an important milestone in global maritime governance.

According to the Chinese diplomat, the comprehensive and effective implementation of the agreement is of great importance for the common good of all humanity. China is a staunch supporter, defender, and builder of the UN, Wang Yi emphasized.

The Chinese Foreign Minister stated that in the chaotic and confusing international environment, China firmly defends the central role of the UN and remains a reliable supporter of multilateralism.

Recalling that China has an ancient and developed maritime civilization, Wang Yi stated that today the PRC is actively promoting modernization, characterized by the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

China applied to host the agreement's Secretariat in Xiamen, demonstrating the responsibility of a major developing country, he noted.

China is willing to work with all parties to advance the comprehensive and effective implementation of the agreement and jointly build a more equitable and reasonable system of global maritime governance, Wang Yi added.

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.

Sobyanin reported the destruction of 27 drones flying toward Moscow.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Air defense forces shot down 27 UAVs as they approached Moscow. This was reported on their channel in MAX messenger Sergei Sobyanin reported.

"Three drones flying toward Moscow have been destroyed. Emergency services are working at the crash site," the Moscow Mayor noted.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel inMAX messenger

Earlier, the Mayor of Moscow stated that the air defense system successfully repelled an attack by 24 drones heading towards the capital.

Subscribe to Sergei Sobyanin's official channels on messengers MAX And Telegram.

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.

Dmitry Chernyshenko and Secretary of the General Council of the United Russia party Vladimir Yakushev spoke at the plenary session of the "There is a result!" forum.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Secretary of the General Council of the United Russia party Vladimir Yakushev spoke at the plenary session of the third reporting and program forum "There is a Result!" in Nizhny Novgorod.

Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke about the joint work of the Government and the State Duma, noting that the United Russia faction is the largest in the Duma.

"One of our key areas is supporting children and youth. President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has identified the realization of each person's potential, the development of their talents, and the cultivation of a harmonious, socially responsible personality as one of our country's national development goals. To achieve this, the United Russia party and the regions must work as a well-coordinated mechanism. Many key laws passed with the support of United Russia and thanks to the work of party members at the local level have yielded significant results," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Thus, billions of rubles have been additionally allocated for socially significant projects, including major repairs, the creation of modern campuses, and much more. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked United Russia for its work.

"It was at the party's initiative that the new national project, 'Youth and Children,' was launched. This is the largest national project in terms of scope, involving almost the entire population of our country. After thorough local discussions, this national project includes virtually all measures to support the younger generation," he added.

Results include ensuring accessibility to kindergarten places for children aged three to seven; Following the instructions of the head of state, nursery schools are being made accessible and offer convenient opening hours; and over one million school places have been created over the past five to six years. More than 6,500 schools have already been renovated as part of the capital repairs program initiated by United Russia.

Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized the need to train in-demand specialists for all sectors of the economy. The personnel needs forecast is being developed as part of the national "Personnel" project and is synchronized with the needs of each region and enterprise. The government, working with parliamentary deputies, is allocating resources to equipping schools with the necessary equipment. Over a thousand supplementary education centers have been established. The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged the companies contributing to this equipment.

"In 2025, more than 63% of school graduates chose a vocational profession. This is largely the result of our joint efforts with the regions and United Russia to restructure the vocational education system. The federal project 'Professionality' is the driving force behind this. 153 clusters have been created in the Volga Federal District. The party secured funding for the 'Professionality' program in the 2024-2026 budget, resulting in over 30 billion rubles allocated from the federal budget for its implementation," he added.

With the party's support, the employer's role in the "Professionality" program has been legally enshrined as an equal participant in the process. This year, at the party's initiative, participants of the SVO can re-acquire vocational training free of charge. Two federal technology parks are operating for the professional retraining of teachers. In higher education, 73% of budget places are now distributed among regional universities, fee-based admissions are regulated, a list of training areas for technological leadership has been defined, and enrollment in engineering specialties has increased. The Deputy Prime Minister spoke about advanced engineering schools, the "Priority 2030" program, and campuses.

Today, 83% of young people believe in the potential for self-fulfillment in Russia. Two hundred and sixty-three modern youth centers have already opened. Thanks to United Russia, the status of student families has been enshrined in law for the first time in the country's youth policy, a set of amendments to volunteerism legislation has been adopted, and additional support measures for volunteers have been established. The party itself has become one of the country's leading volunteer centers.

Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that the party systematically supports the development of mass sports. A law on the Russian Sports Fund was passed, and infrastructure has been significantly expanded: over five years, more than 2,600 sports facilities have been built and renovated.

Regarding tourism, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that United Russia's People's Program and the "Tourism and Hospitality" national project address common goals: making travel within the country comfortable, safe, and engaging. Domestic tourism has been steadily growing in recent years. The number of trips by Russians within the country has already exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Last year, this figure was approaching 100 million. Educational tourism is very popular among young people.

"As part of the national project 'Tourism and Hospitality,' a comprehensive tourism infrastructure is being created—new hotels, campgrounds, and ski slopes are being built. Many initiatives have been implemented, including preferential lending mechanisms for investors. A unified system for classifying accommodation facilities has been introduced. Deputies from the United Russia faction in the State Duma supported important initiatives in tourism security and defended tax breaks for hotels and tour operators, which allow for the creation of infrastructure," added Dmitry Chernyshenko.

Vladimir Yakushev noted that under United Russia's People's Program, more than 250,000 kindergarten spots have been created, regional reimbursements for parental fees have been introduced, and schools have been built and renovated. United Russia is promoting the "Professionalism" project. With the party's support, 50 advanced engineering schools have been established, and "Quantoriums" and "IT Cubes" have been opened.

"There are approximately 20,000 'Growth Point' centers operating in rural schools and small towns. At the President's initiative and with the Party's support, a large-scale project is underway to create 25 world-class campuses by 2030. Most are under active construction. These aren't just buildings, but growth hubs where education, science, and industry converge—spaces for young people to realize their potential, from research to business startups," he emphasized.

According to Vladimir Yakushev, United Russia is thus creating a new educational environment focused on the country's technological development.

The Secretary of the Party's General Council added that United Russia provides funding for sports infrastructure and organizes sporting events, holds the "Power of Russia" marathon, launched the "Choice of the Strong" party project, and is developing adaptive sports.

Vladimir Yakushev emphasized the importance of the "Young Guard of United Russia" and reported that more than 20,000 proposals for the new people's program had been submitted in a month.

In conclusion, Dmitry Chernyshenko and Vladimir Yakushev commented on the proposals made by the forum's roundtable participants.

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Financial news: On March 26, 2026, the Territorial Development Fund will hold a deposit auction.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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Parameters:

The date of the deposit auction is March 26, 2026. The placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 4,924,000,000. Placement period, days – 26. The date of depositing funds is March 26, 2026. The date of return of funds is April 21, 2026. The minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 15. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 4,924,000,000. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open).

The Agreement is based on the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Preliminary bids from 10:30 to 10:40. Competitive bids from 10:40 to 10:45. The cutoff percentage may be set or the auction may be declared void by 10:55. Additional terms

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.