Stories from moscow · Russia

A man identified as Oswald attempted suicide while seeking political asylum in Moscow. Radio Mayak discussed the historical context of Oswald, suggesting he may have been monitored or sent information to his residence in the 1960s.

Russia is observing the first annual Day of the Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of the Country. The holiday was established by a presidential decree on November 4, 2025, coinciding with National Unity Day. The broadcast noted that these groups often engage in traditional practices such as leaving offerings in bodies of water. The broadcast noted the observance of the day by Kim Andreev and Natalya Savina. The holiday aims to preserve the unique cultural traditions of rare ethnic groups such as the Setu, Udege, and Nivkh. The celebration focuses on maintaining the distinct customs of these small populations. The broadcast noted that indigenous groups often perform specific rituals, such as throwing coins or eggs into bodies of water, to appease local spirits.

A software factory has announced the postponement of its initial public offering due to current market conditions. The company stated it does not rule out returning to the IPO process at a later date. Funds currently blocked in investor accounts due to the application process will be released within the timeframe established by exchange rules. The business has proposed new measures to the government. Software Factory, a subsidiary of Softline Group, has postponed its planned initial public offering on the Moscow Exchange. The company stated the decision was driven by current market conditions and a deterioration in the external environment. This delay comes despite the company reporting that its order book was covered and investor interest was confirmed. The IPO was originally intended to take place by the end of the year.

President Vladimir Putin disagreed with explanations that the Russian economy's performance was due to having fewer working days in January and February compared to last year.

Rosobrnadzor has prohibited the physical inspection of students participating in the Unified State Exam this year. Dmitry Kazakov, a history teacher and union chairman, is set to discuss the development. A fourth-grade student injured a teacher with a cafeteria knife. Students reported being subjected to invasive physical searches during the 2025 Unified State Exam (EGE) in Russia. Reports include being asked to empty pockets, turn out clothing, and spin around to prove no prohibited items were being carried. Some students stated that school representatives were requested to witness and confirm the searches. The regulator prohibited the searching of schoolchildren in the entrance halls of exam centers. The guidelines also aim to provide methods for reducing student stress levels before examinations.

The Russian economy fell by 0.3 percent in the first quarter. This GDP data was presented by the Ministry of Economic Development in a recent report. The figure represents the economic performance for the first three months of the year. A reduction in the number of working days in January and February compared to last year contributed to the decline. Consumption slowed early in the year as households shifted demand to the end of 2025 in anticipation of rate hikes. This shift is described as a transfer of demand to the fourth quarter of 2025. Senior economist at Renaissance Capital, Andrey Milashenko, noted that annual inflation slowed to 5.62 percent. Milashenko stated that while retail and wholesale trade dynamics were excluded from certain growth assessments, February figures showed a decrease.

A company specializing in filing regulatory claims has collected over 360 million rubles in pre-trial settlements. The firm reported that more than 11,000 organizations agreed to pay out of court. The company operates as a retailer that shifts liability for product compliance onto suppliers. The total amount of payments has exceeded 360 million rubles following court losses. Wildberries paid approximately 9.6 million rubles in total settlements to various parties. One specific settlement involved a payment of nearly 10 million rubles to Japanese power tool manufacturer Makita regarding counterfeit issues. Individual compensation amounts in other cases ranged from 25,000 to 6 million rubles.

Russia is prepared to announce a one-day truce on May 9, according to reports following a telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Trump stated that Putin offered assistance concerning Iran's nuclear program. The Pentagon estimates the cost of the Iran war has already reached $25 billion, with costs expected to increase. Putin reportedly promised to assist Trump with US-Iran tensions, while Trump promised to assist Putin with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump noted that Iran is a primary concern for the United States in all aspects. The discussion included the effectiveness of naval blockades compared to bombings. Vladimir Putin stated that Russia does not rule out a ceasefire in Ukraine by May 9, the anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat.

Alexey Mordashov, owner of Severstal, has reached the top position on the Forbes list with an estimated wealth of $37 billion. Commentator Matveenko suggested that Mordashov should consider moving assets from offshore accounts into the Russian Federation. The comment was made in the context of current economic difficulties facing the country. Russia has increased the number of tracked diseases to 36. Since 2024, the country has implemented additional health screenings specifically targeting reproductive health for men and women aged 18 to 49. This initiative aims to monitor health during the childbearing period. The expansion is described as a milestone in public health protection. Federation Council Chairman Valentina Matviyenko suggested during a government session with Federal Tax Service head Daniil Egorov that Mordashov should assist the Russian economy during difficult times.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed mediating negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program. Trump is also weighing a reduction of American troop presence in Germany following the Iran feud. This follows criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding Trump's handling of the war in Iran. There are currently approximately 36,000 American troops in Germany. The US President stated that Iran must first open the Strait of Hormuz and lift the American blockade before moving negotiations to a later stage. The source noted difficulty in determining which party is being truthful. Additionally, Trump stated that Ukraine has suffered a military defeat in this war but is finding a way out through contact. Trump claims the proposal is his, while Russia asserts the idea originated with them.