Stories from Russia

Boyar families within Novgorod used their wealth to influence the veche, a popular assembly. They generously offered money before veche meetings. According to chronicles, these individuals gathered a crowd of commoners and others who identified themselves as the sovereign of Great Novgorod to influence the veche. Ivan III condemned four boyars, including Borretsky and Fedorov, to exile for alleged violence. Less culpable individuals were fined 1500 rubles. The boyars were accused of violence and sent into exile with Marfa's son, Fedor Borretsky. It was unclear if the fire was accidental or arson. Some groups in Novgorod accused Ivan III of arson, which was deemed a mistake. Those involved in negotiations with Moscow were killed.

A Mercedes-Benz W140, also known as the 'S-Class' or 'Kaban', with a 5-liter engine in ideal condition can cost between 50,000 to 80,000 euros in Europe. Similar models with a 4-liter, 165-horsepower engine are valued around 30,000 euros. The average age of passenger cars in Russia is 16 years. In the first quarter of this year, Russians bought 14% more used cars compared to the same period last year. Sales of new cars are growing at a more modest pace.

Senior Soviet officials were unable to process unfolding catastrophes, with some exhibiting denialism endemic to the state. This confusion stemmed from an inability to believe the evidence of their own eyes during engulfing catastrophes.

Rabbits have gnawed the bark off apple trees, leaving them with no bark remaining. The damage is circular, and the wounds on the trunks may never heal, even if the trees survive. The gardener has planted new apple trees as a result of the damage.

A report indicates that Russia has 48,000 homeless military officers. A job vacancy for a cleaner with a salary of 100,000 rubles has appeared on the Superjob portal. The description states this is after all taxes have been paid. There are few applicants for the cleaner position, even at this salary. The Ministry of Defense stated that the professionalism of drone system specialists allows for the identification and destruction of targets even in unfavorable weather conditions. Russia is strengthening the protection of its armored vehicles from drones, enabling operators to destroy targets unimpeded. The Ministry of Defense added that over 80 people were evacuated in southern Kazakhstan due to rising water levels. The specific amount mentioned is 200,000 rubles for student families. This initiative aims to support families of those serving in the military.

The year's warmest and driest March on record was followed by April returning to normal meteorological conditions. Cyclones brought cooler temperatures and rain, replacing the dry and hot weather of March. This shift was attributed to air masses from the north. After the warmest and driest March on record, April has returned to normal meteorological indicators in Moscow. April's average temperature in Moscow was 5.8 degrees Celsius, nearly 1.5 degrees below the monthly climate norm. The temperature in Moscow is expected to reach up to plus 15 degrees Celsius. For the first time in two weeks, the capital's temperature will return to within the climatic norm. Moscow will experience partly cloudy skies with clearing weather. The daytime temperature will be around 15 degrees Celsius, which is close to the climatic norm for this day in May.

The mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin, reported that drones were detected and neutralized over the capital. A diplomat stated that NATO and the EU have noticeably intensified attempts to control logistical routes in the Baltic Sea since the start of the special operation. This incident occurs amidst ongoing hostilities where Russian forces have also claimed Ukrainian losses in the Kharkiv Region and struck Ukrainian defense facilities. The report mentioned 175 servicemen were involved in active operations. Starlink terminals can be purchased in Russia starting at 50,000 rubles, but they will not function within the country. The drones were reportedly downed over the Belgorod region. Unmanned systems and strike drones were used in the operations. Air defense systems shot down another drone flying towards Moscow.

Mikhail Gorbachev, who took power in 1985, insisted on full openness about the Chernobyl accident. However, initially, there was a lack of adequate information to release to the public.

Kira Putina, the younger daughter of Vladimir Putin, has been appointed to lead a new artificial intelligence faculty at Moscow State University.

The production of Russian tea in Europe involved a process that was simple and reliable. Young fireweed leaves were dried, scalded with boiling water, then rubbed and dried again, either in the sun or an oven. This mass was then mixed. Old-timers said Ivan Chai not only heals the body but also strengthens the spirit. A samovar with the drink was constantly on the table and was a source of strength. During lean times, peasants could subsist on Russian tea alone. Russian tea was a source of strength, enabling peasants to maintain their work capacity even during times of famine. Numerous legends have formed around Russian tea. A study by the EMS analytical center, cited by Ru newspaper, reveals that 55% of Russian respondents consult a doctor only occasionally regarding biologically active food additives.