Stories from Russia

A Russian developer is selling large plots of land at discounted prices to settle debts. The company previously purchased these land parcels for future construction projects. A reduction in demand for new construction has impacted the company's ability to use these assets as bank collateral. The developer has expressed criticism of the Central Bank, though analysts suggest this may be due to a long-standing personal dislike rather than a specific economic indicator.

Russia has closed exports for grain, meat, and dairy products due to an ongoing quarantine. At least 198 civilians were affected by Ukrainian shelling between April 20 and April 26. Updated data indicates 174 people were wounded during this period. Impacted targets included residential buildings, medical and social institutions, commercial facilities, gas stations, and electrical distribution infrastructure. The use of industrial robots in Russia grew by 1.5 times over the past year. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced the increase. The statement was reported by Radio Mayak. The growth indicates an expansion in domestic automation capabilities. Russia has implemented an embargo on grain exports, impacting regions such as Egypt and Syria. The move has caused bread prices to rise sharply in areas where food security is a critical issue.

Vologda Governor Georgy Filimonov announced the closure of 125 alcohol retail outlets and vape shops in the Vologda region. The governor stated that all such locations were closed by the first of the month as promised. The announcement was made during a report on regional developments. The governor confirmed the total number of closed locations during a report.

The Rox Adamax flagship SUV achieves a range of 1,226 kilometers on a single tank and battery charge. The manufacturer stated this figure was calculated using the realistic WLTC cycle rather than ideal laboratory conditions. The vehicle utilizes an 'EREV' (Extended Electric Vehicle) sequential hybrid architecture where the electric motor drives the wheels. The vehicle includes technology designed to maintain battery charge at a specified level.

Russian forces may begin mobilization around or after May 9 due to a lack of tactical options. Officials suggest that increasing defense technology investment can reduce the overall need for human mobilization. Conversely, Ukraine is experiencing difficulties regarding the quantity of personnel available for unit recruitment. The broadcaster noted that stricter actions against draft evaders may be necessary. The source noted that urgent measures are required to address problems within the Ukrainian armed forces. It stated that conclusions regarding whether Ukrainians can counter the Russian initiative should be awaited in the coming months. The source noted that while chances exist to suppress Russian offensive impulses, it could not confirm if Ukrainians will seize the initiative.

The regional Ministry of Property and Land Relations announced plans to generate approximately 700 million rubles from the privatization of assets this year. The plan includes the privatization of 19 movable and immovable property objects. Specific locations for these assets include land plots in Feodosia, unfinished construction projects in Koktebel, and non-residential buildings in the Simferopol district.

Authorities in Russia are working on a plan to ban vapes across the entire territory of the country. The Federal Tax Service also reported the total tax amount to be paid by cryptocurrency miners for 2025. Police warned that cryptocurrency-related scams resulted in over $182 million in losses during 2025. Illegal cryptocurrency turnover is set to become a criminal offense in the country. Roststandart has approved new GOST standards for tobacco products, which are set to take effect in July this year. The requirements specify fiber width for different tobacco types, requiring more than 1 mm for pipe tobacco and less for cigarette tobacco. According to the agency, these specifications affect tobacco consumption during production and the levels of nicotine, tar, and other substances in smoke.

The minimum objective for Vladimir Putin is the capture of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. He is reportedly waiting for a collapse of the Ukrainian front and the exhaustion of Ukrainian forces to achieve greater goals. This strategy relies on current military capabilities to secure these specific territories. The source suggests Putin hopes to accomplish these minimum tasks using current military forces.

An analyst noted that importers may raise prices as the ruble weakens. The analyst suggested that inflation could provide a stabilizing effect, though the ruble is not expected to reach 70 per dollar and might move toward 60. Importer demand could potentially strengthen the currency further. The analyst noted that increased capital expenditures and non-essential imports are not expected immediately.

Russia could face resource exhaustion within a maximum of one and a half to two years under current conditions. The source noted that Russia lacks the immediate capacity to simultaneously supply weapons, equipment, and training for new divisions. Some personnel may be deployed immediately as cannon fodder while others undergo training. Russia is experiencing a deficit in artillery and ammunition, according to reports from Radio Svoboda. The shortage of munitions has been noted throughout 2024 and 2025. The country also faces a deficit in air defense systems. This follows the mobilization of 300,000 personnel to reinforce existing divisions and form new ones. Russian military experts are debating the location of a promised offensive while facing a deficit of conventional military equipment. The report also notes ongoing issues regarding the formation of new unmanned drone troops.