Stories from moscow · Russia

Reports indicate that Russian forces have deployed Kenyan mercenaries to participate in suicide assaults on the battlefield. This development comes despite official Kremlin promises to cease the recruitment of foreign fighters. The use of these mercenaries highlights the ongoing, evolving nature of personnel recruitment within the conflict. These groups have also been claiming attacks in Niger, Benin, and Nigeria. Other local branches of the Islamic State are also active in the region. Russian mercenaries operating in Mali to support the military junta have confirmed their withdrawal from the strategic northern city of Kidal. Russian-aligned forces known as the Africa Corps are continuing combat against rebels in various regions of the country. This fighting follows the seizure of strategic military bases by rebel groups.

Russia is set to stop allowing the transit of oil from Kazakhstan to Germany through pipelines under its control. This move is expected to impact energy flows and supply chains between Central Asia and Europe. The decision follows ongoing geopolitical tensions regarding energy infrastructure and transit rights. The remaining portion of its output consists of petroleum products. This supply level is noted in the context of demand exceeding current supply capabilities. The report suggests Russia cannot increase international market deliveries significantly due to existing obligations.

The head of VTB Bank has called for the acceleration of cryptocurrency market legalization in Russia. This follows the State Duma's first reading of a bill regarding cryptocurrency circulation, though the Central Bank reportedly does not yet consider crypto for payments or reserves. However, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina has not supported the introduction of cryptocurrency as a means of payment in the country. He stated that keeping cash under pillows does not benefit owners or the national economy. According to the source, 48 percent of the population currently keeps their savings in cash. Siluanov suggested investing in securities, stocks, bonds, or investment institutions instead. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov called on citizens to move money out of cash savings and into investment instruments.

A Russian government commission has approved a draft project to regulate digital currency operations. This move aims to formalize the legal framework for cryptocurrency within the country, following suggestions from Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina to expand liability for crypto-related transactions. The legislation introduces new regulatory frameworks for digital assets. Analysts suggest the impact of new taxes on operations may be less than the current global cooling of the blockchain market. The move follows discussions regarding the impact of market trends on investor attitudes toward blockchain technology. The legislation aims to address illegal crypto circulation by making certain transactions a criminal offense. The Opora Russia association has proposed an amendment to laws governing pawnshops to allow them to accept digital currency and digital rights.

Members of the Russian State Duma have proposed a lifetime ban on purchasing cigarettes for individuals born after 2008. The legislative move aims to curb smoking rates among younger generations. This proposal follows ongoing discussions regarding public health and addiction prevention in Russia. The State Duma has proposed a method to combat 'trash streamers' by requiring social media platforms to block pages of extreme content creators. The deputy chairman of the Information Committee stated that this approach is the most realistic. The proposal involves platforms managing the removal of such content themselves. A new draft document aimed at increasing market transparency has been submitted to the Bank of Russia for review. The proposal prohibits insurers from pressuring clients or using hidden incentives to sell insurance policies.

The Russian State Duma has passed a bill in its first reading to regulate the legal circulation of cryptocurrencies within the country. While the bill moves forward, the Central Bank of Russia is reportedly not considering cryptocurrency for use in payments or as a reserve asset. A bill requiring the mandatory registration and labeling of domestic pets has been introduced in the State Duma. The authors of the initiative state that these measures will help locate lost animals more quickly and reduce the number of homeless animals on the streets. The government had previously proposed a tracking system to increase owner responsibility. A draft law has been prepared in the State Duma to transition housing owner meetings in apartment buildings to a fully electronic format. The bill aims to exclude the requirement for traditional in-person voting.

The State Duma has passed the first reading of a bill aimed at legalizing cryptocurrency circulation within Russia. The legislation seeks to establish a formal framework for crypto transactions while simultaneously increasing state oversight and control over the market.

Russian steel giant Severstal reported first-quarter profits that beat market forecasts, marking a nearly 400% increase year-on-year. Analysts describe the situation as a crisis in the Russian market driven by weak and falling demand. Demand for metal products fell an additional 15 percent during the first three months of the year. This represents the third consecutive year of declining demand. Severstal metal production fell by another 15%, reaching a relatively weak level. Severstal's free cash flow is currently in the negative. This follows a late March meeting where Vladimir Putin proposed that businessmen make voluntary contributions to the budget for the war in Ukraine. The cancellation of a state housing program in Russia has led to a decline in construction activity.

Estimated Russian military losses from February 24, 2022, to April 23, 2026, include over 1,100 personnel, 58 artillery pieces, and 1,941 UAVs. The exercises aimed to confirm the high combat readiness of groupings and the effectiveness of a unified command system, with a focus on protecting the Union State's borders. Four of Russia's five largest beauty retailers reported losses exceeding 1 billion rubles each. The affected companies include L'Etoile, Rive Gauche, L'Obu, and Podruga. Analysts attribute the systemic crisis to a shift toward online shopping and the lack of licenses for popular brands like Chanel. Experts are awaiting government decisions regarding market adaptation and business optimization. The retailer Zolotoye Yabloko remains the only major player showing growth by targeting younger demographics through digital marketing and new brand assortments.

The Russian government has approved several bills aimed at regulating cryptocurrency within the country. Under the proposed changes, data on such operations will be disclosed at least once per month. Additionally, information regarding exchange-based transactions will be transferred directly to trading platforms. Issuers will be permitted to submit targeted requests, according to the report. The proposed legislation suggests prison sentences of up to 10 years for such offenses. The Central Bank of Russia is preparing rules to legalize crypto-investments while maintaining a ban on payments. State Duma deputies have proposed prison sentences of up to 10 years for attacks against medical workers and ambulance drivers performing their duties. The lawmakers stated that such unlawful actions against emergency personnel have been occurring with increasing frequency.