Stories from moscow · Russia

Sfon AI Director Amos Bordzhov reported that his four-person team spent $113,000 on artificial intelligence in a single month. The company is prioritizing investment in computing power over hiring additional staff. The firm aims to reach $10 million in annual revenue using a minimal workforce. AI integration is currently replacing traditional functions in marketing, legal, development, and support departments.

Hundreds of iPhone users in Russia have reported that their devices became non-functional following an update to iOS version 26.4.1. Users are reporting the issue to repair centers, describing the phones as 'bricks'. The specific cause of the software failure has not been identified. The report cites a increase in such complaints according to Russian media. Users claim the software update effectively turned their phones into 'bricks.' Reports of the issue have been documented by Russian media outlets as customers seek repairs at service centers.

The independent project Charon reported over 147,000 Russian soldiers killed or missing as of February 2026. Relatives are reportedly using these channels to exchange information and seek the truth about casualties. These groups are structured around specific army districts, regiments, brigades, and divisions. The initiative is driven by family members of those killed or missing in action. Russian prisoners of war face systematic screening by the FSB upon returning to the Russian Federation. The report notes that Russia is failing to adhere to international law regarding the rights of prisoners of war. Returning prisoners of war are subject to systematic FSB screening upon re-entering the Russian Federation. One instance involved a deserter suffering a broken leg during the FSB filtration process.

St. Petersburg Police Chief Ivan Dmitrievich Putilin is investigating a crime possibly linked to a costume rental shop. He visited Peniyagin's costume workshop on Bolshaya Dmitrovka and Lasheyev's workshop in Gazetny Lane. Putilin described a suspect who rented a costume for 10 rubles, noting the suspect seemed eccentric. A police chief in Moscow is investigating a costume rental business in relation to criminal activity.

Russian nationalists are criticizing the United States' new national defense strategy, which prioritizes containing China and defending its territory, while Russia remains a manageable threat to NATO's eastern members. The nationalists also express strong opposition to immigration and what they perceive as 'leftist' influences in the US, linking these to a perceived decline in traditional values. Russian nationalists have voiced criticism regarding US foreign strategy and immigration policies. Certain groups in Russia are reportedly permitted to express criticism of political and military decisions, including those made by the president. This situation is occurring amidst broader censorship and self-censorship within the country. Military correspondents have faced punishment for crossing undefined boundaries.

An alternative medicine specialist suggested that nicotine could treat cognitive issues, noting that approximately 0.01 milligrams of nicotine is equivalent to one cigarette. Nicotine is a psychoactive substance that stimulates brain processes, particularly dopamine release, which is for attention and concentration. Experts state that tobacco smoke, not nicotine itself, causes the most harm to smokers. Historically, nicotinic acid was used as medicine. Medical blogger Philipp Kuzmenko suggested that a campaign supporting nicotine would benefit the tobacco industry, which has invested in alternative products.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs issued an order to expand the scope of forensic examinations for law enforcement units. Specialists will now perform biological and theological expertise to identify fish species, physical condition, cause of death, age, and harvesting methods. This measure aims to increase the effectiveness of detecting and preventing illegal fishing activities at regional levels. Rosrybolovstvo is collaborating with the Rosgvardia and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to use drones for inspecting hard-to-reach areas. Last year, fishery inspectors conducted 130,000 control measures to combat illegal fishing. Illegal salmon poaching was estimated at 10% last year.

Aeroflot has commenced ticket sales for flights to the United Arab Emirates. The airline has lifted previous restrictions on flying through Iranian airspace to reach the UAE. The Russian Ministry of Transport maintains its recommendation against travel to the Middle East due to potential combat recurrences in the region. Aeroflot is offering 20-30% discounts on these new routes. Aeroflot has opened a separate registration desk for families with multiple children at Sheremetyevo Airport. The airline implemented the service at its primary hub in Moscow. The move follows discussions regarding potential benefits for families in Russia.

Biologists have achieved the ability to use microorganisms to synthesize paracetamol from the chemical compound paramine. The process involves pre-treating plastic waste into an intermediate product before microbial conversion. The resulting compound serves as a DNA building material and a key component for paracetamol production. This method utilizes microorganisms to transform waste into pharmaceutical ingredients. Researchers have successfully used microorganisms to synthesize DNA material and a necessary component for producing paracetamol.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has requested the judicial system to officially recognize 90,000 personnel as deceased. The case was detailed by journalist Elizaveta Mayetna in a report for the Real project. Russian forces have leveled the village of Hlyboke, located 30 kilometers from Kharkiv, near a reservoir. Reports indicate heavy casualties in the area, with soldiers entering combat in large numbers and few returning. Russian forces reached the settlements of Strelichyi and Hlyboke in May 2024. Hundreds of soldiers reportedly died on the battlefield in these areas. The village, previously a resort-style settlement near a reservoir, was leveled by May 24. One identified casualty is 28-year-old musician Yevhenii Pryakhin. A specific report details a soldier being sent to the front lines in Ukraine despite being part of a non-combatant orchestra.