Stories from Russia

A high-pressure sulfuric acid pipeline was struck at a large fertilizer factory in Cheryopovets, Russia. Regional authorities reported that the leak is currently under control. The facility is located approximately 500 kilometers north of Moscow.

The Kremlin press service reported on the participation of North Korean military personnel in operations to defend the Kursk region. The presence of the Russian Defense Minister suggests high-level strategic coordination. Russian commentators are discussing the potential for employing North Korean specialists within the Russian Federation. The discussion notes that such employment must navigate sanctions packages introduced in 2017. The possibility of outsourcing certain production processes was also raised as a topic of debate. Commentators are specifically discussing the employment of North Korean specialists in Russia and the potential for outsourcing production to navigate 2017 sanctions. While the exact involvement of North Korean personnel in the Donetsk and Luhansk republics remains uncertain, there is interest in North Korean-made weaponry.

Russian authorities are planning to implement changes to the EIS customs code to collect VAT from online platform sellers. The ministry stated that this move aims to level the competitive playing field between digital platforms and traditional retail. Industry representatives from the Association of Trade Companies and Manufacturers of Electrical and Computer Equipment have welcomed the proposal. Implementation is expected to begin as early as 2027. The Russian Ministry of Finance is considering implementing Value Added Tax (VAT) requirements for Chinese online sellers starting in 2027. Currently, local sellers face different tax obligations than international platforms. The proposal includes measures to strengthen AML (Anti-Money Laundering) controls over digital asset operations.

Russian users report that updating to the latest iOS version causes devices to become completely blocked following a restart. Media reports and bloggers have suggested the Telegram application as a potential cause for the malfunction. Telegram developers have categorically denied any involvement in the issue.

The number of workers recommended for layoffs in Russia has reached 105,000 people. Staff reductions are impacting 13% of organizations in Russia, according to SuperJob data reported by Vedomosti. The layoffs are affecting state and local government officials, as well as the social sector including hospital and education workers. Reductions in budget organizations are driven by treasury deficits. Commercial sectors are facing staff optimization due to slowing economic growth, declining consumer demand, and high central bank interest rates increasing costs. High central bank interest rates are increasing costs and negatively impacting the labor market. Experts express concerns that the percentage of layoffs will continue to rise throughout the current year. Experts anticipate an increase in layoffs across Russia throughout 2026.

Academician Chuchalin from the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University has demonstrated that hydrogen inhalations reduce the risk of thrombosis and stroke following COVID-19. A Japanese study involving 48 participants aged 76 plus observed that a group consuming hydrogen water showed different outcomes compared to a control group drinking plain water over six months. Patients in the study group consumed hydrogen-infused water to mitigate risks. Clinical observations indicate that participants using hydrogen water maintained better mobility, including the ability to walk independently and use stairs. Researchers suggest both hydrogen water consumption and inhalations can be administered at home. Research by Academician Chchalin suggests that specific inhalation methods can improve lung function and oxygen saturation.

Alisa Zuya and Artem Udaly won the mixed duet free program at the Russian Synchronized Swimming Championships in Yekaterinburg. Palina Sazonova and Sergey Samson secured second place in the competition. The event featured several players missing from recent matches in Kazan. Pasha Ismailov did not travel with the MBA MAI team to Kazan. Ksenia Efimova won the freestyle program at the Russian Synchronized Swimming Championship held in Yekaterinburg. She defeated Sofya Pershina by 7.5 points. Amalia Beloglazova took third place. The competition results for the men's category included Dmitry Kazarchuk in first, Sergey Samsonov in second, and Ilya Surzhikov in third. A match in Nizhny Novgorod set a record attendance of 18,535 spectators. Sofya Pershina and Malya Beloglazova placed third and second respectively. Vera Zvonareva reached the semifinals of a doubles tournament in Madrid.

Zenit Saint Petersburg has submitted a bid of 350 million rubles to acquire defender Kevin Andrade from Baltika. Insiders report that Kaliningrad-based clubs are also interested in the 26-year-old Colombian player, potentially offering 50 million rubles more. Additionally, Greek club PAOK is reportedly prepared to pay 3.5 million euros plus bonuses for the player. The club's upcoming match involves Uralmash Yekaterinburg, who finished 6th in the regular season. Zenit holds a 4-2 lead in head-to-head matchups this season. The last meeting between the teams occurred on April 7.

Scientists have drilled a 91-meter ice core from the Igan glacier on the Polar Ural mountains. Analysis of the core revealed porous, aluminosilicate spherules and high-carbon substances. These findings correspond to slagged waste from coal plants, indicating human-driven environmental impact in the Arctic region. The research, conducted by the Institute of Geography, aims to expand understanding of Arctic glacier formation. NASA and National Snow and Ice Data Center observations confirm the ice has reached its lowest recorded level. The reduction in ice surface area decreases the Earth's albedo, leading to increased solar radiation absorption and higher temperatures. This melting process threatens the habitats of polar bears, walruses, and whales. The loss of ice also exposes new shipping routes and mineral resources. Scientists note the melting accelerates as the ice barrier diminishes.

Rosnadzor head Anzor Muzaev reported that artificial intelligence successfully identified a student cheating during a state exam. Officials warn that students caught with such devices will be removed from exams and face academic consequences. Last year, three schools in Saint Petersburg allowed artificial intelligence to assist in grading test papers. In March, some schools in the Moscow region used AI to grade student notebooks. Experts suggest that while AI was used for checking, it is too early to determine if the technology will be expanded to high-stakes national exams. Signal jamming devices, costing between 100,000 and 2 million rubles, are being ordered by schools for use in classrooms. Educational institutions in Russia are increasingly purchasing signal jamming devices to prevent students from using technology to cheat.