Stories from moscow · Russia

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.

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.