Stories from Vologda · Russia

A fire in a house in the Siberian region resulted in the deaths of seven family members.

Senator Roman Maslov from the Vologda region complained during a Federation Council meeting on April 29. These regions may need to implement unpopular measures, including radical spending cuts, the cancellation of ineffective tax incentives, and reductions in the public sector. The source noted that while Putin forgave some debts last year, 200-300 billion rubles in debt remain. The cuts are expected to impact small-scale state-owned enterprises. This follows reports from Rosstat that corporate profits collapsed in the first quarter of this year. Regions may be forced to implement radical spending cuts and cancel tax incentives to address deficits. Reductions in the state apparatus and civil service are expected as Rosstat reported a collapse in corporate profits during the first quarter. The largest deficits are appearing in the Donbas and strong regional areas.

Senator Roman Maslov of the Vologda region reported that large companies are seeking refunds for taxes paid in previous years, specifically citing overpayments since 2022. Maslov stated that these funds have already been spent by regional governments on social services.

Archaeologists working at the Vologda Kremlin have discovered 18th-century documents and artifacts during restoration work. The findings include documents from the Vologda Eparchial House. This restoration is part of the preparations for the 880th anniversary of Vologda next year. The exhibition at the Tretyakov Gallery featuring multimedia installations is open until May 11. Archaeologists in Vologda have uncovered relics of a rampart from the 11th century on Tumskaya Street. The findings include remains from the period of the second suburb and the riverbank. The discovery also includes an 18th-century human skeleton and ornate tiled stoves dating to the 15th century.

Vologda Governor Georgy Filimonov announced the closure of 125 alcohol retail outlets and vape shops in the Vologda region. The governor stated that all such locations were closed by the first of the month as promised. The announcement was made during a report on regional developments. The governor confirmed the total number of closed locations during a report.

Fragments of an American P-39 Airacobra fighter aircraft have been discovered in the Volonetsky district of Russia. A search party, 'Didlitsky Rubezh,' was led to the location by a local resident. More than half of the 4,500 Airacobras produced were supplied to the Soviet Union under Lend-Lease.

Ten people sought medical assistance for burns following a drone attack in the Vologda region. The strike also hit enemy military depots in the settlements of Menchugove and Kelerivka within the temporarily occupied Donetsk region. Railway chief Oleksandr Perzowski noted that evolving technology allows attackers to direct strikes at specific moving targets. Russia is increasingly targeting moving trains with drone strikes. Railway chief Oleksandr Perzowski stated that Russian forces are increasingly using advanced technology to steer Shahed drones in real-time. This tactic is being deployed more frequently in specific regions of Ukraine. Five people have died in recent incidents involving these attacks. Perzowski noted that train wagons can become death traps due to their construction and rapid combustion, which releases chemical substances as metal deforms.