Stories from Russia

An exhibition dedicated to items from Prince Yusupov's collection of Far East porcelain will open on April 29th at the Arkhangelskoye Museum. The exhibition will feature 87 items from the museum's archives, including vases and bowls displayed in the palace's formal dining room. Some of these items are only accessible to the public through exhibition projects.

Moscow is expected to receive over a third of its monthly rainfall on Tuesday, with 11 millimeters predicted. April 27th is celebrated as the Day of Russian Parliamentarism, established by a federal law signed in 2012. On April 27, 1906, the State Duma, Russia's first parliament, began its work in St. Petersburg. Moscow experienced rainfall over the past 24 hours, receiving half of its monthly precipitation average. Temperatures will remain cold, ranging from minus 1 to minus 6 degrees Celsius. The precipitation will include sleet, driven by gusting winds up to 80 km/h, creating a sandblasting effect.

A local resident in Russia has been fined for publishing the number 666, which authorities deemed as demonstrating international Satanist symbolism. The court considered a photograph of a cat with markings resembling Adolf Hitler's mustache and hairstyle as Nazi paraphernalia. The individual admitted guilt. The fines are a consequence of actions deemed to promote Satanism within the country. A Russian court has issued its first criminal sentence for the demonstration of banned symbols. The case involved a publication on VKontakte featuring a photo of Adolf Hitler and a selfie wearing clothing with pentagrams. Investigators classified the symbols as belonging to a non-existent international Satanism movement recognized as extremist in Russia. Two deputy commanders were sentenced to five and six years in a penal colony for abusing their official powers.

Europe is openly discussing preparations for conflict with Russia, increasing military presence in neighboring countries. Three nations have joined NATO's PURL initiative to procure weapons for Kyiv. Ukrainian forces have suffered losses attempting to hold positions near Huliaipole. Russia's Security Council stated that NATO countries are systematically militarizing. The council also claimed that the Western policy of neo-colonialism will lead to energy deficits, unemployment, and hunger. They believe the global security architecture has been dismantled by the West. The timeline for this preparation is estimated to be within two to five years. The source noted that military stockpiles are unlikely to remain sufficient for long-term needs.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to consider the psychological pressure on nuclear workers. The directive specifically targets the decrease of documentation requirements. This aims to alleviate administrative burdens on workers in state-funded institutions.

Russian border guards have been granted permission to search electronic devices of individuals crossing the border. This measure is part of increasing censorship in Russia, where penalties can be imposed for publishing on any topic. This development is being discussed by human rights defenders, lawyers, and civil activists. This measure was reported by the state news agency TASS. Previously, three employees of publishing houses were accused of distributing extremist literature for publishing a novel about a pioneer's love for a counselor. The Supreme Court of Russia declared the novel extremist in 2023. This policy was confirmed by broadcasts from Moscow.

The sixth season of the 'We Are Together' award is now accepting submissions. This award recognizes individuals and projects that contribute to making the world a better place, including those who help children, the elderly, and defenders of the homeland. The broadcast encouraged participants to share their stories and projects.

Radio Sputnik announced its broadcast from Moscow, with the time being 1 PM in Moscow, Luhansk, and Tskhinvali. Rin Prodin is the host in the studio. The program is titled 'V etom vypuske'. The radio station Govorit Moskva will broadcast a weekly review on June 5 in Volgograd and June 9 in Kaliningrad. The program will analyze the main events of the past week, their causes, and consequences.

Russian President Vladimir Putin receives daily briefings on all incidents related to drone attacks in Russian regions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the military and special services determine the source and geography of threats. They also decide on the necessary measures to counter these threats. Vladimir Putin noted the work of emergency services following drone activity involving approximately 300 aircraft-type drones.

A discussion on Radio Kultura highlighted the decline in mass production of awards and badges, a common practice during the Soviet era. Modern factories typically produce these items only on a custom order basis, lacking the state-commissioned system that facilitated large-scale production in the past. This shift means fewer such items are produced compared to the Soviet period.