Stories from Russia

The concept of 'Never Again' in memory museums regarding the Gulag and historical repression has faced devaluation since the 2022 full-scale invasion. While some projects were suspended, new expositions were opened in 2023 through a memory fund established by the Gulag Museum.

The Russian President stated that security and counter-terrorism issues are gaining special significance due to the upcoming election campaign. The President also addressed those denying the historical rights of Donbas and Novorossiya. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the Republic of the Congo and Russia. The report was provided by Guilem Deltay in Jerusalem. The program for Wednesday includes a meeting with Vladimir Putin. The visit aims to reinforce ties between the two nations. Authorities are reportedly preempting any public expression of discontent ahead of the upcoming elections, which are still six months away. The founder of the 'Dawn' party, Ekaterina Duntsova, called for Russians to protest for a free internet by banging pots. The government has indicated its disapproval of such actions.

Russia faces a severe budget deficit and potential financial crisis due to high dependence on oil revenues. The oil export share has decreased by 4.4% compared to seven years ago. The source noted that the Zarif-led oil sector has sustained damage.

Russian-produced goods are losing competitiveness due to being overwhelmed by Chinese products. Low investment in civilian research and development is also impacting the sector. High interest rates in Russia are further limiting investments in the civilian economy. These factors contribute to broader economic challenges within the country. Russian products are also facing increased pressure from Chinese imports. Industrialization in Russia is currently concentrated in the civilian sector in Moscow and across the country. The Russian Central Bank is discussing a labor shortage caused by an exodus of 1.5 million people. This figure is alongside 1.3 million people involved in the war. The 1.5 million people represent approximately 1% of the Russian population.

An arrest warrant for Butyagin was issued based on an international arrest order, according to Kommersant FM. Russian archaeologist Aleksandr Butyagin was exchanged with Belarusians for the release of Andrzej Poczobut.

Maxim Oreshkin, an economic advisor to Vladimir Putin, stated that Russia is returning to a planned economy.

VTB reported first quarter results showing a slight decrease in net profit, though the figure exceeded market expectations. Investors are currently awaiting news regarding 2025 dividend payouts, specifically whether they will be 25% or 50% of net profit.

An expedition working with Italian colleagues discovered a hoard of coins dating back to the era of Alexander the Great. Only approximately 30 examples of these coins are known to exist globally. Four or five specimens have been located in the UK, while the remainder were found in Scandinavia or the Baltic region. The coins were originally created as a religious tool to seek divine help against Viking aggression.

Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya stated during a Security Council meeting that Moscow sees no results from the Peace Council's work regarding the gas sector.

Blogger Ilya Remeslo stated that while he does not expect a revolution in Russia, he anticipates something resembling a palace coup. Remeslo noted that decisions regarding the designation of foreign agents are made by the Presidential Administration and security forces. He added that the opinion of security forces has become the most factor in these decisions. Remeslo claimed to communicate with various individuals, including members of the administration and the government. Internal political divisions are causing confusion, with hardliners reportedly causing friction. The situation is described as potentially leading to a state-level collapse, according to the report. A blogger stated that decisions regarding foreign agent designations in Russia are increasingly driven by security services and the Ministry of Justice.