Stories from moscow · Russia

Alexey Mordashov, head of Russian steel giant Severstal, has an estimated fortune of $37.1 billion according to a recent Forbes ranking. Mordashov is described as one of Russia's wealthiest individuals with close ties to the Kremlin. He has been subject to US and European sanctions since the start of the war in Ukraine. The report notes his wealth was built primarily in the steel industry. Russian businessman Andrey Mordashov is included on a list of personalities due to his proximity to the Kremlin. Mordashov leads the steel giant Severstal and has a fortune estimated at $37 billion by Forbes.

Tax payments from companies participating in a monitoring program fell fourfold to 7.5 billion rubles, according to Federal Tax Service data. This decrease occurred despite an increase of nearly 150 companies joining the program.

The World Boxing Federation has permitted Russian and Belarusian boxers to reduce their consumption of sugar, salt, and fats. The announcement was reported by Radio Rossii. Authorities in Russia have announced the cancellation of traditional May 1st parades across the country. The decision follows security concerns regarding potential interference from enemies during the holiday. The Ministry of Defense has reportedly planned security and protection measures for the event. The source noted that the government is taking these precautions because enemies have repeatedly promised to spoil the sacred event. The parade will be smaller than in previous years, such as the 80th anniversary which featured 80 aircraft and helicopters. The specific types of aircraft, such as Knights or Strezh, have not yet been confirmed.

President Vladimir Putin met with the head of the Chechen Republic in the Kremlin to discuss regional developments. President Putin discussed flood relief efforts in Chechnya during a conversation with Ramzan Kadyrov. The discussion also covered social and economic issues. Putin expressed hope that all necessary actions are taken to support affected people. Putin thanked Chechen residents for their assistance during the special military operation. He stated that 71,000 people are currently participating in the special military operation. The President described the participants as fighting bravely for Russia and Chechnya. Vladimir Putin praised the effectiveness of Chechen leadership in managing natural disaster consequences and expressed hope for Kadyrov's electoral support.

Ten Peruvian nationals have entered the Peruvian Embassy in Moscow. Embassy officials reportedly stated they lack the budget to provide travel passages for the individuals. The planned route for departure involves traveling from Moscow to Istanbul.

The Russian State Duma has prepared a new law to allow remote voting during general assemblies. Citizens with accounts on the Gosuslugi portal will be able to vote electronically. Those without digital accounts can vote online through Multifunctional Centers (MFC), according to the report. Svetlana Razvotni stated this procedure aims to remove management companies from the voting process. Anton Nikiforov, a partner at Texe Dwizer, stated that the new introduction will be adopted and that situations are inevitable. If passed, the law would take effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation would grant regions the authority to decide the fate of homeless dogs independently. This follows a 2023 decision by the Duma to delegate such powers to regional authorities. A 2018 federal law previously established a humane approach involving catching, sterilization, vaccination, and return.

The Russian Ministry of Defense published a list of European companies involved in joint weapons production with Ukraine. Russian Ambassador for Special Assignments Andrei Belausov stated that Russia is open to discussing ways to create a favorable atmosphere for disarmament. These comments were made during a review conference on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The ambassador noted that Moscow does not support certain aspects of the current framework. Special Envoy Andrei Belausov made the announcement at the Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference. Russia stated its readiness for complex discussions regarding the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference. Belousov also noted that certain forces in London and Paris reportedly considered transferring nuclear weapon components to Ukraine. The announcement comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The Russian leader condemned attacks on civilian objects within Russian territory, describing them as being instigated by European support. Kremlin assistant Ushakov reported the phone call lasted over 30 minutes and included discussions on the White House Correspondents' Association dinner shooting. Russian Presidential Assistant Ushakov stated that Putin supports Trump's recent decision regarding the ceasefire status in Iran. Russian President Vladimir Putin's assistant, Vasily Voshakov, held a phone call lasting over 90 minutes with US President Donald Trump. Russia is maintaining active contact with Iran, Israel, and the United States regarding regional issues. Russia intends to prepare for a ceasefire during Victory Day, according to Usakov, a move that Donald Trump has expressed support for. The conversation occurred on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Russian Special Envoy Radion Miroshnik stated that Ukrainian actions are increasing strikes on Russian civilian objects, including administrative buildings and passenger transport. The telephone conversation between President Putin and President Trump lasted for more than half an hour, according to Russian presidential assistant Usakov. Russian President Assistant Ushakov reported the telephone call between Putin and Trump lasted over 30 minutes and included discussions on the White House Correspondents' Association dinner incident. Putin expressed dissatisfaction with claims regarding Moscow's involvement with Iran during a phone call with Trump. Russian President's aide Ushakov reported the call lasted less than 30 minutes and covered the Iran ceasefire status and Ukraine. ground operations in Iran as a dangerous option.

A representative for Severstal stated the company is open to public discussion regarding corporate social responsibility. The company noted that a Forbes assessment regarding assets is hypothetical. Severstal clarified that all assets belonging to Alexei Mordashov are located within Russian jurisdiction rather than offshore. The company added that offshore holdings are unlikely given that both the company and Mordashov are under Western sanctions. Severstal and various businessmen are listed under Western sanctions, according to the report. The Russian service MAX.RU denied claims by an American company that its domain was flagged as spyware. MCNJ services clarified that the provider misinterpreted information and failed to conduct a factual code analysis. MAX.RU said that the service undergoes regular security audits and maintains its own cybersecurity center.