AGP Executive Report

Energy Storage: Rosatom and Egypt’s Teletech plan local battery-system assembly with potential annual output of 500 MWh, targeting power, telecoms, data centres and oil and gas. Cancer Research: Russian scientists developed a heat-sensitive gel designed to hold chemotherapy drugs at a tumour site and reduce toxic effects on the rest of the body. Space Security: Russia’s Kosmos 2612 manoeuvred close to Finnish firm ICEYE’s radar satellite, with tracking estimates putting the closest approach at around 500 metres; US officials called the move reckless. Chips and Medicine: Russian researchers reported materials for non-volatile optical chips, while Bashkortostan is preparing to launch the country’s first full-cycle mRNA therapy production. Digital Infrastructure: Ukrainian strikes on Russian data centres have disrupted services including payments, email and ride-hailing, and reports say damage to Yandex facilities could also hinder AI research. Lunar Plans: Russia is preparing a nuclear reactor for a planned lunar station.

Digital Infrastructure: Ukrainian strikes on data centers used by Yandex, Sberbank and VK have disrupted banking, cloud and other services, with repairs potentially taking months or longer. The damage may also slow Russia’s AI ambitions. Moscow is reportedly considering exhausted coal mines as safer sites for server infrastructure. Drone Technology: An investigation found Chinese mesh-networking modems in Russian drones, which could help them maintain control links over longer distances. Chip Research: Russian scientists identified materials for photonic chips that use light to process and store information, with potential applications in AI, communications and sensors. Medical Research: Russian and international teams described rare disorders linked to the MORC2 gene, findings that could help improve diagnosis of affected patients.

AI and Aerospace: Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation is testing Sberbank’s GigaChat to help engineers develop aircraft designs. The company has not confirmed the pilot involves fighter jets. Arctic Nuclear Energy: Rosatom plans to start building an $815 million shipyard near Murmansk in 2027 to service a planned expansion of its floating nuclear power fleet. Telecom Tools: MTS has added AI transcription and summaries to its Optimus service, with 30 minutes of weekly processing free to users on any carrier. Drone Technology: Ukrainian intelligence says Russia’s Kometa anti-jamming navigation systems use components from foreign suppliers, including 28 US-made parts. Cybersecurity: A Russia-linked APT28 campaign breached a NATO country’s shipbuilder and targeted an aircraft-engine maker and law-enforcement agency, researchers say.

Satellite Security: A Russian military satellite reportedly made an unusually close approach to a US-operated radar spacecraft, raising concerns about risky maneuvering in orbit. Separately, reports say Elon Musk ordered speed limits on Ukraine’s Starshield service, disrupting some drone operations and exposing Kyiv’s reliance on privately controlled satellite technology. Digital Infrastructure: Ukrainian strikes on Russian data centres reportedly disrupted services including banking, taxis and food delivery; claims that the attacks sharply reduced bot activity remain disputed. Electronics Regulation: Russia’s Industry and Trade Ministry proposed a new labeling trial for radio-electronics, starting with equipment such as ATMs and data-processing machines in December. Accessible Technology: MTS and the All-Russian Society of the Deaf will adapt digital services, using AI-generated speech-to-text to make training and online communication easier for deaf and hard-of-hearing users. Engineering Talent: Participation in Russia’s Zvezda engineering Olympiad has grown 2.5-fold in five years, as industry and universities seek to build the next generation of technical specialists.

Space Technology: Russia’s Kosmos 2612 reportedly came within about 500 metres of a U.S.-operated ICEYE radar satellite after a series of orbital maneuvers. No damage was reported, but the close approach highlights the growing role of maneuverable spacecraft. Digital Infrastructure: Drone strikes on Russian data centers have disrupted online services, including banking and social media. The attacks show how vulnerable everyday digital systems can be in wartime. Industrial Innovation: Russia plans to open 13 industrial robotics development centers. Russian and Chinese researchers have also developed an ultrasonic welding method they say can double the strength of metal joints. Research and AI: Russia’s prime minister said the country is continuing to develop its own large language models, while a Russian research team announced findings on human DNA repair.

