Stories from moscow · Russia

A new Ministry of Internal Affairs bill aims to transition the management of labor migration from social and labor regulation to state security and law enforcement. Migration specialists noted the bill concludes a long-term process of shifting control.

Russia's Prosecutor General has filed a multi-billion ruble anti-corruption lawsuit against Vadim Mashkovich, the founder of Rusagro. The agency is seeking to transfer their property and business assets to the state.

Vice-Premier Tatyana Gulikova stated that 126,000 pregnant women in Russia are receiving unified benefits today. According to Golikova, the number of children in the country has increased tenfold due to these measures. The average payment now reaches up to 96,000 rubles. These payments are calculated based on the regional subsistence minimum. The new benefit structure is set to take effect on May 11. Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Gulikova announced that maternity benefits for students have increased fourfold. Average payments for students are now reported to reach up to 96,000 rubles. The announcement comes amid reports of scammers targeting pensioners with fake pension increase schemes. Russian director Pavel Tolankin produced the documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin. The film documents the indoctrination of students at a Russian school during the war in Ukraine.

Former presidential candidate Vladislav Dovankov promised to distribute free Wi-Fi via volunteers using routers in backpacks during a party congress. Dovankov referred to these volunteers as "Wi-Fi fairies." The New People party remains in second place according to state FCO data from late March. The New People party has not faced prosecution for criticizing internet blocks as of late March. State polling recorded a rise in the party's popularity at the end of March, maintaining its position as the second most popular Duma faction.

Schlosberg faces mandatory labor requirements as part of a case involving foreign agent status. A court in Moscow upheld a sentence requiring Schlosberg Kutska to perform 420 hours of mandatory labor.

Ekaterina Duntsova, founder of the Dawn party, has called on Russians to use domestic methods like banging pots to protest for a free internet. The proposed method includes whistling, blowing horns, or playing music for 10 to 30 minutes between Monday and Friday. Dontsova stated she wants to avoid organizing uncoordinated protests to prevent putting people at risk. She has formally petitioned the President, the State Duma faction leader, the Federation Council, the Investigative Committee, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Prosecutor General to clarify the legality of these actions. The proposal involves citizens performing specific actions at 8:00 PM every weekday from Monday to Friday. The proposed action is intended as a symbol of the struggle for a free internet. The movement is not directed against the Russian authorities or Vladimir Putin personally.

Timur Mindich, a figure in a Ukrainian energy corruption case, reportedly suggested former energy minister Svetlana Grinchuk for the position of Ukraine's ambassador to the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is prioritizing security forces to conduct a crackdown on the digital space. The move follows a speech where Putin said the need to prevent criminal activities and terrorist attacks. The FSB reported on April 25 that it prevented a planned terrorist attack in Moscow. Officials noted that broad public information during such operations can damage investigative efforts. The law applies to any automated drone complexes or underwater drones in cases of attack or threat of attack against customs facilities. This measure follows reports of rising oil prices linked to the Iranian conflict.

The Public Opinion Foundation, which is close to the Putin administration, reported that the number of Russians feeling anxiety has exceeded the number of those feeling calm. This marks the first time in a long period that anxiety levels have surpassed calmness according to the foundation. The state-run FOM center previously recorded a major spike in anxiety following mobilization. This trend has been noted for seven consecutive weeks. Vladimir Putin is reportedly aware of rising anxiety levels among the Russian population. While state media and television have reported on this anxiety, the Kremlin appears prepared to prioritize security over maintaining the appearance of public support ahead of the Duma elections. Data from the Levada Center and the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM), which is close to the Putin administration, indicates a shift in Russian public sentiment.

Scammers are attempting to hijack personal accounts on the Russian State Services portal. Criminals use the SNILS number to request password recovery codes via SMS. Once the code is intercepted, attackers gain control over the user's personal account.