Stories from moscow · Russia

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.

An executive order has been issued for the seizure of assets belonging to former Rosnano head Anatoly Chubais, totaling approximately 5.5 billion rubles. The company argued that over half of the original inspectors were employees from the higher-level authority conducting the second check. The Russian state is moving to transfer companies to state corporations, according to reports from Interfax. Authorities stated that strategic enterprises within the holding were under foreign control. The supervisory body is also contesting 2024 transactions regarding the company's re-registration in Russia. Lawyer Kira Karuma, representing Alexander Galitsky, stated that state assets were seized following a court decision on March 23. The state is acting as the owner of the property and will distribute the assets as it sees fit.

Russian authorities are looking to increase employment quotas for veterans of the Special Military Operation (SVO) with disabilities. A veterans organization in Moscow discussed the creation of a ministry dedicated to combat veterans. Valentin Ososkov, chairman of the Moscow strategic missile forces veterans council, noted that similar ministries exist in developed nations. Ososkov cited the United States, where a veterans ministry has operated since 1989. The Ministry of Digital Development has submitted a bill to the State Duma allowing defrauded clients to receive compensation from banks or operators. Under the proposal, operators must return funds if it is proven a theft occurred following a call or SMS that violated requirements. Banks would be required to return money if an operation was deemed suspicious but was still processed.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained a citizen accused of acting on behalf of Ukrainian terrorist organizations. The individual was allegedly involved in a plot to bomb the Russian Ministry of Defense. This development highlights the escalating intelligence warfare and security threats between Russia and Ukraine. Federal Security Service (FSB) officers detained 49 Russian citizens in Moscow who were allegedly planning terrorist attacks in Crimea. The agency confirmed the arrests on Wednesday morning. The suspect reportedly intended to assassinate the head of a law enforcement agency on behalf of Ukrainian intelligence services. Russian Federal Customs Service officials, working with the FSB and Ministry of Internal Affairs, arrested a suspect on April 28.