Stories from moscow · Russia

Approximately 200 people have had their Russian citizenship revoked under current mobilization laws. The State Duma will prioritize a bill to increase fees for migrants seeking Russian citizenship, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Peskov stated that measures are being taken to minimize potential risks. He also noted that the upcoming Victory Day parade will have a reduced format because the anniversary year is not a milestone year. The proposal includes an eightfold increase for citizenship applications and a fivefold increase for residence permits. The State Duma has passed 22 laws aimed at improving migration policy over the last two years. The report was provided by Alexey Lapty in the Zvezda media group information service. Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, announced the priority status of these legislative changes via his Telegram channel.

Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kakhim Jalali stated at a Moscow reception that the United States is not treating Iran-US negotiations seriously. This stance suggests Iran may follow a North Korean model regarding regional security and nuclear status. President Trump has responded by saying the blockade will not end until a deal is reached. Trump also suggested Iran could use unsecured telephone lines to communicate. Iran maintains that the fate of the Strait of Hormuz is permanently altered compared to pre-war conditions. The negotiation process is described as having all the signs of clinical death, with little belief that a compromise is possible in the near future without a change in key actors. US officials claim that only about 50 percent of infrastructure in certain areas is being utilized, potentially impacting oil transport capabilities.

Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kakhim Jalali stated in Moscow that Iran has achieved victory in the war imposed by the United States and Israel. Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Benjamin Netanyahu cease bombardments of southern Lebanese cities and Beirut. The move is linked to Hezbollah's alignment with Iran and efforts to stabilize the front. Negotiations involving Israel have been moved to the United States. Israeli governments are maintaining positions regarding territory annexation in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Benjamin Netanyahu's survival strategy involves navigating pressure from Donald Trump and the United States. Court hearings for Netanyahu's trial have faced further delays. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes on Hezbollah targets, and Donald Trump claims a three-week ceasefire extension was agreed upon.

Russia will observe a shortened work week from April 27 to April 30, 2026. Temporary accommodation centers have been prepared for residents in areas affected by recent industrial incidents. These scheduled four-day weeks will occur from March 9 to 12, May 4 to 7, May 11 to 14, May 15 to 18, and December 27 to 30. Additionally, a single six-day work week is scheduled from February 15 to 20. Major Russian banks are implementing artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance cybersecurity. The system identifies typical user behavior patterns to detect and flag anomalous actions. Cybersecurity experts suggest the measure is effective but warned of risks regarding false blocks. The tool's effectiveness depends on the system's ability to distinguish between normal user behavior and machine-driven activity.

Russian authorities are conducting a probe into several books, including works by authors such as Stephen King, Victor Pelevin, and Haruki Murakami, for allegedly containing prohibited viewpoints. The investigation follows reports of books being flagged by automated scanning systems for potentially violating censorship regulations. Some titles, including works by Grigory Oster, are under scrutiny for suspected ideological non-compliance. The Russian Book Union has been involved in the process of identifying these texts. In 2023, Russia's Supreme Court declared Oster's works extremist.

Smallest available mini-studios in Moscow's new residential developments are priced at 6.6 million rubles. Demand for small apartments and studios is expected to increase alongside prices in this segment. Konstantin Kovalev, managing partner at Vepster, noted that current construction policies regarding parking and space availability may impact supply. The market shows a trend toward smaller, more affordable living units in the capital. Small apartments and studio units in Moscow are seeing demand with prices starting at 6.6 million rubles. Experts from Metrium report that no new apartments or studios priced under 5 million rubles remain available in Moscow. Developers have ceased investing in small, low-cost housing projects. The last such unit was sold in March. This trend follows a shift in the primary market toward different housing types.

A Russian government commission has approved a draft project to regulate digital currency operations. Moscow Exchange (MOEX) aims to begin cryptocurrency operations starting in 2027. Kostin has called for the acceleration of cryptocurrency market legalization in the Russian Federation. The Central Bank of Russia is advocating for the convergence of cryptocurrencies and digital financial assets. New legislative efforts in Russia aim to legalize cryptocurrency operations while simultaneously strengthening state oversight and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) controls. Elvira Nabiullina has proposed expanding the responsibility for cryptocurrency operations, while the Federal Tax Service has identified the projected tax revenue from miners for 2025. The Russian State Duma has completed the first reading of a bill aimed at regulating digital currencies.

South Group plans to acquire 5 specialized robots for inspecting substations and energy infrastructure. The company intends to deploy an army of humanoid and other robotic systems to maintain a rapidly expanding high-voltage power grid. This deployment includes robots capable of managing electric vehicles and steering systems. The initiative aims to automate maintenance across various energy facilities.

Andrey Marchenko has been expelled from the Mozhaysky Military Space Academy. He was previously detained in late 2025. Authorities claim Marchenko's associate was aware of his fraudulent schemes and actively participated in them. The arrest is being characterized by some as a formality to preserve assets. Soldiers associated with Marchenko claim his wife was aware of his fraudulent schemes to avoid military service. The schemes allegedly involved faking injuries, such as breaking limbs, to secure medical discharge categories. Prosecutors have appealed the February 2026 bribery conviction of Andrey Marchenko, arguing the fine was too lenient. Bailiffs have seized assets Marchenko obtained through his actions. Many military personnel involved in the case remain missing. Marchenko was prepared for a fine in 2026 related to the funds he solicited.

The Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation has officially recognized Greenpeace as an undesirable organization.