Stories from Moscow · Russia

Russia has implemented a rule requiring individuals to hold citizenship for at least 5 years before becoming eligible for unified child benefits. This policy change has reportedly led to a nearly 15% decrease in the birth rate of second children. Officials are discussing the need to maintain support for subsequent children to sustain family growth. The current system provides benefits starting from the first child, but officials note a shift in focus. Birth rates for a second child have reportedly decreased by nearly 15%. Proponents argue that benefits should prioritize the second and third children to support family growth. Applicants must hold Russian citizenship for at least five years to qualify for the payments. This requirement does not apply to participants in the special military operation or combat veterans.

Meteorologists predict a ice layer will form on roads across a 1,500-kilometer stretch from Karelia to Belgorod due to light frosts. Specialist Evgeny Tishkovets stated the ice layer could reach a thickness of up to 15 mm. The icing is expected to manifest during the night leading into Monday. Drivers are warned of hidden ice patches on the roads. Wind speeds are expected to increase to 15-20 meters per second. Icy road conditions may develop across affected areas. Russia is experiencing hazardous weather conditions including potential ice formation on roads.

The Kremlin press service reported on the participation of North Korean military personnel in operations to defend the Kursk region. The presence of the Russian Defense Minister suggests high-level strategic coordination. Russian commentators are discussing the potential for employing North Korean specialists within the Russian Federation. The discussion notes that such employment must navigate sanctions packages introduced in 2017. The possibility of outsourcing certain production processes was also raised as a topic of debate. Commentators are specifically discussing the employment of North Korean specialists in Russia and the potential for outsourcing production to navigate 2017 sanctions. While the exact involvement of North Korean personnel in the Donetsk and Luhansk republics remains uncertain, there is interest in North Korean-made weaponry.

Russian authorities are planning to implement changes to the EIS customs code to collect VAT from online platform sellers. The ministry stated that this move aims to level the competitive playing field between digital platforms and traditional retail. Industry representatives from the Association of Trade Companies and Manufacturers of Electrical and Computer Equipment have welcomed the proposal. Implementation is expected to begin as early as 2027. The Russian Ministry of Finance is considering implementing Value Added Tax (VAT) requirements for Chinese online sellers starting in 2027. Currently, local sellers face different tax obligations than international platforms. The proposal includes measures to strengthen AML (Anti-Money Laundering) controls over digital asset operations.

Russian users report that updating to the latest iOS version causes devices to become completely blocked following a restart. Media reports and bloggers have suggested the Telegram application as a potential cause for the malfunction. Telegram developers have categorically denied any involvement in the issue.

The number of workers recommended for layoffs in Russia has reached 105,000 people. Staff reductions are impacting 13% of organizations in Russia, according to SuperJob data reported by Vedomosti. The layoffs are affecting state and local government officials, as well as the social sector including hospital and education workers. Reductions in budget organizations are driven by treasury deficits. Commercial sectors are facing staff optimization due to slowing economic growth, declining consumer demand, and high central bank interest rates increasing costs. High central bank interest rates are increasing costs and negatively impacting the labor market. Experts express concerns that the percentage of layoffs will continue to rise throughout the current year. Experts anticipate an increase in layoffs across Russia throughout 2026.

Academician Chuchalin from the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University has demonstrated that hydrogen inhalations reduce the risk of thrombosis and stroke following COVID-19. A Japanese study involving 48 participants aged 76 plus observed that a group consuming hydrogen water showed different outcomes compared to a control group drinking plain water over six months. Patients in the study group consumed hydrogen-infused water to mitigate risks. Clinical observations indicate that participants using hydrogen water maintained better mobility, including the ability to walk independently and use stairs. Researchers suggest both hydrogen water consumption and inhalations can be administered at home. Research by Academician Chchalin suggests that specific inhalation methods can improve lung function and oxygen saturation.

Rosnadzor head Anzor Muzaev reported that artificial intelligence successfully identified a student cheating during a state exam. Officials warn that students caught with such devices will be removed from exams and face academic consequences. Last year, three schools in Saint Petersburg allowed artificial intelligence to assist in grading test papers. In March, some schools in the Moscow region used AI to grade student notebooks. Experts suggest that while AI was used for checking, it is too early to determine if the technology will be expanded to high-stakes national exams. Signal jamming devices, costing between 100,000 and 2 million rubles, are being ordered by schools for use in classrooms. Educational institutions in Russia are increasingly purchasing signal jamming devices to prevent students from using technology to cheat.

Artificial intelligence may soon be capable of administering oral examinations to students and schoolchildren. Maxim Reshkin, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, stated that AI can objectively conduct oral surveys. The technology can monitor where a person looks, their behavior, and their nervousness levels. This capability relies on the system's ability to process metadata regarding user communication and movement. There are concerns that such applications may face blocking once they become popular due to data collection issues. History teacher Leonid Katsva expressed hope that artificial intelligence will eventually be capable of conducting oral examinations. The discussion noted that while AI can currently process dialects, the application of AI to complex social and historical oral testing remains a future development.

A 34-year-old Russian fighter is scheduled to face opponent Jon Harris on August 16. The announcement follows previous statements from Makhachev regarding plans to hold fights during the summer. The news was reported by sports correspondent Alexey Krylov.