Stories from Moscow · Russia

Complaints related to sleep disorders in Russia have increased by nearly 20%, with difficulties falling asleep and frequent awakenings being the most common issues. Most complications arise when required certificates or specific forms are missing from the application. Following Defense Minister Andrei Belousov's order in December 2025 to investigate missing persons cases, the number of court cases recognizing individuals as missing or deceased has significantly increased. Defense Minister Belousov stated that efforts have established the fate of half of those missing. If 90,000 cases are in court and 48% of missing persons' fates are determined, this implies approximately 180,000 individuals' situations have been resolved. Sergei Krivenko, head of the human rights group Citizen Army Law, noted that Ministry of Defense is not interested in understating these numbers.

Demand for melatonin-based products, including non-prescription remedies, has been growing in Russia. This persists despite adjustments to specific conditions, particularly regarding family mortgages. Demand for gardening tools in Russia has increased significantly, with Kazan recording a 12-fold rise. Moscow saw a 2.5-fold increase, while Novosibirsk and Chelyabinsk reported 2-fold increases. Analysts attribute this surge to record-warm weather in March, prompting Russians to prepare for the season early. Some consumers are purchasing shovels and rakes as basic sets for planting and regular land maintenance. Demand for domestic corporate messengers in Russia increased fivefold within one month, according to the Association of Professional Social Network Users. Approximately 30 Russian companies are already using a hybrid format for work correspondence.

Govorit Moskva featured Belarusian journalist Elena Nikolaevna, welcoming her to the program. The segment introduced her as a friend and colleague, highlighting her connection to Belarusian and Russian media.

A Russian hockey team conceded a late goal just before the end of the period, leading to a subsequent goal by the opposing team. This defensive lapse, described as uncharacteristic, resulted in a loss for the team, with commentators noting a potential moment of relaxation by the goaltender.

The Russian government has proposed a bill to launch a legal cryptocurrency market.

President Putin has signed a law exempting small and medium-sized catering businesses from VAT until the end of the year. Business owners have expressed concerns regarding their ability to restructure processes under new tax legislation to avoid collapse. The Russian President supported an initiative to postpone the deadline for regional governments to repay budget loan debts. The repayment deadline will be moved from the 26th to a later date. This decision follows a difficult economic situation and is intended to support regional authorities. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly requested that oligarchs contribute funds to support the special military operation. The source noted that economic activity, demand, and tax collections are expected to decline if the war continues. There are currently no signs that the conflict is nearing an end.

Cybercrime services on the Russian dark web are seeing a rise in availability, with phishing attacks starting at prices between $150 and $200.

Vesti FM reports that conditions will be adapted for corporate clients and taxi drivers.

Russia is considering implementing age restrictions for tobacco products, potentially mirroring policies in other countries that restrict sales to individuals born after a certain year. This move is driven by concerns over the significant harm tobacco products cause to health and life expectancy. Statistics and practice indicate that new forms of nicotine consumption are significantly more profitable than traditional ones. Authorities are considering regional and federal initiatives to remove these products from the market, citing concerns about a new epidemic among children. The goal is to prevent the spread of these products and address the emergence of new consumer forms of nicotine. Financial group Finam is offering a unique product for investments in US and Asian markets called 'Segregated Global'. The product aims to help investors multiply their money through popular strategies.

Komsomolskaya Pravda reported on a 'Ninja Sport' project being heavily promoted on the Russian channel TNT. The report clarified it is not related to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles but is a different fitness-focused competition. The final is scheduled for Sunday at 9 PM on TNT, featuring 12 finalists including skiers.