Stories from moscow · Russia

Ukraine launched an attack on a semiconductor plant located approximately 30 miles from the center of Moscow. The strike occurred near the outer orbital A107 motorway, indicating a perceived weakness in Russian defenses.

Russia has expanded its fleet of LNG tankers, adding four vessels to its 'dark fleet'.

The Russian Government Commission approved a draft project for regulating digital currency operations. Russian authorities have determined the framework for regulating cryptocurrencies within the Russian Federation.

A strike force has frozen $580 million in cryptocurrency assets. These assets are linked to scam networks operating in Southeast Asia. This action comes as Bitcoin has fallen by half from its peak, with capital outflows from crypto funds recorded for four consecutive months.

Russia's current-account surplus significantly decreased in Q4 2025, falling to $9.2 billion from $13.8 billion in the previous year. This marks the weakest fourth quarter since the 2020 pandemic shock, indicating a decline in Russia's export performance.

The Russian government has approved draft bills for the regulation of cryptocurrencies. ZyAlpha has launched an AI cryptocurrency quantitative trading system as part of this trend. The proposal aims to legalize operations with cryptocurrency while strengthening control over the sector. A ban on cryptocurrency kiosks may be headed to Minnesota. The State Duma has introduced legislation to govern cryptocurrency transactions, with illegal circulation of crypto set to become a criminal offense. Police are warning of an increase in scam cases involving cryptocurrency transfers, with over $182 million lost in 2025. The Central Bank of Russia stated that cryptocurrency exchanges within the Russian Federation will only be conducted in non-cash form. The Moscow Exchange (Mosbirzha) intends to commence operations involving cryptocurrency starting in 2027.

The Russian government has acknowledged a decline in construction activity across nearly all regions of the country.

A fire occurred on May 17th on Amurskaya Street in Moscow, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. A fire has broken out in warehouses containing auto parts and paint and varnish materials in the Moscow region. The blaze covers an area of 3,000 square meters. The cause of the fire is not immediately clear.

A video discusses the importance of striking Moscow, with the implication that such actions are for Ukraine. Ukraine reportedly struck a semiconductor plant linked to Russian weapons production, along with oil infrastructure.

The Central Election Commission of Russia has delegated the powers of district election commissions for State Duma elections to regional and territorial election commissions. This change affects the 2026 elections.