Space Technology: A Russian satellite may have passed within about 26 metres of a U.S.-registered ICEYE imaging satellite, an unusually close encounter that raises concerns about spacecraft safety and military activity in orbit. Nuclear and Data Infrastructure: Moscow and Washington are discussing data centres powered by small nuclear reactors, though no sites, funding or timelines have been announced. Industrial Research: Russian and Chinese scientists say their ultrasonic welding method can double the strength of metal joints. Automation: Russia plans 13 new industrial robotics development centres, while Rostelecom and St Petersburg Exchange have agreed to cooperate on digital projects. Digital Controls: Russia is reportedly exploring AI to improve VPN blocking, adding to pressure on access to online services.

Digital Infrastructure: Ukrainian strikes on Russian data centers disrupted services ranging from banking and taxis to navigation and cloud platforms, exposing how deeply everyday life and business depend on a few major tech providers. Drone Production: A report says Russia’s Alabuga plant can produce more than 3,000 Shahed-type attack drones a month, with Chinese equipment and components helping expand output. Space Security: Russia’s Kosmos-2612 satellite reportedly approached a US-registered satellite serving Ukraine at unusually close range, raising concerns about interference or surveillance. Research and Industry: Skolkovo has opened a longevity research lab, while Rostelecom and St Petersburg Exchange agreed to work on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and digital-finance products. Separately, Rostelecom’s Turbo Cloud will partner with MGRI on AI services for geological exploration.

Digital Infrastructure: Ukrainian strikes have put Russian data centers in the line of fire. Attacks on Yandex and Sberbank facilities disrupted online services, while damage reported at a VK data center in St Petersburg highlights how exposed everyday digital systems are to physical attacks. Claims that strikes sharply reduced Russian bot activity remain disputed. Science and Detention: Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko says Antarctic conservation scientist Leonid Pshenichnov remains in Russian detention a year after his arrest in Crimea over research on marine protections; he is 71, and his health is a concern. Medical Research: Russian doctors reportedly carried out the country’s first spinal-cord transplant surgery, a notable development in clinical medicine.

Digital Infrastructure: Ukrainian drones struck a VK data center and an Ozon logistics hub in St. Petersburg, alongside oil facilities; officials also reported power outages affecting about 20,000 people. Space Security: A Russian military satellite reportedly maneuvered to within one to two kilometres of a US commercial imaging satellite used by Ukraine, raising concerns about deliberate close approaches in orbit. AI and Influence Operations: A report says Russia-linked “Matryoshka” networks used AI-generated videos and fake news graphics to target US candidates ahead of the midterms. Military Communications: A Ukrainian defense adviser warned that Russia’s Rassvet satellite network could soon give operators real-time control of drones and missiles, making them harder to disrupt with electronic jamming. Industrial Ties: Moscow companies held more than 100 business meetings with Belarusian partners at the INNOPROM exhibition in Minsk, discussing potential joint projects.

Nuclear-Powered Data Centers: Russia says it is exploring joint data-center projects with the United States, potentially using power from nuclear plants and small modular reactors. The talks remain preliminary, with no formal confirmation from Washington or US technology firms. Drone Electronics: A Ukrainian analysis of a recovered Geran-4 controller identified 105 components, at least 80 from US companies—highlighting Russia’s reliance on foreign-made parts. Medical Breakthrough: Moscow’s Sklifosovsky Institute carried out a 12-hour spinal-cord transplant operation with Chinese specialists; officials say the patient is recovering well. Space Research: Russian researchers reported mapping water hotspots on Mars.

Satellite Communications: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a 161 km/h speed cap on Starlink terminals in Ukraine disconnects fast interceptor drones from the network, hampering efforts to stop Russian jet-powered drones. He says Kyiv is seeking a fix with SpaceX and U.S. officials. Military Technology: Russia says it has modernized about 80% of the Tu-160M bomber’s onboard systems, including avionics and navigation, while keeping its Soviet-era airframe. Digital Infrastructure: Ukrainian forces say they struck a Russian drone maker and logistics sites. Separate strikes hit Yandex data centers; claims that the outages sharply reduced Russian bot activity remain disputed. Research: A joint team from Russia’s Moscow State University and the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center has described a tiny new frog species in Vietnam, based on two specimens and DNA analysis. A separate Russian-led study of a sugar-derived material is preliminary and requires further testing.

