Stories from Russia

Residents in Kostroma were forced to keep deceased relatives in their homes over the weekend because the local morgue refused to accept the bodies. Municipal authorities recommended that residents stay in their homes and refrain from traveling during the weekend. The source did not specify the exact number of deceased individuals or the specific reason for the morgue's refusal. Local mortuary services in Kostroma are refusing to accept deceased individuals, forcing residents and relatives to store bodies in their homes until Monday. Municipal authorities have recommended that residents remain indoors and avoid sudden movements during the weekend. The government is investigating the situation and plans to punish those responsible.

The Russian Security Council reported a 16.7% decrease in total crimes during the first quarter of the year. Anti-war actions were described as individual rather than mass movements. The report noted that improved detection capabilities may contribute to the increase in recorded crimes. The source noted that a large portion of these crimes are committed via the internet. The increase in extremism is described as a method used to destabilize the country from within. The Russian Ministry of Health reported that HIV incidence rates have decreased by half since the launch of the national strategy. New testing methods covered 40% of patients last year and now reach over 90% of patients. The government allocated nearly 43 billion rubles toward HIV combat efforts last year. Officials predict HIV will no longer be a primary public health threat by 2030.

VTB Deputy Chairman Dmitry Pyanov stated that the group plans to complete the sale of GALS Development following the May holidays. Pyanov described the company as a very large asset and a step in freeing up immobilized capital. The announcement follows reports of Telegram service limitations in Russia since April 1, 2026.

A strong fire broke out at a construction site for luxury high-rise buildings in Moscow. Investigators from the Investigative Committee are currently questioning the construction company and the site manager. Previous reports indicated seven fatalities and 12 injuries. The fire occurred on the second and third floors of the building at the intersection of Vtoroy Ambulatorny Proyezd and Tretiy Baltiyskiy Pereulok. The death toll from a fire in a new residential building in Severny Mascov has increased to 8 people. The source stated the organizations were unaware of the fire plans. More than 120 personnel and 30 pieces of equipment were deployed to the scene, with aviation requested. Investigators and forensic experts have begun examining the site. The outcome of the investigation may be influenced by the country's economic situation.

The Federal Tax Service has provided more than 200 billion rubles in tax deductions in an automated manner since the start of the year. These funds are allocated for various sectors including roads, power, tourism, and electricity. The distribution is part of a larger fiscal project. Egorov stated the service implemented a mandate from the Federation Council to reduce processing times. In 2020, Russian citizens reportedly waited three to four months for these deductions. Approximately 150,000 servers were produced in 2024. Domestic server production exceeded imports by 3.5 times, creating a reported safety cushion. Academician Vladimir Serav provided these figures during a broadcast. New restrictions on importing computer equipment into Russia are set to take effect on May 27 to protect domestic producers.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) detained Ufa Mayor Radmir Mavliev and his deputies. Details regarding the specific scale of the bribery are still being investigated. The Mayor of Ufa, Mavliev, was taken to an investigative department for questioning on Tuesday morning. The current mayor of Ufa is 36 years old and previously served as the mayor of Niftekamsk. He will turn 37 in August. Investigative actions are being conducted in Ufa involving Mayor Radmir Mavliev and his deputy, Rustam Khaziev. The Mayor of Ufa, Mavliev, has been detained and taken to the Investigative Committee of the Bashkiria Investigative Directorate. The investigation involves the illegal alienation of a land plot measuring more than 1,300 square meters. The officials allegedly organized the unlawful transfer of a land plot exceeding 1,300 square meters located within a sanatorium territory.

Archaeologists working at the Vologda Kremlin have discovered 18th-century documents and artifacts during restoration work. The findings include documents from the Vologda Eparchial House. This restoration is part of the preparations for the 880th anniversary of Vologda next year. The exhibition at the Tretyakov Gallery featuring multimedia installations is open until May 11. Archaeologists in Vologda have uncovered relics of a rampart from the 11th century on Tumskaya Street. The findings include remains from the period of the second suburb and the riverbank. The discovery also includes an 18th-century human skeleton and ornate tiled stoves dating to the 15th century.

Russian sources noted the use of aircraft bombs equipped with universal planning and correction modules.

A crew operating an SO 34 functional supersonic fighter-bomber of the Aerospace Forces (VSO) conducted a strike on personnel and a temporary deployment point of a VSO unit. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated the strike utilized aerial bombs equipped with universal planning and correction modules. The attack occurred within the area of responsibility of the Western grouping of troops.

The New Jerusalem Museum will open an exhibition tomorrow dedicated to artist Konstantin Gorbatov. The display will feature 80 graphic and pictorial works by the master. The exhibition will also include multimedia installations and a scenographic zone referencing historical interiors.