Stories from Moscow · Russia

Roskomnadzor ordered the removal of the third season of the series 'Method' from online platforms. The stated reason for the removal is the discredit of tradition. The decision follows claims that the show's depiction of manias may have discredited traditional Russian values. The regulator's specific findings regarding the content have not been publicly detailed. Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor has ordered Apple and Google to remove the iStories app from their digital stores. The regulator cites alleged violations of Russian laws by the independent investigative outlet. The order follows an official conclusion from the Russian Ministry of Culture. The ministry cited the discredit of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values and the propaganda of their denial as the reasons for the removal. The decision was reported by Kommersant FM.

Russian Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lurda reported to the Prime Minister that 97 percent of spring sowing is complete despite weather conditions. Federal budget resources are allocated for specialized equipment, fuel, mineral fertilizers, and plant protection products.

Trade turnover between Russia and the United Arab Emirates reached a maximum last year. Vice Premier Dmitry reported that turnover in the industrial sector grew more than twofold over the last three years. The statement said the increasing economic exchange between the two nations. The announcement was made during a meeting with UAE leadership. Discussions between the two parties focused on the creation of a BRICS grain exchange. This exchange is intended to strengthen global food security, according to the source.

Recent data from Rosstat shows that the number of employees planned for layoffs has been steadily increasing since mid-last year. Currently, more than 105,000 people are slated for job cuts. The largest reductions are expected in Moscow and the Krasnoyarsk Krai region. Employers are reportedly optimizing payroll due to a deteriorating economic situation. Affected sectors include local government administration and medical workers, according to the report. The source identified the reporter as Yuri Koroblev. Recent labor growth data indicates a steady increase in planned workforce reductions. The largest reductions are projected for Moscow, Omsk, Irkutsk, and Krasnoyarsk. Five economic sectors in Russia surpassed the 200,000 ruble average monthly salary threshold in February. Tobacco producers, financiers, and oil industry workers were identified as the highest-paid specialists.

A study by the National Energy Security Fund indicates that 25% of companies in Russia plan to reduce their workforce this year. Failure to submit these notifications carries a potential fine of up to 500,000 rubles. Additionally, data from the service Rabota Ru indicates that job vacancies for inexperienced workers decreased by 25 percent at the start of the year compared to the previous year. Experts suggest employers are increasingly prioritizing specialists with existing experience. The Russian economy experienced its first quarterly decline since the beginning of 2023. Economic growth in March was recorded at 1.8%. While the department improved its assessments in January and February from previous declines of 2.1% and 1.8% to 1.8% and 1.1% respectively, the final quarterly result remained below last year's levels.

A Moscow arbitration court has ordered the seizure of all assets belonging to Trans Bunker Group Limited, Trans Bunker Novorossiysk, and Novorossiysk Fuel Terminals. Ilya Hirsonsev of the Association noted two potential scenarios regarding the seizure. If only Moskov's 100% stake is arrested, other shares may continue trading on the exchange. However, if an injunction is placed on all RusAgra shares, trading on the Moscow Exchange will be halted until a court document lifts the arrest. The duration of any potential trading halt depends on judicial processing speeds. The Khamovniki Court imposed an interim arrest on 100 percent of the shares of the RusAgro agro-holding. This action follows an anti-corruption lawsuit filed by the GEMP prosecutor's office against the company's founder, Mashkovich. Approximately 20 percent of the shares are currently traded on the market.

Russia does not plan to exit the OPEC-plus format within the next year, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Current exchange rates reported include 74.69 rubles to the euro, 87.59 rubles to the euro, and 10.94 rubles to the yuan. Peskov addressed journalists regarding the decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave the group. He described the UAE's move as a sovereign decision that Russia respects. Russia welcomes the UAE's statement regarding its continued responsible position in energy markets and coordination. The country applies a flexible export duty mechanism for these crops under the grain damper system. Calculations are based on export contract prices registered on the exchange and the average ruble-to-dollar exchange rate from the Central Bank of Russia over five working days.

Average daily traffic at Moscow shopping centers fell by 2% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. Pavel Lyulya, president of the Union of Shopping Centers, noted these shifts in retail formats. Medium and large shopping centers in Moscow have reached a 16 percent traffic level. Heavy traffic congestion is affecting Moscow, with delays reported on the Moscow High-Speed Diameter, particularly in the southeast. Severe congestion is also noted near the Technopark metro station on Andropov Avenue. Maps indicate widespread slow-moving traffic across the city. Drivers are reporting traffic delays across Moscow, specifically noting heavy congestion on the Moscow High-Speed Diameter. The Etalon Group sold the Letniy Sad shopping center on Dmitriyvskoye Highway in Moscow at a loss of 2.2 billion rubles.

The Chairperson of the Federation Council called on Severstal beneficiary Alexey Mordashov to provide financial assistance to Russia during a plenary session.

The US Treasury Department has extended the license allowing Lukoil to conduct negotiations and contract sales for its foreign assets until May 30. This extension follows previous restrictions on the company's international operations. Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov noted that the Russian budget currently depends on oil and gas revenues for approximately one-fifth of its funding. Siluanov stated that the state must maintain reserves for at least three years to account for unpredictable oil prices and allow companies to reorient in the global market. The US Treasury Department has reported the conclusion of contracts for the sale of Lukoil's foreign assets. The United States has issued separate permissions for the sale of international assets belonging to the oil company Lukoil.