Stories from Moscow · Russia

The State Duma will prioritize bills to significantly increase fees for migrants, including those applying for Russian citizenship. The policy applies to all foreign nationals regardless of their country of origin, including Russian speakers, Uzbek citizens, Americans, or French citizens. All individuals seeking Russian citizenship or permanent residency must pay the required duties. The source noted that there is no distinction made based on the nationality of the applicant. The authorities aim for foreigners to cover the state's costs for checks, databases, and control. The Ministry of Economic Development has pledged to review the initiative promptly. The proposed fees are projected to generate approximately 8 billion rubles for the budget starting July 1, 2026, and nearly 16 billion rubles annually from January 2027. This is evident when it is visible to the eyes.

Russian authorities are developing a project to automatically flag suspicious transactions using a 'red flag' system. The Central Bank is reportedly participating in the development of this system. Sources from RBC indicate the goal is to identify illegal entrepreneurial activities. Anton Nikiforov, a partner at Texedwiser, stated that if the innovation is adopted, situations are inevitable. The tax service may require additional powers to request information on bank accounts and operations. Anton Nikiforov, a partner at Text-Adviser, stated that situations are inevitable if these innovations are adopted. The project aims to monitor transfers between individuals, according to sources cited by RBC. Tax services may require additional powers to access information from banks under this proposed framework.

Journalist Joshua Orbenstein reported feeling nervous and exhausted after visiting a Moscow synagogue on Saturday, September 11. Orbenstein noted mixed feelings of joy at reuniting with Russian brothers and anxiety regarding the behavior of congregants.

A Russian businessman has become the first individual in the history of the current ranking to exceed a net worth of $30 billion. The reported wealth is estimated at $37 billion. The announcement was made by Veronika Borisenko during a broadcast on Komsomolskaya Pravda radio. This follows an expert valuation of approximately $28.5 billion for his family's assets one year ago. Mordashov remains subject to sanctions lists from the EU, US, and other Western nations. The report notes the difficulty of building new facilities given current sanctions. The number of self-employed individuals in Russia has grown to over 15 million. Tax authorities are increasing scrutiny on systemic monthly payments to self-employed workers, such as 100,000 rubles received between the first and fifth of each month.

Megafon has emerged as the leader in mobile internet speed for most users in Russia. According to a study by the Russian platform Mirilla, Megafon's top speed exceeded 65.5 Mbps. This performance is nearly 10% higher than its closest competitor. Megafon scored 78.45 points based on metrics including speed, download, and upload performance. Technical Director Alexey Titov stated that engineers are working to improve service quality by expanding multi-level communication lines and updating the core network with domestic solutions. The study evaluated economic efficiency and customer experience during data transfer. These strikes have caused indirect consequences for the Russian authorities' public support. The blockades are causing mass dissatisfaction among the population, according to the source. The report also noted that a planned parade will not be a parade.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced the Moscow Spring festival will begin on May 1. The festival will feature activities across 30 city locations over 11 days. The events are dedicated to Victory Day and the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, according to the Mayor.

Moscow authorities plan to install a new monument to Joseph Stalin in the center of the city. The Kyiv regime is engaged in full-scale terrorist activity, necessitating measures to minimize danger, according to the source. There will also be fewer service personnel participating in the parade, according to the BBC. He attributed the reduction in tanks and service personnel to Ukraine's drone activity penetrating Russian defenses. Russia's upcoming military parade is expected to be more modest than usual due to ongoing battlefield advances. Speculation suggests Russia is running low on military kit, leaving little available for the ceremony. Additionally, the parade may face security concerns as Ukraine has recently used drones to penetrate Russian defenses. The parade could also present a tempting target for Ukrainian drone penetration of Russian defenses.

Prosecutors allege that Russian business owners used shell companies in the British Virgin Islands and Cyprus to hold Russian assets. Following sanctions, these entities transferred head structures to the United Arab Emirates.

Data from Gelob indicates that every freelancer in these countries regularly uses artificial intelligence in their work. The usage rate is even higher among representatives of liberal professions.

An American astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut have returned to Earth following a joint space mission. The pair were questioned about their experience working together to increase trust between NASA and Roscosmos for future missions, including the International Space Station.