Digital Infrastructure: Ukrainian strikes have damaged three of the five major data centers supporting Yandex since Oct. 8, disrupting services from search and navigation to payments and food delivery. The outages expose the risks of Russia’s growing reliance on domestic digital platforms. Battlefield Connectivity: Zelensky says Ukraine’s Starlink capabilities remain restricted, hampering defenses against Russian jet-powered drones, though service is gradually being restored. Networks and Health Tech: Russia’s 5G networks have expanded to 27 cities, while a Moscow clinic is set to test a new wearable heart monitor. Public Health: A suspected plague death at a Russian laboratory has prompted concern, but experts say there is no indication of a pandemic risk based on what is known so far.

Digital Controls: Russia is considering AI tools to identify and block VPN services, with a draft plan targeting 95% accuracy. Officials say the proposal is no longer in the current version, while the government plans to expand traffic-filtering capacity. Drone Technology: A Chinese firm allegedly offered Russia nearly £2.2 million in communications modems to extend attack-drone range, as Moscow builds a new launch site capable of sending up to 100 drones a day. Infrastructure Under Fire: Ukrainian strikes on Yandex data centers have exposed the vulnerability of Russia’s concentrated digital networks and disrupted online services. Satellite Dependence: A brief restriction on Ukraine’s US-run Starshield service disrupted some drone missions, highlighting how access to commercial satellite technology can shape battlefield operations. Mobile Networks: Russian 5G service has expanded to 27 cities.

Digital Infrastructure: Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted a Yandex data center in Vladimir region overnight, adding to strikes on Russian data centers this month. Claims that earlier attacks silenced pro-Russian bots remain disputed; experts caution that bot-traffic measures can be misleading. Cybersecurity: Putin has called for stronger protection of Russia’s digital systems, as the country’s IT sector contribution to GDP has more than doubled in six years. Public Health: The death of a worker at Siberia’s anti-plague institute prompted quarantine for about 200 people. Russian authorities said nearly 5,000 samples tested negative for dangerous pathogens, though international health experts are seeking greater transparency. Research: Russian scientists say they have developed a blood test for early breast cancer detection, while another team has mapped water hotspots on Mars.

Drone Infrastructure: Satellite imagery shows Russia built a new facility near Millerovo in about six weeks. It has eight launch pads and 32 preparation zones, supporting the expansion of jet-powered attack drones. Digital Infrastructure: Ukrainian strikes on Yandex and Sberbank data centers disrupted online services in Russia. Claims that the attacks silenced pro-Kremlin bots remain disputed, but the strikes highlight data centers’ growing strategic role. Food Science: South Ural State University researchers developed yoghurt with up to ten times more beneficial bacteria, using enriched yeast to carry bioactive compounds. Military Technology: An investigation found that Chinese-made mesh modems matching equipment in Russian Geran drones were offered for sale to a Russian drone factory. Ukraine, meanwhile, says 376 foreign companies and agencies have accessed its platform for studying captured Russian and North Korean weapons.

Data Center Attacks: A Ukrainian drone strike hit a partly operational Sberbank data center planned to support AI computing. Users reported outages across banking, telecom and online services, though the link to the strike remains unclear and Sberbank said its systems were operating normally. Earlier attacks on Yandex facilities also disrupted services, including taxi bookings in Belgrade. Digital Security: Putin called for stronger cybersecurity and digital sovereignty as Russia builds out its digital economy. A new report says the IT sector’s contribution to GDP has doubled, while Russia is also working to cut foreign dependence by developing homegrown fiber optics. Space Research: Russian researchers mapped water-rich areas on Mars, adding to efforts to identify potential resources on the planet.