Stories from Russia

Writer and philologist Evgeny Vodolazkin has been selected to receive an award at the 15th International Platonov Festival of Art. The festival is scheduled to open on May 30 in Voronezh.

The Russian Ministry of Finance is supporting a proposal to introduce a 22% Value Added Tax (VAT). Data Insight analyst Sergey Symko stated the move could significantly impact consumers and multiple markets. Brick retail and major Russian marketplace sellers may benefit from the change, as they have advocated for the increase to address competition from Chinese sellers. Proponents suggest the move is necessary because Chinese sellers are viewed as sources of cheap imports, which may drive parallel import growth. The change could increase the administrative burden on customs or necessitate higher automation costs. According to YouMoney, one-third of Russians place international orders monthly, with 60% of those orders consisting of goods from China. Reports indicate that illegal acts committed by teenagers in Russia have increased by 10 percent.

The first hearing for the appeal of Andrey Samarian is scheduled for May 13 at the Saint Petersburg City Court. The source noted that his previous roles and duties were not classified as publicly or requiring financial declarations.

Former deputy heads of the Kursk region are to be tried in connection with the collection of 20 million rubles. The case involves a deputy and businessmen.

Units from the Eastern Military District held a mini-parade in residential courtyards in South Sakhalin to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory Day. A ceremonial guard company and a military orchestra performed wartime compositions and the song 'Victory Day'.

A law providing full state funding for the production and distribution of national animated films for children has entered into force. St. Petersburg will become a Bulgakov space as part of a festival. The Rolling Stones noted the upcoming release of an album.

Apple has filed an application to register a trademark in Russia for leather and imitation leather products. The proposed trademark class includes items such as leather goods, credit card holders, business card holders, and umbrellas for sun and rain.

FC Rostov has issued a denial regarding reports that the club might not complete the championship due to debts approaching 5 billion rubles.

Premier Shostin announced the allocation of approximately 1.5 billion rubles for the reconstruction of an automobile bridge in the Kaliningrad region. The funds are intended to accelerate work on the critical regional project.

An explosion occurred in a residential area in China, causing a partial building collapse. Three people were injured near the Persian Gulf. Further details are pending. The exact cause and the number of injured or deceased are still being determined.