Stories from Moscow · Russia

The FSB confirmed that Moscow has exchanged Alexander Butyagin and the wife of a Russian national. The 53-year-old archaeologist Alexander Butyagin has been released in a prisoner exchange in Moscow. Human rights organizations recognized Butyagin as a political prisoner. Last year, Butyagin was awarded the Sakharov Prize. Poland released Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin, who was facing extradition to Ukraine for excavations in Crimea. A Russian scientist and the wife of a Russian serviceman were exchanged for two officers. The exchange occurred on Belarusian territory and involved the spouse of a Russian military officer in addition to Butyagin. The FSB confirmed the exchange was for two Moldovan intelligence officers. The individual had been detained in Poland in early December last year following a request from Ukraine regarding excavations conducted in Crimea.

Russian forward Nikita Kucherov has entered the top three finalists for the Ted Lindsten Award, which recognizes the best player of the season according to the KHL players' union. Kucherov, who previously won the award in 2019, is competing against Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini. The announcement comes as Metallurg and Akbars are tied 1-1 in their semifinal series. The selection was made by the National Hockey League players' union. Other finalists include Canadian forwards Connor McDavid from Edmonton and Macklin Celebrini from San Jose. Kucherov is a previous winner of the award, having received it in 2019.

Timirny Bank expects a record 19 percent increase in prices for ferrous and non-ferrous metals during the current year. The bank's projection comes amid ongoing operations in the Israel-US conflict, according to the report.

President Vladimir Putin inspected a domestic medical drone designed to deliver medicine, provide consultations, and offer first aid in Moscow. The inspection included an armored ambulance intended for use in border regions.

At least eight people died and 13 others were injured in a high-rise building fire in Moscow. Three others sustained serious injuries due to smoke poisoning, according to the Investigative Committee. Investigators found 20 windowless, unventilated construction sheds made of flammable material on the 20th floor near lightweight flammable materials. One of two evacuation staircases was blocked, preventing occupants from escaping during the blaze. Investigators have questioned over 70 witnesses and seized documents following searches at the scene. Eight people died and three others were seriously injured following a fire on May 1st in Moscow. The fire was caused by the systemic failure of officials to comply with fire safety, labor protection, and construction standards, according to a government publication.

President Vladimir Putin characterized newly opened modular emergency medical units as modern and high-quality equipment designed to save patient lives. EMERCOM head Alexander confirmed the plan to create 99 modular emergency medical reception units. The units are located in Crimea, the Donetsk People's Republic, Tambov, and Yekaterinburg. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko also attended the opening. Putin held a meeting with the Minister of the Federal Center for Disaster Medicine in Moscow to discuss healthcare. According to Putin, 12 units have already been constructed and an additional 28 are currently under development. The president stated that the remaining units are expected to be completed by the end of this year. The project aims to increase capacity for treating patients and casualties in various regions.

Russians will be able to receive treatment using domestic cancer vaccines under the Mandatory Medical Insurance (OMS) system.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko reported that the five-year survival rate for cancer patients in Russia has reached a historical maximum of over 67%. Murashko stated that innovative drugs for treatment have been developed and are currently available in the country. The announcement was made regarding the current state of oncology in Russia. A large fire broke out at a facility following Ukrainian drone strikes. The fire began during the night and has resulted in at least three incidents in recent days. Approximately 30 people were reportedly affected by the strikes. These treatments are capable of treating patients with metastatic oncological diseases. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin previously stated that Russians will be able to receive treatment using domestic cancer vaccines through the Mandatory Health Insurance (OMS) system.

Russian telecommunications operators may be required to pay for international mobile traffic exceeding 15 gigabytes per month starting May 1. This shortage is slowing the introduction of new specialists and technologies to the market. A source in Moscow identified an additional reason for the ongoing labor shortage in Russia. Konstantin Ankilov, CEO of TMT Consulting, noted that the measure is being discussed. Sources within the government indicated that the regulator, Roskomnadzor, is currently not prepared for these changes. The Russian Ministry of Digital Development is developing a mechanism for additional tariffs on mobile network users. Intelligence agents are allegedly infiltrating chats used by individuals attempting to organize secret activities against the regime. The source noted that all telephone calls are being monitored using artificial intelligence.

Domestic car production in Russia has reached nearly 60% of the market share as of the first quarter of the year. More than 50 models from approximately 20 brands are currently being manufactured at Russian plants. The Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to increase this domestic market share to 80% by 2035. Autostat data was cited to support these production figures. This information was stated by Batrakov, according to the source. The share of Russian-made automobiles on the domestic market reached 62 percent during the period from January to April.