Stories from Moscow · Russia

Sberbank is reportedly preparing to offer loans secured by cryptocurrency assets. Russia's State Duma has learned of preparations by Sberbank to issue loans secured by cryptocurrency. Reuters reports that Sberbank is preparing to offer loans backed by cryptocurrency. Additionally, reports suggest that real estate purchases in the United States may now be partially payable using cryptocurrency.

The Russian government is promoting internal domestic platforms, including a state-run super app, to monitor data for intelligence and repressive agencies. This move aims to restrict citizen access to uncontrolled foreign information sources. Experts suggest this follows models used in Iran to implement large-scale information flow restrictions. The strategy shifts from passive censorship to active user tracking and monitoring. The implementation follows similar models previously used in countries like Iran.

Maxim Oreshkin, an official within the Presidential Administration, stated that AI technology could eventually eliminate the need for formal examinations. The proposed system would use AI to monitor student gaze, behavior, and nervousness levels. A digital profile for each student would be stored on a specialized platform to assess knowledge levels. This development aims to move away from traditional testing methods. Artificial intelligence technology was implemented in several schools in the Moscow region during March. Metrics indicate the AI frequently makes errors and is currently unsuitable for precise knowledge control. There is a growing trend of students using AI to complete exams and write controlled assignments. The technology is described as being far from ideal for providing accurate answers.

Epidemiologist Gennady Nishenko reports that cardiovascular, oncological, and endocrine diseases, alongside influenza, will be the primary causes of death over the next five years. The report follows a 5-10% decline in certain sectors following US strikes on Iran. Increased armament costs have led to production delays among contractors. There is ongoing uncertainty regarding the military budget.

Russian authorities are proposing new restrictions to ban vaping in cars with children, on playgrounds, and near schools. The initiative aims to prevent passive smoking among youth and includes lifetime restrictions for violators. Industry leader Maxim Korolev of Russian Tobacco expressed that businesses will resist these new regulations. The move is part of a broader effort to regulate nicotine use in public environments.

The Kremlin has not confirmed if President Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 summit in Miami later this year. This follows reports that President Trump intends to invite the Russian leader to the event. A Kremlin spokesperson stated that Russia would be properly represented at the summit but avoided a direct answer on Putin's personal attendance. The announcement comes amid ongoing international diplomatic discussions. Russia's attendance status at the upcoming G20 summit remains unconfirmed. No specific reason for the lack of clarity was provided by the spokesperson. This follows previous reports regarding US-Russia diplomatic engagement.

Several employees of X-MO are required to appear before investigators on Monday. The individuals are currently participating in the legal proceedings under the status of witnesses. It remains uncertain if their legal status will change following the questioning. Top managers at X-MO have been summoned by investigators in Moscow. Authorities are conducting investigations into X-MO executives regarding the frequent receipt of monetary payments. Top managers of X-MO are being interrogated by investigators regarding an extremist case initiated in 2025. Witnesses in the case have reportedly testified that these executives provided funds to individuals involved in the investigation. The specific purpose of these financial transfers remains unknown. Executives from X-MO are undergoing questioning regarding incriminating testimony filed against them.

The B-200 Altair jet-powered amphibian aircraft completed its first experimental flight after eight years of development. The aircraft is designed for firefighting, water search and rescue operations, and expeditions to remote areas. The maiden flight lasted 27 minutes before the plane landed. Factory workers reportedly met the aircraft with applause upon its return. Development of the prototype took 8 years from the initial design phase. Engineers spent 8 years developing the experimental aircraft from initial blueprints. It features a maximum range of 1,400 kilometers with a full load and a service ceiling of 8,000 meters. Crew commander training for this model requires five years of preparation. The aircraft is a twin-engine jet with a 1,400km range and 8,000m ceiling, capable of firefighting.

The Russian government is considering a bill to increase maximum compulsory third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) compensation. The current threshold discussed is 400,000 rubles. The Russian Ministry of Finance has submitted a bill to the State Duma to impose Value Added Tax (VAT) on marketplace sellers. Under the proposed legislation, online platforms would act as tax agents, collecting payments from sellers and transferring them to the state budget. This move aims to formalize tax collection within the digital commerce sector. The proposal aims to level the competitive playing field between online platforms and traditional retail. Following this, a general 22% tax rate will be applied to marketplace goods in the subsequent year. The Ministry cited planned changes to the EIS customs code as the driver for this shift.

The economic sustainability of the 'one-employee billion-dollar company' model is being questioned due to high computing costs. Industry discussions highlight that real computational expenses are often obscured by investor subsidies. While some telemedicine projects like Medviz report projected revenues of $800 million, questions remain regarding the use of unverified data and non-existent doctors. AI still requires human oversight to function effectively.