Stories from Moscow · Russia

The annual military parade in Moscow will be smaller in scale this year. If the pilot experiment is successful, the practice will be scaled across regions. The event will also exclude students from military schools and cadet corps. A mother, identified as Mrs. Espinoza, has reported that her son is being held at a Russian military base. The son reportedly traveled to Russia in March after being recruited under false pretenses for a security agent position. Instead of security work, the son was allegedly sent to a combat zone fighting against Ukraine. The family is currently seeking information regarding his status. Russia also declared a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine on May 8th and 9th, warning of retaliation against Kyiv if the celebrations are disrupted.

The Russian government decided not to extend the moratorium on zeroing out fuel tax damping after May 1. The plan also includes producers with refinery capacities of at least one million tons per year. Under rules established in September of last year, payments are zeroed if the average exchange price of gasoline exceeds a threshold by 20%. A moratorium on this zeroing process was previously introduced in October. Owners of major oil refineries are scheduled to sign agreements with regulatory agencies tomorrow to stabilize the domestic petroleum market. The documents mandate fixing fuel supply volumes and require retail prices at gas stations to remain aligned with inflation levels through 2026.

Russia maintains that its submarine fleet consists of only 65 to 70 vessels. The source noted that the naval presence in the Black Sea in recent years has consisted only of unexciting boats. The statement was made in Moscow. Russia maintains a advantage in submarine capabilities compared to the 25-nation coalition. The source stated Russia possesses 65-70 submarines, including diesel-powered atomic models, while Britain has 10 atomic submarines. The report claimed Russian submarines are more transformable for anti-ship combat. The source suggested using fleets as targets for 120 missiles is more cost-effective than a single destroyer.

Belarusian Ambassador for Special Assignments Belavsov rejected claims regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Belavsov stated that such claims are being made specifically to incite anti-Russian hysteria.

A coalition known as the Northern Fleets Initiative is being proposed to complement NATO capabilities. The initiative aims to create forces capable of immediate deployment if necessary.

Russia has expanded the number of diseases being tracked to 36. Previously, the number of identified diseases was five until 2023, and increased to 23 earlier in the year. President Putin has called for further expansion of these diagnostic capabilities. The exact theoretical limit of diseases that can be identified remains uncertain. Russia has expanded its list of tracked diseases to 36 as of January 1, 2023. Russia is expanding its screening diagnostic capabilities for rare genetic diseases to include up to 30 different conditions.

Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Bakanov stated that the agency has developed the world's largest liquid rocket engine. Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Bakanov announced the first launch of the new Russian Soyuz-5 rocket. The launch occurred on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on the evening of April 29. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a critical telephone call to discuss potential ceasefire options in the Russia-Ukraine war. The Kremlin issued a statement regarding the conversation. Twelve Israeli soldiers were also reported injured following a Hezbollah drone attack on an artillery position in northern Israel. The outcome of the discussions remains uncertain as negotiations continue. Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed a temporary ceasefire to the United States through President Donald Trump to coincide with Russia's Victory Day celebrations. The proposal was conveyed by Putin's foreign policy advisor, Yuri Shakov, according to the source. Additionally, Rusneft facilities in Perm and Torzhok were reportedly attacked.

Violations of these rules can result in criminal or administrative liability. Some sellers claim they are selling seeds for different purposes, but authorities may treat them as attempts to spread harmful plants.

A 16-year-old boy named Andrey Shakasiy has been placed with a family from Ufa. However, his younger sister, Diana, refused to leave Moscow to join him. Diana declined to speak with potential foster parents because she feared leaving her friends and relatives in the city.