Stories from Russia

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake was detected 140 km east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia. The USGS reported the event on June 20, 2026, at 03:49:06 UTC. The seismic event occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. The tremor had a depth of 16 kilometers and was recorded at 03:49:06 UTC on June 20, 2026. The tremor was felt in the surrounding region.

This comes amid reports of amounts of stolen funds being moved through cryptocurrencies. The specific timing and scope of these operations are yet to be detailed. This move comes despite the central bank viewing crypto as a risky asset. The proposal was mentioned by Kommersant FM, which also noted that the Central Bank of Russia had previously warned about the risks associated with digital currencies. Russian scammers moved approximately 300 billion rubles (around $3.4 billion USD) of stolen funds through cryptocurrency in 2025. Banks working with cryptocurrency will receive a separate prudential regulation regime. Several Russian banks are planning to launch cryptocurrency operations, according to reports. The Central Bank of Russia has decided to keep its key interest rate unchanged at 12%. The Ministry of Finance is preparing new rules for trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT.

The Bank of Russia lowered its key interest rate by 0.25% to 4.00%. The Central Bank of Russia stated it continues to view cryptocurrency as a risky asset. The new rate now stands at 6.00%. This marks the second consecutive rate cut by the central bank. This move follows calls from business leaders for a rate reduction. The rate was previously set at 4.25%. Analysts noted that the move limits further rate decreases. This marks the first rate reduction since July 2023. This move aligns with expectations for a reduction in borrowing costs. This reduction is attributed to accumulated effects of tight monetary policy and a convergence of supply and demand. The head of Russia's Central Bank stated that the space for further interest rate reductions has narrowed.

Russian officials reported that air defense systems intercepted nearly two hundred drones targeting the capital. Governor Andrei Vorobyev stated that fires broke out in Ramenskoye as a result of the attack. Air defense systems reportedly intercepted the unmanned aerial vehicles. A spectacular explosion at a fuel depot in Moscow on Thursday may have been caused by a Russian air defense missile, not a Ukrainian drone. The incident occurred on Thursday. The Moscow refinery was hit twice, striking the heart of Russia's war economy. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a drone strike that damaged an oil refinery in Russia. The refinery is located in the Krasnodar region. The report indicates that civilian casualties, including a child, may have occurred due to the attack. Russian media reported a large black smoke cloud rising from a Gazprom refinery in Moscow.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck near the Kamchatka Peninsula on Friday. A magnitude 6.3 earthquake has struck off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km. An M5.8 aftershock was recorded at 07:52 UTC.

Universities in Sochi have announced their admission requirements for prospective students. Applicants must submit a passport and consent to personal data processing, along with school certificates or college diplomas.

A truck carrying fruit was destroyed in the Belgorod region of Russia. The incident occurred in the city, with the truck reportedly catching fire. This incident occurred in a region bordering Ukraine. The Belgorod region has recently experienced increased cross-border activity. This incident follows previous reports of explosions in the region. A truck was destroyed in an attack in Russia's Belgorod region. The source did not specify the type of attack or who was responsible. Further details regarding the nature of the attack or casualties were not immediately available. The specific nature of the attack and the responsible parties are not yet clear.

A Russian MANPADS team engaged Ukrainian strike UAVs near Moscow on June 18, 2026. The engagement occurred while the team was positioned on a highway. Russian forces reportedly engaged Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near Moscow using man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS). This incident marks an escalation of aerial activity close to the Russian capital. The specific details of the engagement and any potential downing of the UAVs were not immediately clear. Russia's defense ministry reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were engaged and neutralized near Moscow.

Multiple explosions were reported in Russian cities, with at least one incident occurring in St. These recent events are part of an escalation between Russia and Iran. Several Iranian ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

Russian authorities have detained a port tycoon with ties to Vladimir Putin. The detention is part of a large anti-drug investigation that has also implicated musicians, actors, and major entrepreneurs.