Stories from Russia

The Moscow Exchange is considering the commencement of cryptocurrency trading operations by 2027. A bill has been introduced to the State Duma to regulate cryptocurrency operations, following government approval of projects regarding cryptocurrency circulation in Russia.

The Russian government has approved new legislative bills aimed at regulating cryptocurrency. A bill regarding cryptocurrency regulation has passed its first reading in the State Duma. Reuters reports that Sberbank is preparing loans secured by cryptocurrency. Real estate purchases in the United States may now be partially paid for using cryptocurrency. New legislative movement in the State Duma aims to regulate cryptocurrency operations as lawyers raise concerns regarding asset division. Legal experts are warning about the increasing use of cryptocurrency to hide assets during property division. Russian officials, including Aksakov and Kostin, are calling for accelerated legalization of the cryptocurrency market.

Avangard Omsk defeated Yaroslavl Lokomotiv 3-1 in the second match of the Gagarin Cup semifinal series. Vasily Ponomarev, Domir Sherebzyanov, and Andrew Paturalski scored for the winners. Andrey Sergeev scored the lone goal for Lokomotiv. The match was interrupted for 20 minutes following mass brawls during the first and second periods. Avangard Omsk now leads the series 2-0. In the Continental Hockey League, Zenit defeated their opponent 87-62, though the game was intense for 15 minutes. Avangard lost to Omsk 1-3, while Metallurg Magnitogorsk beat Ak Bars Kazan 4-2. Metallurg's victory is considered deserved.

The West Siberian Administration for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring issued storm warnings for four regions due to rising temperatures. The Novosibirsk, Tomsk, and Kemerovo regions, along with the Altai Krai, face worsening flood conditions. Rapidly rising river levels are expected to threaten several settlements with flooding. Authorities are monitoring the situation as warming trends continue. Rapid rises in river levels are expected, creating a threat of flooding for several settlements. The warnings follow forecasts of environmental changes in the area.

Russian officials are considering the abolition of traditional school homework assignments. The proposal follows the widespread availability of artificial intelligence tools capable of completing academic tasks instantly. Anzor Muzaev, head of the Rosbardzor, stated in an interview with TAS that the current homework system is losing effectiveness. The discussion aims to address the impact of neural networks on educational efficiency. Anzor Muzaev, head of Rosobrnadzor, stated in an interview with TASS that Russia is discussing the possibility of canceling school homework. Roskomnadzor head Anzor Muzaev stated that Russian schools are discussing the potential cancellation of traditional homework assignments. He noted that neural networks can now instantly complete any exercise assigned to students. Konstantin Tkhostov, director of Lyceum No.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov compared Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's international actions to a character from a Krylov fable. Lavrov stated that Zelensky's behavior resembles a small dog barking at an elephant that remains unbothered. The comments were made during a response to journalist Pavel Zarubin regarding Zelensky's nuclear rhetoric toward US authorities. Russian officials used the metaphor to characterize the perceived insignificance of Ukraine's diplomatic pressure.

Soviet actor Lev Shimelov has died at the age of 96. The cause of death was reported as a stroke. Shimelov was a prominent figure in Soviet variety entertainment and worked at the Moscow Musical Theatre. He will be buried at the Vagankovo Cemetery. Russian People's Artist Robert Lepedevsky has died at the age of 89. A preliminary funeral ceremony is scheduled for April 30 at the Novodevichy Cemetery, according to TASS reporting on his family. Lepedevsky was a founding figure of the television program 'Spokoynoy nochi, malyshi' and served at the Puppet Theater. He was known for his work in puppetry and roles such as 'Conferencier Aplombov'. The source noted he dedicated over 65 years to the stage.

The Preobrazhensky district in Moscow became the leader in premium new construction sales in 2026. A high ratio of available units to sales in specific areas indicates developers are struggling to move inventory. Analysts from Incomnedvizhimost reported on secondary market apartment prices in Moscow. The Vostochny district recorded prices of approximately 203,500 rubles per square meter. The Beryuleva-Zapadnaya district averaged 205,000 rubles per square meter. Other affordable districts identified include Beryuleva-Vostochnaya and Krasnaya. The median price per square meter for new builds in Moscow's Central Administrative District exceeded 1 million rubles at the end of April. This represents an increase of nearly 27 percent compared to the same period last year, according to a study by NKUM Real Estate. Growth was also noted in the South-Western District.

Water levels in the Don River near the Azov-Rostov region may reach above 600 centimeters by Monday night due to wind surges. Northwest winds are expected to strengthen to 5-10 meters per second with gusts up to 15 meters per second. Barometric pressure is forecasted to drop to 728 mm Hg. Temperatures are expected to fall sharply to between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius in the evening. These meteorological changes may impact individuals sensitive to weather shifts.

Two separate forest fires ignited in Crimea on Sunday. One fire occurred in the Bakhchisaray district, while the second broke out near the village of Semiz in the southern part of the peninsula. Emergency services from the Ministry of Emergency Situations for the Republic of Crimea have localized the Bakhchisaray fire to 2 hectares. The Semiz fire has been localized to an area of 250 square meters. Authorities are currently investigating the causes of both blazes. A second fire was reported in the Semeyske settlement on the southern coast of the peninsula. Local news agencies confirmed the incidents.