Stories from Russia

Andrey Marchenko has been expelled from the Mozhaysky Military Space Academy. He was previously detained in late 2025. Authorities claim Marchenko's associate was aware of his fraudulent schemes and actively participated in them. The arrest is being characterized by some as a formality to preserve assets. Soldiers associated with Marchenko claim his wife was aware of his fraudulent schemes to avoid military service. The schemes allegedly involved faking injuries, such as breaking limbs, to secure medical discharge categories. Prosecutors have appealed the February 2026 bribery conviction of Andrey Marchenko, arguing the fine was too lenient. Bailiffs have seized assets Marchenko obtained through his actions. Many military personnel involved in the case remain missing. Marchenko was prepared for a fine in 2026 related to the funds he solicited.

The Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation has officially recognized Greenpeace as an undesirable organization.

XMO publishing house announced that authors Evgenia and Roman are required to appear for interrogation by investigators on April 27. Russian authorities are investigating publishers for the alleged distribution of books deemed extremist by the Supreme Court. The investigation focuses on whether publishers knowingly sold materials categorized as LGBT extremism. Authorities are seeking to prove conscious involvement in the distribution of these materials. This requirement applies to any literary work mentioned in connection with such substances, regardless of the specific technical context. The new regulations are being implemented following recent legal shifts in the country. Large electronic publishing houses are expected to be the primary entities managing these compliance checks.

The Iranian foreign minister is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow tomorrow. The meeting will be facilitated by a Pakistani mediator. Discussions will focus on the progress of ongoing negotiations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow maintains readiness to continue dialogue with the United States regarding the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. Lavrov noted that Russia remains faithful to the opposition it outlined in response to a Washington proposal during the Sametone-Alaska meeting. He expressed confidence that the American negotiating team, specifically mentioning Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, remembers the established conditions. The statement comes as the Russian government seeks to clarify its position on potential negotiations. The statement was made during a broadcast on Radio Komsomolskaya Pravda. Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a willingness to discuss a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that European security architecture is impossible without Russian participation and consideration of its interests. Russian officials have criticized European politicians for adopting a line of 'total Russophobia' by labeling Russia as the primary threat to European existence. The Kremlin maintains that such characterizations are unwise and erroneous. The statement was made in Moscow. No specific timeline for these concessions was provided. Russian President's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is an inseparable part of Europe and cannot be a major threat to the continent. Peskov urged Ukraine to show the determination necessary to reach a peace agreement. He noted that Ukraine will face increasingly difficult choices in the future.

Cyberattack scenarios targeting small and medium businesses are becoming increasingly accessible and profitable. Basic ransomware attacks are estimated to cost approximately $200. Phishing infrastructure and panels are priced between $150 and $158. Attackers can achieve high profit margins through median ransom payments.

Russian Football Union (RFU) investigators uncovered a match-fixing scheme involving Chernomorets players. Reports indicate defenders were paid 2 million rubles to influence game outcomes. Additional players allegedly received 500,000 rubles to facilitate the scheme. A criminal case has been opened regarding the unlawful influence on sports competition results.

Authorities in Tuapse are removing over 3,000 cubic meters of soil contaminated by petroleum products. The contamination followed a Ukrainian drone attack on a maritime terminal. Cleanup efforts involve 26 pieces of equipment and more than 130 personnel. Specialists and volunteers are working to address pollution along the Tuapse river downstream, the water area, and the Black Sea coast. Regional operational headquarters report the contamination currently remains local in nature.

Diplomat Basarok Chuji has traveled to Russia to conduct meetings aimed at protecting national interests amid external threats. The Kremlin confirmed the visit but did not specify the exact meeting location. Ambassador Kozem Djelaloli reported the movement of the head of the diplomatic department. Over 100 energy worker brigades are currently working to restore power in the Leningrad region following a recent storm. The visit is expected to take place in St. Petersburg on Monday. The visit aims to protect national interests against external threats and includes a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg.