Stories from moscow · Russia

Mikhail Kovalchuk, president of the Kurchatov Institute, stated that Russia is one of only four nations capable of developing turbojet engines from start to finish. He emphasized that Russia has preserved its Soviet-era technical base while advancing to new levels of technological independence. This claim positions Russia as a major player in aerospace engineering alongside the US and France. The engines were previously tested on a flying laboratory. This flight occurred approximately three weeks after the initial test flight involving two PD-8 engines. The development is part of the MS-21 aircraft program.

The average cost for veterinary medical visits and vaccinations has increased due to rising drug and equipment prices. Experts suggest that cutting off from international traffic could lead to the degradation of development tools and internal systems. Inflation in Russia has reached double-digit levels, significantly exceeding rates in Germany and the rest of Europe. Some food prices in Moscow supermarkets have doubled, while others have increased by 20%. These price hikes have placed a heavy burden on people for the last two to three years. Maxim Rishkin, deputy head of the presidential administration, confirmed that Russia is experiencing a labor shortage. Sales of anxiolytics in Russia increased by 12% according to the Association of Independent Pharmacies. The number of psychostimulant packages sold decreased from 77 million to 74 million.

The independent project Charon reported over 147,000 Russian soldiers killed or missing as of February 2026. 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. Russian prisoners of war undergo rigorous filtration processes conducted by the Federal Security Service (FSB) upon their return. Following this screening, soldiers are returned to their military units.

A school in the Khamovniki district of Moscow, currently serving 400 students, faces potential demolition as part of urban redevelopment plans. The move has left a queue of approximately 1,000 students waiting for placements in a region already experiencing acute shortages in both private and state educational facilities. Local educators expressed uncertainty regarding the future of the teaching staff and the institution. The closure was not attributed to increased VAT, rising rent, or competition, according to the source. The business was launched using artificial intelligence technology.

A Russian financial entity has successfully transitioned to a fully domestic, import-substituted investment platform. The new system utilizes artificial intelligence to profile clients and investors, automatically generating tailored investment strategies and portfolios. This move is part of a broader trend of replacing foreign financial technology within the Russian market. The Russian Ministry of Construction reported that reconstruction and major repairs of nearly 600 communal utility infrastructure objects have been completed as of March 2026. Necessary funds for the continued modernization of all communal infrastructure have been allocated in the budget. A national program continues to collect applications from the public to support these infrastructure improvements. This development follows recent efforts to decouple from foreign aerospace supply chains.

Researchers at the Institute of Biology of Aging and Medicine in Russia have announced work on the world's first genetic drug to combat aging. It functions as a good thermal insulator, comparable to commercial insulation used in construction, and exhibits environmental friendliness. Further development could lead to its use as refractory insulation. The project was conducted by the Research Institute of Food Concentrate Industry and Special Food Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense. The technology allows the bread to be stored in specialized storage facilities for long-term use. While originally intended for astronaut food supplies, the development is being presented as a way to create long-term food reserves. The development focuses on keratin and laminin, which are key components in skin tissue recovery.

The head of VTB has called for the acceleration of cryptocurrency market legalization in Russia. This comes as the Central Bank reportedly maintains its stance against using cryptocurrency for payments or reserves.

The Russian government has approved bills to regulate cryptocurrencies. The proposal follows recent legislative activity in the State Duma. The Russian Cabinet approved a decree to establish agreements aimed at stabilizing the petroleum products market. The Ministry of Energy and the Federal Antimonopoly Service will sign these documents with 12 oil companies, including Rosneft, Lukoil, Gazpromneft, Surgutneftegas, Gazprom, and Tatneft. These agreements will regulate retail prices and the volume of motor fuel supply to the market. The move comes amid warnings that 45 million people face extreme hunger due to fertilizer shortages and reduced crop yields. The filing addresses criminal penalties for non-compliance with digital asset laws. A legislative proposal has been submitted to impose prison sentences for violations of cryptocurrency legislation.

Russian authorities have implemented tighter controls over the country's cyberspace, resulting in widespread disruptions and shutdowns of mobile messaging services. The move signals increasing state oversight of digital information flow. The Russian government has issued a ban on the import of certain operational equipment used for working with foreign satellites. The restriction targets terminals capable of transmitting or receiving signals from space-based communication objects. Exceptions will only be granted to devices where the importer has obtained a state commission decision regarding radio frequency bands. The ban also strictly limits the import of dual-use satellite components. Exceptions may be made for certain specific devices, according to the report. Russia has begun receiving a higher volume of potential dual-use goods from China, according to Bloomberg data.

Russian banks have seen an outflow of nearly 500 billion rubles, equivalent to approximately 5 billion euros, over the first three weeks of April. Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina faces constraints including a strained national budget and volatile oil revenues caused by Middle East conflict. The rate moved from 15% down to 14.5%. The rate cut is expected to make bank deposits slightly less profitable while credit remains expensive. Analysts cite a budget deficit and volatile oil revenues amid Middle East conflict as primary constraints. These factors prevent an active reduction of the key rate. The current economic situation is described as hitting a wall. The impact involves an estimated $80 billion loss or more. Major global energy companies like BP and others are mentioned in relation to shifting energy dynamics.