Stories from Moscow · Russia

Fraudsters are impersonating land supervision officials or local administration representatives to target landowners via messenger apps and SMS. The scammers claim that dangerous weeds have been detected on the property and threaten fines of at least 50,000 rubles.

An explosion occurred during demonstrations by workers fighting for an eight-hour workday. Several police officers were killed in the blast and many workers were injured. The incident subsequently led to the suppression of the labor movement.

The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) reported a drop in new orders. The company has not yet determined its long-term investment strategy regarding Russian messengers.

Russia has implemented a ban on Starlink imports as part of a nationwide effort to tighten internet controls. The restrictions reportedly target equipment used by groups such as Starlink as well as equipment for Chinese satellite groups. Analyst Aleksey Boyko from Inform Analytics noted that the specific wording regarding the list of prohibited items is currently unclear. The measure is set for a six-month period, with the FSB and Customs Service tasked with monitoring enforcement. Dmitry Borschevsky, a representative for Wildberries, criticized proposed regulatory and customs control initiatives in Russia. He stated that such measures appear to be an attempt to administratively remove foreign products from the market under the guise of consumer protection. Borschevsky noted that many product categories lack domestic analogues, which would shift costs to end consumers.

Russia is expanding free higher education quotas to include second higher education degrees for participants of the Special Military Operation (SVO). She gained academic knowledge, built professional connections, and developed intercultural competence during her studies and work in Russia. The graduate completed a bachelor's degree in international relations and a master's degree in politics, economics, and philosophy. The number of Europeans wishing to move to Russia has increased by 1.5 times over the past year and a half. As of today, citizens of European countries have submitted 3,400 applications for temporary residency permits in Russia. This is an increase from 2,275 applications by October of the previous year. Antiretroviral therapy, which suppresses viral reproduction using multiple drugs, now covers over 90% of patients.

Russian authorities have ordered domestic media outlets not to publish a video by influencer Viktoria Boni. The video, which has received many views, criticizes President Vladimir Putin.

President Vladimir Putin called for the reduction of bureaucratic barriers regarding compensation for those affected by flooding in Dagestan. The President said making decisions in favor of the people during any uncertainty.

The head of VTB Bank has called for the acceleration of cryptocurrency market legalization in Russia.

A new bill has been introduced to the State Duma to regulate cryptocurrency operations. The legislation aims to address illegal crypto circulation, which is expected to become a criminal offense in Russia. Police report that cryptocurrency-related scams caused over $182 million in losses in 2025. Russian regulators have established the parameters for cryptocurrency regulation within the country. Russian authorities are considering a legislative project to legalize cryptocurrency operations while increasing state oversight. The initiatives are expected to add tens of billions of rubles to the national budget. However, experts expressed concerns that these changes could expand the shadow market. A government commission has approved a draft law aimed at regulating cryptocurrency operations in Russia.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs will implement a quality rating system for driving schools based on exam results. The evaluation will also include accident statistics involving graduates during their first two years of driving. New rules are scheduled to take effect on May 28. The ministry plans to publish these ratings annually in mid-February, with the first list expected next year. Auto insurers noted that novice drivers remain a high-risk group. Russia will introduce a list of performance indicators for professional driver training programs starting May 28. The agency stated that the first list will be published next year, with annual updates released in mid-February. Auto insurers noted they are beginning to monitor these developments. The curriculum will be taught to students in the fifth, sixth, and seventh grades.