Stories from Moscow · Russia

The export duty on sunflower meal has been reduced to zero, according to reports from Business FM Russia. In April, the duty stood at approximately 750 rubles per ton, while the current rate is 4,650 rubles per ton. Mikhail Maltsev, executive director of the Russian Union of Oilseed Producers, stated the decision supports producers and processors. The move returns collection levels to those seen between January and March 2026. The change follows several years of growth and regulatory adjustments.

Authorities are set to seize nearly 73 million shares of Rosagro belonging to former CEO Maxim Basov.

The brand value of leading global automotive companies fell by 7 percent in 2026, according to an annual Brand Finance study. This follows a decline in the previous year. The total value of these brands currently stands at 575.4 billion dollars.

Putin stated that Ukraine would implement a silence regime starting May 6, though he noted that Kyiv has not received official communications regarding the specific parameters of the ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a desire for the end of the war. Russia will implement a ceasefire in the special military operation zone from 00:00 on August 1 until October. The truce coincides with the traditional military parade in Moscow celebrating the Soviet victory. The source noted the ceasefire began late in the evening. President Vladimir Putin has announced a ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the celebration of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War. During this period, Russian forces will refrain from striking Ukrainian military deployment sites and military-industrial complex facilities located deep within Ukraine.

President Zelensky stated that a decision will be made this summer regarding whether Vladimir Putin chooses to expand the war or pursue diplomacy. The report noted Russian fears of drone flights over Red Square during the upcoming Victory Day parade.

Amid current high inflation, Russians are choosing to spend money immediately rather than save it. This trend involves so-called stress assets, where a business's value falls below its liabilities.

Law enforcement is investigating whether an incident involving Armenian leader Nikol Pashinyan was intentional. Pashinyan's relationship with the Kremlin has been strained for the past two years, despite his continued meetings with Vladimir Putin and public statements.

Russia's state leasing company, GTLK, has formed 16 billion rubles in reserves for expected credit losses from leasing. This amount was accumulated in just the first three months of this year. The figure exceeds the total reserves formed during the entire previous year, according to the company's RAS reporting. GTLK specializes in railway and aviation equipment. The information was reported by Frank Media.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that its armed forces will take all measures to ensure security during Victory Day celebrations. The announcement follows strikes by Ukrainian aircraft and drones on Russian objects. This follows ongoing daily shelling in the region. The death occurred amid daily shelling and a short-term ceasefire that Ukrainian sources describe as cynical. Ukrainian officials report that women are being placed on military registries by accident. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a diplomatic note to all accredited foreign diplomatic missions. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova referenced a May 4 statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding threats from the Kyiv regime to strike Moscow on Victory Day. The ministry's communication follows these reported threats to the capital.

A managing partner at recruitment agency Vizavi Consult, Olga Petrova, stated that a wave of mass layoffs is occurring across various companies. This trend specifically includes the production sector. Petrova noted that these layoffs are no longer a secret.