Stories from Moscow · Russia

Energy markets, including oil and gas, face a crisis following the closure of the Hormuz Strait and infrastructure damage. High demand is expected to persist even after the Middle East crisis ends, causing continued market instability. The total volume of affected resources is cited at 600 million barrels. The process of restoring these stockpiles will require volumes of energy. Russian media reports suggest officials are satisfied with rising energy prices and that the market will experience volatility for some time. He noted that total supply reductions have reached 600 million barrels. The situation involves high-precision long-range weapons and strike drones, according to the defense ministry. Novok described the current energy market situation as complex and stubborn, affecting both oil and gas.

CSK sports director Denis Denisov stated that head coach Igor Nikitin maintains absolute trust from the club's leadership. This follows CSKA's exit in the Gagarin Cup semifinals, losing the series 1-4.

Archaeologists discovered a gilded silver fragment of a crown or cutout ornament from an icon casing during excavations in Kremlin Square. Investigators believe the piece may have belonged to a small icon of the Virgin of Vladimir measuring approximately 20 centimeters.

A military expert noted the first precedent of a Russian shadow fleet ship being confiscated. Previously, such vessels were detained but eventually released. The expert is discussing the implications of this development on the current maritime situation.

Russia has successfully blocked a strait, which is being described as a strategic weapon more powerful than nuclear weapons. Unlike nuclear weapons, which are not currently being used, the blockade allows Russia to demonstrate power.

The Kremlin has released a brochure based on a book by German psychiatrist Arthur Kronfeld. The publication, titled 'Degenerates in Power: The Psychology of Nazism', details the vices of Nazi leaders.

Dmitry Medvedev stated that Russia possesses promising weapon samples alongside the Oreshnik and Poseidon systems. He noted that Russia produces a full range of unmanned aerial vehicles, from small drones to aircraft-type UAVs. The statement was made during a recent address regarding Russian military capabilities. The source notes that Dmitry Medvedev's comments regarding new developments imply a focus on diverse specialties in Russian production. Russia is currently producing 93.97 million barrels per day, according to a report on Radio Svoboda. Despite OPEC+ increasing quotas for associate members including Russia, the country is not utilizing the additional capacity.

The Kremlin issued a statement claiming that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin agreed on Russia's desire to reach peace. The source states that the Victory Day period ceasefire is a decision by Vladimir Putin and will be implemented.

More than 3,500 Russians are participating in a pilot program for the digital ruble, according to Alla Bakina, director of the Bank of Russia's National Payment System Department. Participants are testing new types of operations as the functionality of the digital currency expands. The pilot includes users in several regions including Tambov, Nizhny Novgorod, Izhevsk, Perm, Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Bugulma, Nizhnekamsk, and Ulyanovsk. Over 100,000 operations have already been completed during the testing phase. A new feature allowing payments to budget accounts via free requisites is expected to be tested starting in July. The requirement applies only to credit organizations and trade-service enterprises.

Alla Kuklina, a leading researcher at the Laboratory of Natural Flora of the Main Botanical Garden, discussed the dangers of hogweed. The plant was previously grown for agricultural use to provide fodder for cows to increase milk yields.