Stories from moscow · Russia

The Russian Cabinet of Ministers decided to cancel compensation for producers regarding the price difference between domestic and foreign fuel markets. Under a rule established in September 2025, fuel producer payouts are zeroed if average exchange prices exceed threshold prices by 20 percent. An October moratorium had previously allowed producers to receive payments regardless of exchange prices. Maxim, managing partner at Prolium, discussed the reasons for the moratorium's implementation and its recent cancellation. Current wholesale exchange prices indicate diesel fuel has a buffer of approximately 11,000 rubles per ton before the price damper mechanism is triggered. Gasoline prices have a buffer of roughly 7,000 rubles per ton before the mechanism activates. No new specific details provided in the text feed to update the existing story.

Wildberries is proposing a new deposit system for foreign producers operating through Russian marketplaces to combat counterfeit goods. The situation regarding counterfeit goods on Russian marketplaces is objectively worsening. Businesses have signed a letter seeking tools to mitigate the impact of counterfeit products, though the effectiveness of such measures remains limited. Russian marketplace operators are calling for formalized procedures to seize and destroy counterfeit goods. Ilya Bukharin, founder of a club for marketplace partners, noted that while some measures like mandatory registration for foreign sellers and automatic checks are in place, implementation remains difficult. The group is proposing a fixed order for the removal and destruction of counterfeit products to compensate rights holders. Challenges remain regarding the handling of raw materials from China.

The Russian Ministry of Education announced that a new school subject regarding traditional values will be introduced in Russian schools. Rosobrnadzor head Anzor Muzaev previously stated that many current topics cause tension and overstrain for both teachers and children. The proposal follows discussions regarding the integration of DNA studies into history courses, a move that faced criticism from Patriarch Kirill. The course will consist of 17 hours, approximately one hour per week. The specific content and teaching staff for the subject have not been detailed. For the 2026-2027 academic year, fifth-grade students will receive 17 hours of instruction. The discipline is expected to expand to grades 6 and 7 in the 2027-28 academic year with an increased volume of 34 hours. Schools will be provided with corresponding educational materials.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that no final decision has been made regarding a potential ceasefire proposal discussed during a phone call between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.

Russia is capable of providing elevator equipment for its construction industry, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. High production costs remain a challenge for the domestic industry. New testing involves using suction balls and oil pipes to control the movement of heavy doors in lifting machinery. A listener in Saint Petersburg noted that elevators replaced five years ago under a replacement program were of Belarusian manufacture. A speaker noted that elevators from 25 to 30 years ago likely utilized imported electronics and paint. The discussion mentioned that previous components were largely foreign-made. Discussion noted that new elevators from the Shcherbinsky plant are more expensive than previous models. One commentator questioned why costs remain high despite the shift away from imports.

Sportak, Kostron-Ma, and Chelyabinsk will not receive licenses for the Russian Premier League. The clubs failed to provide suitable stadiums for competition, according to reports from Sportexpress. Only four clubs from the first league—Fakel, Rodina, Ural, and Rotter—are currently eligible for promotion. Additionally, Kuban was recorded as having a 0-3 technical defeat after refusing to travel to Vladivostok due to financial reasons. A meeting regarding these applications was scheduled to take place in Vladivostok on May 2. Sportak and Chelyansk were denied licenses for the Russian Premier League because they lack suitable stadiums. Spartak, Kostron-Ma, and Chelyansk also failed to secure licenses, according to Sportexpress. Both clubs lack suitable stadiums and fan identification systems, according to Sport Express.

The FSB is reportedly providing a detainee, who was arrested for an intimidation action against Roskomnadzor executives, the opportunity to give a confession. The source stated the detainee is already providing incriminating testimony.

Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia will announce measures for Victory Day regardless of decisions made by Kyiv or its supporters. Peskov noted the decision rests with the head of state and will be implemented.

Moscow has removed the light-masking regime ahead of the May Day holidays. The city had previously remained without street lighting. The change follows a period where the capital operated under darkness for security purposes.

A report indicates that generals have allegedly stolen a total of 11 trillion rubles. The source noted this figure is intended to maintain long-term viability. Approximately 2 trillion rubles in cash have been withdrawn from Russian bank accounts by citizens over the last year and a half. The source stated that people are withdrawing funds to keep at home due to fears regarding the MOEX index. Despite resistance from banks, citizens are successfully extracting large amounts of cash. The movement follows concerns regarding possible internet integration issues that could prevent digital transactions. People are reportedly keeping cash at home due to fears of being unable to make purchases if digital systems fail. This trend occurs despite warnings that half of the money invested in securities could be lost.