Stories from moscow · Russia

The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) reported a drop in new orders. The company has not yet determined its long-term investment strategy regarding Russian messengers.

Russia has implemented a ban on Starlink imports as part of a nationwide effort to tighten internet controls. The restrictions reportedly target equipment used by groups such as Starlink as well as equipment for Chinese satellite groups. Analyst Aleksey Boyko from Inform Analytics noted that the specific wording regarding the list of prohibited items is currently unclear. The measure is set for a six-month period, with the FSB and Customs Service tasked with monitoring enforcement. Dmitry Borschevsky, a representative for Wildberries, criticized proposed regulatory and customs control initiatives in Russia. He stated that such measures appear to be an attempt to administratively remove foreign products from the market under the guise of consumer protection. Borschevsky noted that many product categories lack domestic analogues, which would shift costs to end consumers.

Russia is expanding free higher education quotas to include second higher education degrees for participants of the Special Military Operation (SVO). She gained academic knowledge, built professional connections, and developed intercultural competence during her studies and work in Russia. The graduate completed a bachelor's degree in international relations and a master's degree in politics, economics, and philosophy. The number of Europeans wishing to move to Russia has increased by 1.5 times over the past year and a half. As of today, citizens of European countries have submitted 3,400 applications for temporary residency permits in Russia. This is an increase from 2,275 applications by October of the previous year. Antiretroviral therapy, which suppresses viral reproduction using multiple drugs, now covers over 90% of patients.

Russian authorities have ordered domestic media outlets not to publish a video by influencer Viktoria Boni. The video, which has received many views, criticizes President Vladimir Putin.

President Vladimir Putin called for the reduction of bureaucratic barriers regarding compensation for those affected by flooding in Dagestan. The President said making decisions in favor of the people during any uncertainty.

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

A new bill has been introduced to the State Duma to regulate cryptocurrency operations. The legislation aims to address illegal crypto circulation, which is expected to become a criminal offense in Russia. Police report that cryptocurrency-related scams caused over $182 million in losses in 2025. Russian regulators have established the parameters for cryptocurrency regulation within the country. Russian authorities are considering a legislative project to legalize cryptocurrency operations while increasing state oversight. The initiatives are expected to add tens of billions of rubles to the national budget. However, experts expressed concerns that these changes could expand the shadow market. A government commission has approved a draft law aimed at regulating cryptocurrency operations in Russia.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs will implement a quality rating system for driving schools based on exam results. The evaluation will also include accident statistics involving graduates during their first two years of driving. New rules are scheduled to take effect on May 28. The ministry plans to publish these ratings annually in mid-February, with the first list expected next year. Auto insurers noted that novice drivers remain a high-risk group. Russia will introduce a list of performance indicators for professional driver training programs starting May 28. The agency stated that the first list will be published next year, with annual updates released in mid-February. Auto insurers noted they are beginning to monitor these developments. The curriculum will be taught to students in the fifth, sixth, and seventh grades.

The Russian government is introducing a new support measure for families with students. Payments are made once per year, and non-pensioners do not receive specific benefits or exemptions for these costs. This follows a tax increase implemented in 2026. The tax is paid annually and the increase is expected to be applied across the entire country. The stance comes amid ongoing regulatory discussions regarding digital assets. Children of participants in the special military operation are guaranteed budget-funded places in top universities. Residents of non-commercial horticultural associations in Russia will be able to pay reduced tariffs with a coefficient of 1.7. This tariff will not depend on whether the contract was concluded collectively or directly with the supplier, nor on the territorial affiliation to a city or village.

Russia has implemented a ban on Starlink imports as part of a nationwide effort to tighten internet controls. The reasoning behind the 1990 cutoff is questioned, as the text of older books has not changed. Exceptions apply for exports to EAEU countries and other states through designated airport checkpoints. The new regulation also allows for the annulment of residency if an individual does not live at their registered address for an extended period. Organizers must provide a 30-day advance warning before ticket sales begin. This information must be prominently displayed on posters, billboards, at ticket offices, and on social media. For television and radio advertisements, the warning must be at least 5 seconds long and not quieter than the main advertisement. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to 4 million tenge or 650,000 rubles.