Stories from Moscow · Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Dagestan representatives at the Kremlin to discuss candidates for the republic's leadership. Putin described Shchukin as an honest person. President Vladimir Putin met with representatives of the Dagestan People's Council at the Kremlin to discuss the candidacy for a new regional head. Current Dagestan leader Sergey Melikov is set to leave his post and transition to a different position in September. President Putin announced at a Kremlin meeting with Dagestan's People's Assembly that current governor Sergey Melikov is moving to a different role. The specific nature of Melikov's new position was not disclosed. The meeting follows the announcement that Dagestan Governor Sergey Melikov will leave his post in September to transition to a different role. Putin expressed support for Magomed Kharmazanov's candidacy to lead the republic.

Russian schools will reduce the number of English language lessons for third-grade students from three hours to two hours.

A US provider has identified a third-party Telegram client as spyware. To use the Max service, users must establish a VPN from abroad into Russia to connect. The broadcaster noted that unlike previous issues with Telegram, the Max service is a distinct entity rather than a fork of an existing platform. This follows a similar designation previously given to the alternative client Selegrama. The security certificate for Max was revoked and the app was subsequently removed from the App Store. Max remains available for download on Google Play and the App Store despite the designation. Analysts from Internet Rozysk suggest the messenger may face a similar fate to Selegrama. Analysts at the Internet Search company believe the Messenger App Max may face a fate similar to Cellebrite.

Artist Andrey Akuzin died in a Russian detention center in early April, according to reports. Authorities claim Akuzin committed suicide while in custody.

Major Russian oil and refining plant owners are expected to sign agreements with the Ministry of Energy and the Federal Antimonopoly Service. The Russian government is preparing measures to protect domestic consumers and curb rising fuel costs during a period of seasonal consumption growth. Participating companies include Gazprom, Lukoil, Rosneft, and Surgutneftegas, along with other producers with refinery capacities exceeding one million tons. Truck drivers initiated protests that spread across the country, leading to the blockade of several oil refineries. Two-thirds of gas stations are reported to be without fuel. Remaining operational stations are restricting gasoline sales exclusively to emergency services, medical personnel, firefighters, and police. The source stated that responders are only attending to life-threatening calls.

The Moscow index maintained a 70 percent growth rate by evening, reaching 2,659. The index has reached 2,659, according to reports from the KFM 936 Telegram channel. The Moscow index has grown by 70 percent, reaching a level of 2,659.

New social welfare regulations in Russia will prevent large families from losing unified child benefits if their income slightly exceeds the regional subsistence minimum. Relatives of wounded Rosgvardia employees are now eligible for free travel to medical facilities. Additionally, widows of fallen soldiers who do not remarry will receive the right to free education. The laws also include measures to protect the income of veterans and people with disabilities. Russia began enforcing new quality criteria for biologically active dietary supplements on Friday. According to a Cabinet decree, manufacturers must now obtain a state registration certificate for all products. Supplements must also be included in the national labeling system. Safety of ingredients must be verified by an accredited laboratory.

The incident was discussed in the context of how state actions against law-breaking officials affect public trust.

Recent polling from the Center for Opinion Research (COM) indicates that trust in the police has reached a historical maximum in 2026. The data is being used as a basis for ongoing discussions regarding public confidence in law enforcement.

President Vladimir Putin stated the necessity of building a bridge to Sakhalin Island. The proposal was conveyed to Donald Trump during a phone call between the two leaders. Yuri Shakov, Putin's foreign policy advisor, reported that the offer was made through Trump. This was the first conversation between the US and Russian presidents since early March. The proposal suggests a temporary truce during the holiday period. The source noted that global oil prices have also exceeded certain levels. The information was provided by an assistant to Putin, according to the report. This development follows recent drone strikes on Rosneft facilities in Perm and fires in Tuapse. Vladimir Putin has proposed a temporary ceasefire to coincide with Russia's Victory Day celebrations, according to Putin's foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov.