Stories from Moscow · Russia

Police conducted a search of an apartment after a colleague reported finding traces of dangerous substances in Li's system that suppressed the central nervous system. Officers discovered containers with residues of the same substances during the search.

Russia has been among the top five countries for new HIV cases over the last three years, according to UN data. In 2024, approximately 37% of the population was tested for the virus. Testing was not conducted on a planned annual basis, according to the report. The growth in cases has been described as not being as systematic as desired. Russia's move toward remilitarization is increasing the use of fossil fuels for ships, trains, and planes. This rise in transportation fuel consumption is driving up inflation and market prices. The resulting economic climate is making companies and investors more conservative globally. This trend is strengthening economic rigidity in Europe and other regions. Medical service surveys indicate that 77% of Russians experience sleep problems. Approximately every second person reports frequent nighttime awakenings.

Yuri Ushakov, an assistant to the Russian leader, stated that Moscow is prepared to support diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iran crisis. The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady today, citing an extremely uncertain economic outlook. There are concerns regarding the duration of the US blockade of Iranian ports following actions by President Trump. Brent crude oil prices passed the $119 per barrel mark on Wednesday, a level not seen since the start of the war in Ukraine in early 2022. International oil prices have surged following tensions involving Iran. Oil prices have touched their highest point since the US and Israeli war against Iran began at the end of February. Brent Crude has crossed $120 a barrel, the highest level since the conflict began in late February.

Sources close to Rostelecom report that Moscow plans to implement total communication restrictions during an upcoming parade. The restrictions are described as being more comprehensive than previous years. The plan is being discussed in the context of potential parallels with situations in Saint Petersburg. The blackout is being implemented to protect against potential Ukrainian drone strikes during the Red Square parade. Moscow is expected to face communication restrictions starting next week, according to sources. These restrictions may include temporary shutdowns of both mobile internet and wired connections. Local businesses are reportedly preparing for the potential outage. Similar restrictions may also be implemented in Saint Petersburg, according to insights from the publication Fontanka.

A student at a regional university reported that an anti-plagiarism system flagged her English-language diploma thesis as suspicious. The student, identified as Elizaveta, stated she wrote the work entirely without artificial intelligence or translation tools.

Spartak Moscow is seeking more than 30 million euros for midfielder Zétona Fernandinho, according to reports from Turkish outlet Fanatik. Besiktas and Trabzonspor have expressed active interest in the player.

The Russian Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education announced the introduction of a 'Day of Silence' for university admissions. The change is intended to allow universities to approach enrollment decrees more accurately. Following a decree on enrollment, applicants will no longer be able to manage their consents once a university issues an enrollment order. Deputy Minister Andrey Amelchuk stated that once a university issues an enrollment decree, applicants can no longer change their choices. The announcement was reported by TASS agency. Russian universities will implement mandatory entrance examinations corresponding to specific professional profiles for future educators during the upcoming admissions cycle. The move is intended to increase transparency in the admission process. The policy change was discussed on Business FM Russia.

The Kremlin is adopting a crisis management tactic in response to Ukraine gaining territories. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov is expected to address specific details regarding current events.

Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiulina and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov have provided differing statistics regarding Russian citizen savings. Nabiulina stated that 30 to 40 percent of citizens have savings.

Russian Railways (RZD) has re-listed the buildings of the Riga Station in Moscow for auction. The sale includes the station buildings, non-residential premises, and land plots exceeding 13,000 square meters. The auction is scheduled for June 10, with applications accepted until June 1. The starting price for the property is 4 billion rubles. The company confirmed the decision to re-list the property for sale. The announcement was made by the company regarding the auction and tender process. Applications for participation in the bidding process are being accepted until June 1.