Stories from moscow · Russia

Russian authorities are implementing stricter restrictions on mobile internet and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) used to bypass state censorship. Approximately 330,000 bottles were in circulation before the block was implemented. The restriction is set to take effect on May 7 in Moscow. The blocking has led to a noticeable decline in marketplace sales, though exact statistical data remains unavailable due to non-transparent reporting. Denisov noted that while various sources exist, they are imprecise. According to the report, shelters have used police to bar inspectors from accessing facilities to check for violations. These inspectors previously held the right to visit shelters to document issues and report them to regulatory authorities. One-third of Russian companies now use hybrid formats for work correspondence.

The State Duma has passed the first reading of a bill aimed at legalizing and regulating cryptocurrency operations within Russia. Roskachestvo announced new standards that will include logistics infrastructure and digital intermediary platforms in their classifications. These new provisions are set to take effect on June 1 of next year. The announcement was made regarding the diversity of trading formats based on scale of activity. Russia has approved a new GOST standard to unify all retail trade formats into a single system. The document classifies trading objects based on floor area, product assortment, service format, and technological processes. Formats covered range from large hypermarkets and supermarkets to small kiosks and automated parcel lockers, according to Roskachestvo. New standards for logistics objects and digital platforms will take effect on June 1, 2027.

Russian authorities in Moscow have ordered schools and colleges to establish museums dedicated to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The directive aims to institutionalize the narrative of the conflict within the educational system. This move follows broader efforts to integrate military history into the national curriculum. The museum was founded by Anton Ovseenko, the son of a 1917 Russian Revolution participant. Ovseenko was a historian who wrote several books on Stalin during the 1980s. The museum's history includes a conflict between Ovseenko and future museum head Arseniy Roginsky. The move follows recent directives regarding historical education.

A successful launch of the Angara 1.2 rocket was recorded, carrying an unknown payload designated as Kosmos. The mission was completed during the early hours of April 23. The Soyuz 5 launch vehicle, described as the world's most powerful liquid-fueled rocket, successfully completed its first flight using a new engine.

According to Forbes Russia, the wealth of Russian billionaires increased by 11% in 2025. This significant growth occurred despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and heavy international sanctions. The trend suggests a high level of economic resilience among the country's elite during the conflict. Total revenue from the 20 largest hotel chains in Russia increased by 11 percent last year to reach 94 billion rubles. The growth is attributed to rising demand for domestic tourism and a shortage of quality room inventory. There are currently over 39,000 registered organizations in the sector, with 58 percent being individual entrepreneurs.

The total wealth of Russia's top five billionaires has surged to an estimated $696.5 billion. The Federal Tax Service is updating its approach regarding uncollectible amounts as part of these targeted changes. The adjustments are described as specific changes affecting particular groups of recipients. The payment for the first child is now nearly 729,000 rubles. For a second child, the amount has increased to approximately 963,000 rubles, provided the family did not receive a payment for the first child. Approximately 3 million families have already processed certificates for a first child out of 15 million families that received maternity capital during the program's duration. Vice-Premier Tatyana Golikova announced that maternity capital in Russia was indexed by 5.6 percent in February. Of these families, 3 million have already completed the necessary paperwork.

Russian authorities have detained dozens of Israeli citizens at a Moscow airport amid escalating geopolitical tensions involving Israel and Iran. The move comes as regional instability continues to impact international travel and diplomatic relations. The incident highlights the increasing risks for foreign nationals in the region. Her lawyer, Filipp Devel, stated she was imprisoned for displaying posters with messages such as "Russia is not our enemy" and "Remember Soviet soldiers." Novikova is the founder of the humanitarian organization SOZ Donbas. The lawyer described her actions as offenses from the perspective of the West.

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.