Stories from moscow · Russia

The Kremlin announced on Wednesday that President Vladimir Putin is prepared to meet with President Zelenskyy. The proposal was communicated via Putin's assistant. Donald Trump expressed support for the initiative. The proposal aims to establish a truce during the holiday period. Vladimir Putin has informed his American counterpart of a readiness to declare a ceasefire regarding the Ukrainian conflict. The information was discussed in relation to international affairs. The move follows discussions involving Russian presidential international affairs assistant Yuri Shokov. Vladimir Putin reportedly proposed a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to Donald Trump for the May 9 Victory Day celebrations. Russian authorities expressed security concerns regarding the planned military parade in Moscow on May 9 and announced that heavy military equipment will not participate.

The State Duma has passed the first reading of a bill aimed at regulating the legal circulation of cryptocurrencies in Russia. This move follows warnings from legal experts regarding penalties for illegal crypto operations and potential restrictions on unqualified investors. The Federation Council approved a law for a federal experiment regarding retail medicine sales via mobile pharmacies. The pilot program is scheduled to run from September 1, 2026, to September 1, 2029. Under the new law, pharmacies will be permitted to trade medicines through mobile units.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized selective sanctions imposed by the International Olympic Committee, labeling them as a form of political corruption and engagement. He argued that the committee is ignoring numerous other global conflicts while targeting Russia. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions regarding Russian participation in international sporting events. Ilya Remislo, head of a Russian opposition movement, began criticizing Vladimir Putin and the Russian leadership in a Telegram channel post in March. Remislo is a pro-Western blogger, lawyer, and former member of the Public Chamber who was previously linked to denunciations against Alexei Navalny and other opposition figures.

The Central Bank of Russia announced that cryptocurrency exchanges within the country will be conducted exclusively in non-cash forms. This follows legislative discussions regarding the regulation of digital assets in the upcoming spring session.

Zyuganov, the leader of Russia's Communist Party, warned that a total economic freefall is inevitable for the nation. The President specifically requested analysis on why the trajectory of these indicators remains low. Russian equity markets are experiencing a period of depression as investors sell off growth stocks. The market is reacting to a contraction in the economy and overly cautious central bank policies. Investors are showing a lack of interest in new capital due to the shrinking economic outlook. Government bond markets and the ruble are also seeing corrections despite the announcement of a new budget rule effective in May. The meeting follows Araghchi's recent discussions in Islamabad regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities. This diplomatic engagement occurs amid ongoing international scrutiny of Iran's nuclear program.

Russian actor Nikita Kukushkin has publicly criticized President Vladimir Putin, describing the current political system as broken after 26 years of leadership. Russian television presenter Vladimir Solovyov questioned the effectiveness of Russia's air defense systems following an increase in Ukrainian drone strikes. Solovyov raised questions regarding the leadership's ability to intercept drones that are reaching locations such as Yekaterinburg. The commentator expressed uncertainty regarding who is responsible for the air defense systems. Russia is experiencing a deficit of classical artillery and ammunition, much of which was of North Korean origin throughout 2024 and 2025. These resource deficits present challenges for the formation of new military units and rapid mobilization efforts.

The State Duma has passed the first reading of a bill to regulate the legal circulation of cryptocurrencies in Russia. This legislative step could pave the way for the Moscow Exchange to begin trading digital assets as early as 2027. A new bill approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs' legislative commission will transfer control over migrants to law enforcement. Under the proposed law, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will gain the authority to approve a list of professions for foreign specialists that allow them to obtain residence permits without temporary residence permits. Experts suggest this document completes the process of moving migrant oversight under the wing of law enforcement agencies. Under the proposed change, companies would need to submit notifications for hiring foreign employees similar to resignation notifications.

Moscow is increasing centralized government control over domestic fuel supplies following recent refinery disruptions. This move aims to stabilize the market as refinery strikes impact production capacity. The shift toward state-controlled output could significantly alter energy security dynamics within the region. The Russian state has begun issuing directives to oil refineries regarding the specific types and quantities of fuel to be produced. This move toward state-directed distribution is described as an early manifestation of a planned economy within the fuel market. The report notes that the state is now managing distribution rather than market participants. The Central Bank of Russia announced that cryptocurrency exchanges must be conducted exclusively in non-cash forms.

Hygiene goods company Reckitt is developing a dedicated Russian unit to register intellectual property and manufacture products locally. This move is a direct response to increasingly harsh EU sanctions affecting international operations. The strategy aims to maintain a market presence despite the geopolitical climate. The unit features a thermal power of 315 MW. When paired with a second unit, it will enable icebreakers to navigate through ice exceeding 4 meters in thickness. The new units have been named Ilya Muromets and Dobrynya Nikitich. The Russian head of state has identified business as a guarantee for fulfilling national tasks, including defense. The state is maintaining a patriotic position to support participants in the special operation. The report noted that Western sanctions are affecting Russian business owners and their families up to the third generation.

Several Russian mobile carriers are reportedly unprepared to implement new surcharges for VPN traffic by the May 1 deadline. The delay was cited by sources in the business daily Vedomosti. This development could impact internet accessibility and digital privacy for users within Russia. The Ministry of Digital Development may postpone a planned fee on VPN traffic from mobile operators until September 1 or potentially until 2028. Mobile companies previously requested a delay from the ministry due to technical unreadiness for the May 1 implementation date. Minister Maksut Shaadayev previously stated the ministry is against imposing fines or penalties for VPN usage.