Stories from moscow · Russia

The Russian Supreme Court has proposed softening penalties for illegal drug possession intended for personal use rather than sale. The Russian government has submitted an initiative to Parliament to amend the law on nuclear energy and the criminal code. The proposed changes would lift the current ban on the manufacture, storage, and use of nuclear weapons within the country. The report noted that Russian scientists have begun reviewing the initiative. The move follows discussions regarding Finland's plans to allow nuclear weapons transport in the region. The announcement was made during a broadcast in Moscow. New measures to combat drugs were adopted in Russia on March 1. Books mentioning any substances must now include necessary warnings. Political observer Dmitry Drize believes this new regulation creates further difficulties for businesses.

Yulia Grikova submitted two requests to organize a protest gathering against internet crackdown campaigns in Russia. Authorities rejected the requests and deployed police to issue Grikova a formal warning against protesting. Grikova stated she felt treated like a terrorist during the encounter.

A Turkish radio program features a discussion on life choices, career paths in dance and sports, and the importance of personal aspirations. The segment also touches upon historical context, referencing the year 1923 and the declaration of the republic. Literary works by Jules Verne are mentioned, including 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' and 'Around the World in Eighty Days'. A speaker on Radio Capital Italy mentioned playing a guitar and discussed various forms of entertainment including cinema, internet, opera, and the Vatican. No specific event or action was detailed. Radio Mayak is planning to discuss tasks related to animals, plants, and nature. The program intends to transition smoothly through a zoo, which is described as a wonderful place where everyone enjoys observing animals.

Singer Valeriy Obadzinsky, whose career declined after 1975, experienced a revival in 1991 after being found by a fan, Anna Yasenina. He became selective, refusing foreign tours and most new songs, eventually recording an album of Alexander Vertinsky's work. Obadzinsky cited pressure from officials and lack of creative freedom as reasons for his earlier withdrawal from the stage.

The share of luxury real estate clients aged 23-26 has increased by 15% over the last two to three years. This demographic includes individuals from creative professions, IT, digital specialists, bloggers, and heirs to family capital. The trend was reported by Vedomosti regarding the premium market segment. Generation Z buyers aged 23-26 are increasing their presence in the premium real estate market. This shift indicates a changing demographic in the premium property sector.

Russian authorities and a portion of society are debating the burial of Vladimir Lenin's body, with concerns over potential societal division and the significant annual cost of maintaining the body. The yearly upkeep exceeds 1.6 million rubles. Some advocate for Christian burial rites, as Lenin was baptized, while others believe the time is not yet right for a decision. Proponents suggest adhering to Christian rites due to claims of his baptism, while opponents fear social division. The annual maintenance of the Lenin Mausoleum currently costs over 1.6 million rubles. The ongoing debate involves considerations of public funds and the financial implications of various burial options. The historical and political significance of Lenin's remains continues to be a point of contention. No decision has been reached regarding the final disposition of his body.

The Russian government has approved legislative bills aimed at regulating cryptocurrency transactions. Additionally, the Moscow Exchange (MOEX) is planning to begin cryptocurrency operations starting in 2027. The move aims to create equal competitive conditions and standardized requirements across the industry. Analysts warn that sudden tax implementations or rapid regulatory shifts could pressure related sectors, including logistics and transport providers. There are concerns that abrupt changes may lead to market imbalances and reduced competition for sellers on digital marketplaces. Russia is moving to legalize cryptocurrency operations while simultaneously strengthening oversight and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) controls.

Russian athletes are participating in competitions under a unified flag. The context of this unified flag, whether it's a national symbol or an international designation, is not specified. The decision was reported by Dmitry Kolugin. This follows previous restrictions on athletes from these nations. Athletes must submit applications for this status to the World Boxing Federation's sports department. The federation stated it will cooperate with an independent third party regarding these decisions. These competitions include qualifying events and the 2028 Olympic tournament in Los Angeles. The Russian Judo Federation press service announced that 18 athletes will represent Russia at an upcoming Grand Slam tournament. The competition is scheduled to take place from May 8 to May 10.

The 2026 AI Awards will take place in Moscow on April 29. The event will use neural networks to determine winners among companies, universities, and individuals involved in artificial intelligence development and implementation. The event will feature a technological demonstration, an AI spotlight session, and presentations by industry visionaries. Beeline is the organizer of the awards, which will be held at the Central Business Space. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced a city graduation ball will take place at the VDNKh exhibition center on the night of June 27. The event is expected to last from the evening until 6:00 AM. Approximately 40,000 people are expected to attend the celebration. The festivities will include interactive, musical, dance, and sports areas, along with concerts featuring popular domestic artists and DJs.

Despite rising global oil prices and partial relief from US sanctions, Russia's oil revenue may not alleviate its fiscal problems. While the situation initially seemed beneficial for Moscow, China's significant impact from price escalations due to the Hormuz Strait closure suggests a more complex economic reality.