Stories from moscow · Russia

A blogger claims he was forcibly hospitalized on the evening of March 18 after criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview with journalist Oleksandr Plusheve. The blogger mentioned previous work involving the presidential administration.

A Russian opposition portal reported that between 1,000 and 3,000 women were murdered in Russia due to gender-based violence. The report cited data from human rights activists. The source did not provide a specific timeframe for these figures.

Vladimir Putin called for ensuring the interests of domestic businesses are protected. The announcement was made during a broadcast in Moscow. Putin described the current period as a turning point in Russian history. He added that large companies are also being targeted by these measures. The statements address ongoing regional dynamics and diplomatic positioning. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed that businessmen make voluntary contributions to the state budget to fund the war in Ukraine. The proposal was made during a closed meeting with members of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in late March. Severstal has already canceled dividend payments for the first quarter of 2026 due to negative free cash flow. Alexander Shokhin, head of the RSPP, noted that while mechanisms for a windfall tax exist, many companies are currently operating at a loss.

Russia is reviewing the role of naval forces in the context of the Iran war. The discussion involves the allocation of 85 billion for naval funds. This includes the distribution of 18 large and 16 auxiliary ships.

The inclement weather also forced the suspension of micro-mobility sharing services and led restaurants to close outdoor terraces. Moscow restaurant business ombudsman Sergey Mironov stated that such weather can be for hospitality owners as guests remain indoors. Wind gusts reached 14 meters per second with temperatures at plus 4 degrees Celsius, according to Roshydromet. Alexander Mityukov, president of the Interregional Association of Courier Services, stated that while conditions complicate courier work, the situation is not currently critical. Moscow is experiencing temperatures 6 degrees Celsius above the climatological norm, with some districts reaching 3 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists state this anomalous warm weather is expected to persist throughout the following week. The warmth is attributed to a steady transfer of warm Atlantic air masses into the capital region.

The Federal Antimonopoly Service has initiated a proposal to introduce a single electricity rate for members of gardening and vegetable-growing associations. The document has been submitted to the Bank of Russia for review. The standard aims to establish uniform rules for insurance companies and borrowers. It prohibits companies from pressuring clients during policy sales and defines specific grounds for denying payouts, including military actions, state seizures, and intentional acts by the policyholder. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs is considering a project that would grant the agency the authority to approve a list of professions for internet access. The All-Russian movement 'Healthy Fatherland' has submitted a proposal to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to implement mandatory GOST standards for baby food.

Vladimir Putin stated that ensuring the security of all participants in upcoming elections is a top priority for Russia. During the meeting, Putin stated that Ukraine loses territory in the special operation zone every day. Putin claimed the opponent is unable to stop the advancement of Russian troops on the line of contact. The Russian leader noted that entrepreneurs are supporting frontline fighters and members of special military operation families. He called for businesses to maintain a patriotic position to assist in Russia's development goals. Russian forces are reportedly losing specific territories daily on the front lines. Drone strikes are increasingly targeting civilian energy infrastructure, which could lead to serious environmental consequences. Putin asserted that the 'Kyiv terror' strategy will not change the outcome against Russia.

The discussion mentioned that sound trademarks, such as a cat's purr or specific jingles, can be registered, but individual voices cannot.

Scientists at the Institute of Artificial Intelligence Development have developed neural networks capable of predicting weather and climate anomalies. Russian scientists have developed an AI model designed to improve weather forecasting accuracy by analyzing atmospheric imagery. The model was tested in diverse climates including Cork, Ireland; Manila, Philippines; and Chennai, India. Currently, the open-access version provides approximate five-day forecasts due to limited archival data. The source stated the model cannot yet fully replace existing systems as it continues to develop. Twelve class C solar flares and three strong M-class flares were recorded starting from midnight on April 28. The solar activity was documented by the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy at the Space Research Institute. Specific flare times included 15:23, 16:53, and 17:07.

Central Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiulina stated that the country is experiencing an anomalous labor shortage not seen in decades. Russia is experiencing internal and external pressures, including budget deficits and losses in personnel and equipment. Oil refineries are reportedly burning, and an ecological disaster is occurring in the Black Sea. Public dissatisfaction is rising due to network blocking measures. The source noted that while the current government faces few immediate threats to its power, the country is under strain. Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina stated that the Russian labor market is facing a record-high personnel deficit. Nabiullina noted that regulator decisions regarding the key interest rate include assessments of the labor market's condition.