Stories from Moscow · Russia

New federal law provisions have entered into force in Russia allowing families to apply for birth citizenship electronically. The updated regulations permit not only parents but also adoptive parents and guardianship authority representatives to submit these applications. This change follows previous discussions regarding administrative and digital service expansions. Previously, personal visits to government offices were required for these documents.

New research indicates that physical activity has a effect on the brain state of mice. The findings said the role of movement in mitigating cognitive decline. Fitness trainer Jilenn Michaels claims low doses of nicotine provide protection against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Michaels also states the substance improves concentration for individuals with ADHD. Conservative broadcaster Tucker Carlson, who sells a nicotine pouch brand, described nicotine as a product capable of increasing productivity. These claims are being discussed following reports by the New York Times regarding influencer perspectives on the substance. A specialist in alternative medicine suggested nicotine may treat COVID-19 and cancer. The compound is naturally occurring in plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and cauliflower. One hundred grams of eggplant contains approximately 1.01 mg of nicotine.

Researchers have identified a unique blood group characterized by a specific genetic mutation. The diversity is attributed to the presence of multiple proteins and sugars on the surface of red blood cells. This diversity is driven by the specific combinations of these biological markers. The findings provide a more granular understanding of human hematology. Each individual cell measures more than one centimeter in length. This structure is significantly more complex than typical bacteria, which average two micrometers in size. The discovery follows over 10 years of specialist attention to these unique organisms. Scientists have identified a new species of bacteria named Thio margarita magnifica. The findings clarify that these are distinct, single-celled organisms rather than clusters. Individual specimens of this species have been observed reaching lengths of up to two centimeters.

Russian economic indicators are showing improvement following a downturn in the first half of 2026. The exemption applies to companies using simplified or patent tax systems with annual revenues not exceeding 60 million rubles. Business owners have expressed concerns regarding their ability to restructure processes to comply with the new tax legislation. The measure aims to provide relief to the hospitality sector during the current period. Representatives from the Federation of Restaurateurs and Tailors in Russia have met to discuss the lack of clarity regarding the new legislation. Implementation timing remains uncertain, with potential rollout occurring in several days or weeks following the May holidays. Kommersant FM has requested clarification from the Federation of Restaurateurs and Atelier Owners regarding specific details.

Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a special meeting focused on the development of the Arctic zone and the trans-Arctic corridor. He claimed that Kyiv is preventing voting by using martial law as a pretext. Putin noted that the Russian economy has been operating under serious challenges for several years. He instructed law enforcement and special services to protect state information resources and the Central Election Commission's digital systems from interference. Putin said the need to ensure the uninterrupted operation of public services during the voting period. The directive follows recent drone strikes on energy infrastructure that officials claim could cause serious ecological consequences. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukrainian authorities are sponsoring terror against both military and civilian targets.

A government commission has approved a draft law to regulate cryptocurrency operations and increase state oversight. Medvedev suggested these funds should be redirected to finance Russia's special military operation. The proposal serves as a response to Estonian suggestions regarding tariffs on Russian goods. The plan aims to counter EU efforts to fund Ukraine through increased levies on Russian products. The announcement was made on April 25. Medvedev's suggestion aims to counter EU-led economic restrictions. This response follows Estonia's suggestion to use tariffs on Russian products to finance Ukraine. Citizens who sign contracts for military service in the Special Military Operation zone will receive a one-time payment of 400,000 rubles from the federal budget. An additional minimum of 400,000 rubles will be provided by regional subjects.

Russian catering companies are requesting a delay for first-quarter VAT payments to avoid business collapse. The affected businesses reported annual incomes below 60 million rubles last year. The UPVS management network reported that the inclusion of VAT has impacted rental payments. While the percentage of payments to pickup point owners depends on turnover, the overall payment percentage itself has not changed. Russian catering businesses are seeking to defer Value Added Tax (VAT) payments due to regulatory uncertainty. Industry representatives suggest it is safer to pay the tax now and seek redistribution later rather than waiting for a final decision from tax authorities. Some small establishments may be exempt from new tax laws following recent legislative signings. The exact timeline for tax authority decisions remains unknown, ranging from days to weeks.

Russian aircraft production is expected to fall short of 600 units due to supply chain issues. A new mandatory QR-code entry system for foreign tourists is being implemented, currently operating at the Moscow airport with plans for nationwide expansion. Foreigners must complete forms via internet portals to generate the required code for border crossing. The projection was stated by Andrey Nikitin during a broadcast. Officials expressed concern that insufficient aircraft volumes could lead to high ticket prices and low passenger traffic. The CEO of the publishing house X-MUI ST and other top managers are being called as witnesses in an extremism case. The individuals are scheduled for interrogation on Monday, April 27. Observers suggest the scandal could lead to a contraction in the Russian book market.

Russian airlines transported 108.5 million passengers last year, representing a 2.5% decrease compared to initial projections. The decline is attributed to periodic airspace closures resulting from drone attacks. Despite this drop, the industry saw a 30% growth in early 2025 compared to January and February of that year. American elites are reportedly purchasing land surrounding national parks in the United States. Small-scale aviation faces specific risks regarding the transport of spare parts compared to larger aircraft. Rosaviatsia data confirms the downward trend in passenger volume.

Russian evacuation teams are utilizing specialized laboratories to identify bodies on the battlefield. This shift in procedure follows changes in the nature of the war, specifically the increased prevalence of drone threats. Deserters previously serving in these teams have provided information regarding the impact of drone operations on body recovery efforts. The character of the war has fundamentally changed due to the presence of drones on the battlefield, complicating the work of evacuation teams tasked with recovering bodies from the field, according to reports from deserters who served in these units. Evacuation teams are now tasked with retrieving bodies from the field due to these changing combat dynamics. The shift has reportedly impacted the ability of military leadership to provide feedback to the families of missing or deceased soldiers.