Stories from Moscow · Russia

A court proceeding has commenced regarding allegations that Russia's First Deputy Defense Minister, Tsalykov, stole 7 billion rubles from the Russian people. While some reports initially suggested figures as high as 3.4 billion, a note by Barames indicated the amount may be closer to 3 billion and 30 million. The discrepancy in reported figures has led to requests for apologies regarding the initial numbers. The claim seeks more than 7 billion rubles in property not related to Tsalikov that should be returned to state income. Tsalikov was previously detained on March 5, with the Basmanny Court of Moscow placing him under house arrest on the same day. The assets involved include radio-technical equipment, anti-aircraft missile systems, aircraft, helicopters, and ships.

The number of self-employed individuals in Russia has reached over 15 million, representing 10% of the total population. Widespread testing methods were utilized, with 40% of the Russian population undergoing testing last year. Antiretroviral therapy involving multiple drugs to suppress viral replication covers more than 90% of patients. Healthcare technologies are being implemented to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Current estimates place the figure at approximately 15 million people. This population represents more than 10% of the total Russian population and 20% of the working-age population, according to data from Tochka Bank and a work automation service. Human rights advocate Anna Koretnikova from the Memorial project discussed these figures during a broadcast. The data highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of detainees in the Russian penal system.

The Federal Security Service reported the detention of two residents from the Moscow region. The motive for the action was reportedly retaliation for the agency's blocking of content. The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened a criminal case regarding attacks on Roskomnadzor employees. The investigation follows reports that individuals were targeted due to the agency's blocking activities and received monetary rewards for the actions. The tasks included leaving brown liquid and fake blood at locations to intimidate staff due to website blocking actions. Investigators determined the blood was actually a brown chemical liquid rather than real blood. Both individuals face upcoming trials for hooliganism. The FSB reported last week that seven people were detained for planning a terrorist attack involving a bomb placed under a vehicle.

Dmitry Piskov stated that Moscow does not require a reaction from Kyiv to implement a temporary ceasefire in the special military operation zone. Analysts suggest the move is intended to maintain contact rather than provide an immediate peace solution. The effort is viewed as a way for Trump to position himself as a leader capable of negotiating an end to the conflict. International commentators describe the call between Trump and Putin as a strategic exploratory step rather than a definitive turning point for peace. The dialogue is viewed as a signal of Trump's intent to use negotiation for global crises. The call lasted over 90 minutes and was initiated by Russia, according to Presidential Assistant Ushakov. A Russian broadcaster noted that Trump continues to refuse to discuss the probability of a ground operation.

Dmitry Piskov, the presidential press secretary, stated that ensuring people's safety is the primary condition for conducting the May 9 parade. Piskov also commented on attempts to disrupt the arrival of participants. The remarks were made in Moscow.

The Ministry of Education announced that 'Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia' will be included in the curriculum for fifth and seventh grade students in all Russian schools starting the new academic year. The Russian Ministry of Education may reduce the curriculum for fourth and ninth-grade students by 15 to 30 percent next year. Rosobrnadzor head Anzor Muzayev previously stated that many current topics cause tension and overstrain for both teachers and children. The Ministry had also considered integrating DNA as a separate subject, a proposal that was criticized by Patriarch Kirill. The report also noted that Ruslan Salikov and former Vaintorg head Vladimir Pavlovich are under investigation for embezzlement and corruption, though Salikov denies all charges and maintains ownership of 7 billion rubles in assets.

The Victory Museum will present exhibitions dedicated to the Soviet people's victory in the Great Patriotic War across eight countries. The museum service reported that exhibitions will open in the United States, Spain, and Belgium.

The Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center announced that the Bor Solntsa Terahertz instrument has successfully completed testing. The device is scheduled for installation on the external surface of the International Space Station on May 27 during a spacewalk.

Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated on April 30 that a single phone call between the Russian and US presidents is insufficient to improve the global situation. Peskov noted that highly concentrated global conflicts are having negative impacts on the international situation and the global economy. Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on the evening of April 29.

The Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center and the St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation have signed a cooperation agreement. The partnership focuses on joint research for preparing crewed missions to deep space.