Stories from Russia

Radio Kultura is exploring the concept of immortality. A host on Radio Kultura mentioned that Eugene Onegin, The Queen of Spades, and Mazeppa are his operas.

Roskomnadzor, Russia's media regulator, has launched an investigation into the TV channel 'Rossiya 1'. The probe concerns offensive language used by host Vladimir Solovyov towards Bonya during a talk show on April 16. Russian authorities are reviewing a television channel due to remarks made by one of its hosts. The reaction to a war now in Europe is being discussed, referencing a 12-day war from a year ago. The specific remarks and the channel involved are not yet clear.

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, a graduate of the Naval Cadet Corps born in Tikhvin in 1844, experienced synesthesia. He described his perception of sounds not just through hearing, but also visually, as shimmering colors, flashes, clouds, and patterns.

Severe weather in Central Russia has resulted in three fatalities and injured over 30 people, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations. More than 30 people have been affected in Moscow and its surrounding region due to falling trees. In the Moscow region, approximately 1,300 trees were downed. Over 500 vehicles were damaged by falling trees in the surrounding area. One resident reported seeing roughly 30 fallen trees within a small radius in the Preobrazhenskoye district of eastern Moscow. Approximately 110 trees fell, causing damage to city infrastructure and personal vehicles. Authorities issued an orange level alert, warning the population to avoid parking vehicles under trees due to the risk of collapses. More than 1,000 trees fell in Moscow due to strong winds and heavy snow. Airport and railway station flights also experienced delays due to the inclement weather.

President Vladimir Putin stated that power is not a tool for personal ambition but primarily a heavy responsibility. He noted that the system of special social guarantees for participants and veterans of combat operations and their families is expanding. Putin presented an Order of Honor to the Federation Council of St. Petersburg during a ceremony at the Olympic Reserve School. President Putin stated that upcoming state Duma elections must strictly adhere to the law, said that competitive campaigning should not disrupt legislative work. He also affirmed that the Ministry of Defense has ruled out forcing students to sign contracts, maintaining that voluntary enlistment is the key principle for joining the airborne forces.

A child has died and 31 people have been injured in weather-related incidents across Russia. The full extent of the damage and casualties is still being assessed. The event occurred in Moscow. Cleanup efforts are underway to remove over 4000 cubic meters of contaminated oil products and sludge from the Tuapse river area. The spill originated from a drone attack on a marine terminal. President Vladimir Putin said that internet restrictions are implemented to prevent terrorist threats and that authorities must explain the reasons for such limitations after they are imposed. He also reminded lawmakers that power is not a tool for personal ambition but a heavy responsibility.

A speaker at an event in St. Petersburg praised the effectiveness of Russia's bicameral parliamentary model. The speaker noted that members of the State Council of the Russian Empire, which was reformed 120 years ago, served the Fatherland and defended the people's interests. The State Council, then partially elected and possessing legislative powers, was considered a supreme state body alongside the Duma.

Discussions have occurred regarding international maritime law in the context of ongoing conflict. The Montreux Convention, established in 1936, was referenced as a foundational agreement for passage through the Turkish Straits.

Over 10 to 15 billion accounts, including emails, passwords, and phone numbers, are leaked annually and sold on the Darknet. These leaks often occur with passwords in plain text or weak hashes. Scammers actively use this data, even from old leaks, as people frequently reuse passwords across multiple sites and do not change them for years.

The Kremlin stated that it always discloses Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's phone calls with U.S. President Donald Trump. This statement follows Trump's claim of having had 'good conversations' with Putin regarding de-escalation efforts.