Stories from Moscow · Russia

Russia faces a severe budget deficit and potential financial crisis due to high dependence on oil revenues. The oil export share has decreased by 4.4% compared to seven years ago. The source noted that the Zarif-led oil sector has sustained damage.

Russian-produced goods are losing competitiveness due to being overwhelmed by Chinese products. Low investment in civilian research and development is also impacting the sector. High interest rates in Russia are further limiting investments in the civilian economy. These factors contribute to broader economic challenges within the country. Russian products are also facing increased pressure from Chinese imports. Industrialization in Russia is currently concentrated in the civilian sector in Moscow and across the country. The Russian Central Bank is discussing a labor shortage caused by an exodus of 1.5 million people. This figure is alongside 1.3 million people involved in the war. The 1.5 million people represent approximately 1% of the Russian population.

An arrest warrant for Butyagin was issued based on an international arrest order, according to Kommersant FM. Russian archaeologist Aleksandr Butyagin was exchanged with Belarusians for the release of Andrzej Poczobut.

Maxim Oreshkin, an economic advisor to Vladimir Putin, stated that Russia is returning to a planned economy.

VTB reported first quarter results showing a slight decrease in net profit, though the figure exceeded market expectations. Investors are currently awaiting news regarding 2025 dividend payouts, specifically whether they will be 25% or 50% of net profit.

Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya stated during a Security Council meeting that Moscow sees no results from the Peace Council's work regarding the gas sector.

Blogger Ilya Remeslo stated that while he does not expect a revolution in Russia, he anticipates something resembling a palace coup. Remeslo noted that decisions regarding the designation of foreign agents are made by the Presidential Administration and security forces. He added that the opinion of security forces has become the most factor in these decisions. Remeslo claimed to communicate with various individuals, including members of the administration and the government. Internal political divisions are causing confusion, with hardliners reportedly causing friction. The situation is described as potentially leading to a state-level collapse, according to the report. A blogger stated that decisions regarding foreign agent designations in Russia are increasingly driven by security services and the Ministry of Justice.

Implementation of artificial intelligence programs at Lukoil resulted in a 40 percent increase in engineering labor productivity. The source noted that productivity for other types of labor increased by a slightly lower margin.

A blogger has denied accusations of being an informant, stating he only exercised his legal rights. He compared his actions to Alexei Navalny's report on Maksim Martsinkevich, who was later found dead in a detention center.

Russian authorities have arrested members of a group that used Telegram to call for a demonstration on March 29 at Bolotnaya Square. Authorities are reportedly targeting younger demographics, including students under 20 years old, who utilized the platform. The crackdown follows restrictions on various communication resources in Russia. Approximately 800 actors, musicians, and creative professionals supported the 'Theft is Not Innovation' campaign in January. The group accuses neural network developers of using their voices and images in violation of copyright laws. Protesters in Russia are specifically citing the use of their voices and images by AI models as a violation of copyright laws. An open letter addressed to Vladimir Putin containing a list of grievances has been viewed by more than 31 million users on a blocked social network.