Stories from moscow · Russia

Russia and African nations are creating a joint laboratory to mathematically estimate the volume of reparations owed to Africa. The strategy aims to link the African market to Russian industry to offset the limitations of a 150 million person domestic market. The initiative includes targeted training of local personnel. The strategy focuses on supporting African development to create long-term profitability for Russian companies. However, the source noted a tension between long-term goals and the immediate need for rapid revenue. The approach involves transitioning from simple sales to helping African nations develop their own industrial capacities. The report noted that wages and prices are rising alongside this growth. The economic expansion is attributed to a war economy.

The Russia-Africa Summit is scheduled to take place on October 28 and 29. Preparations for the forum are currently underway following a decree signed on March 25. An organizational committee is being formed to manage the event.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 4 regarding a large-scale fraud case involving Vadim Mashkovich and Maxim Basov. The case includes several other individuals and two commercial organizations.

In Russia, 46 percent of doctors prescribe semaglutide for diabetes treatment. Additionally, 41 percent of doctors prescribe the drug for weight loss. The medication is also known by the trade name Ozempic.

New quality criteria for dietary supplements went into effect in Russia on May 1. The rules aim to increase market transparency and product quality. The restriction is effective immediately and will remain in place for six months. Oversight of the ban is assigned to the Federal Customs Service and the FSB. Oleg Kapranov, head of a Russian newspaper technology project, noted that the technology's keys are currently outside Russian jurisdiction. A person can now only be stripped of their residency status following a court decision that deems their registration invalid. The new rules apply to specific cases regarding the validity of registration. New Russian government regulations have introduced quality criteria for biologically active dietary supplements.

The Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia has limited the operator certificate of airline ISH-Avia until July 28. The decision follows a preventive visit that identified violations.

The head of VTB Bank has called for the acceleration of cryptocurrency market legalization in Russia.

A Peruvian woman reported that her 25-year-old brother died in Russia after being injured by a bomb. A soldier named Dmitry Zhizhin reported paying 1 million rubles for a quad bike and being extorted at least 50,000 rubles every month while on the frontlines. A project by the publication Verstka has compiled a database of more than 100 Russian commanders accused of extorting subordinates. The report alleges these commanders demand bribes, impose illegal levies, or rob personnel under their command. Commanders who refuse to pay are reportedly removed from their positions. The investigation also includes commanders accused of using torture or sending soldiers on high-risk 'local assaults'. New reports indicate that the extortion involves commanders who also use torture against subordinates to demand money.

Former Russian President and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dimitri Medvedev commented on the assassination of pilot Maxim Kusminov in a television interview. Medvedev stated that the perpetrator of the brutal murder remains unclear. He suggested that the nature of the attack reflects a specific pattern of retribution. Intelligence expert Holger Schmidt warned that such operations are difficult to track as the perpetrators remain unknown. The incident is being compared to the Mika Eka case due to similar methods. The comments follow the shooting of Kosminov in an apartment garage.

The Feynes agency has been granted the right to write off uncollectible citizen debts without a court order. The new rules regarding the removal of debts for payments with expired collection periods take effect today.