Stories from Russia

Residents of Kursk laid flowers at a site designated for a future monument to heroes who protected civilians from Ukrainian Armed Forces aggression. The ceremony included Kursk Governor Alexander Khinshtein, regional government representatives, military personnel, and local citizens. The event marked the anniversary of the region's liberation from Ukrainian forces. No specific casualty numbers or names of deceased were provided in the broadcast. General Allaudinov issued a statement regarding the Kursk operation on the one-year anniversary of the Russian army's control of the region. The announcement follows the April 26, 2025, date marking the end of Ukrainian presence in the area. The report noted that drone attacks near the Russian border necessitate the creation of a buffer zone to push threats away from the border.

A Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Yaroslavnefteorgsintez refinery in Yaroslavl. The attack caused a vacuum oil distillation unit to catch fire, triggering a blaze at the facility.

A museum in the Kulikovo Pole reserve is conducting experiments to restore the historical landscape of the area. The project aims to preserve unique natural environments that host dozens of plant species per square meter. Some red-listed herbs, such as feather grass, are being reintroduced to the steppe. The Kulikovo Pole State Museum is working to restore rare plant varieties including feather grass. Specialist from the Vavilov Institute identified genetic codes for ancient varieties of oats, barley, and spring wheat during expeditions. Researchers are studying the adaptability of these crops to pests and diseases. The Kulikovo Pole Reserve museum is restoring ancient wheat varieties in Tula. These historical grains reach heights of 1.5 meters and feature rigid stalks resistant to pests.

One person died and four others were injured during an attack in Isu, Vostochny. Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev reported that 34 apartment buildings were damaged in the districts of General Strykov Avenue and the northern side of Krabelnik. Emergency services are responding to the damaged residential areas. An attack in Isu resulted in one death and five injuries according to regional reports.

A pipeline leak in the Kursk region caused an acid spill that injured five people. The saltwater acid leak on a pipeline in the Vologda region has been liquidated. Vologda Oblast Governor Georgy Filimonov reported that a nitric acid leak on a pipeline has been contained. No dangerous chemical emissions have been detected following the containment. Some production buildings sustained minor damage during the incident. A drone attack damaged a sulfuric acid pipeline at the Azotft facility. Air quality measurements show no exceedance of maximum permissible concentrations and no hazardous emissions were detected. Five people were injured in the incident, with one individual reported to be in serious condition. The incident occurred within the territory of the nitrogen complex.

The Kremlin has not confirmed if President Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 summit in Miami later this year. This follows reports that President Trump intends to invite the Russian leader to the event. A Kremlin spokesperson stated that Russia would be properly represented at the summit but avoided a direct answer on Putin's personal attendance. The announcement comes amid ongoing international diplomatic discussions. Russia's attendance status at the upcoming G20 summit remains unconfirmed. No specific reason for the lack of clarity was provided by the spokesperson. This follows previous reports regarding US-Russia diplomatic engagement.

Several employees of X-MO are required to appear before investigators on Monday. The individuals are currently participating in the legal proceedings under the status of witnesses. It remains uncertain if their legal status will change following the questioning. Top managers at X-MO have been summoned by investigators in Moscow. Authorities are conducting investigations into X-MO executives regarding the frequent receipt of monetary payments. Top managers of X-MO are being interrogated by investigators regarding an extremist case initiated in 2025. Witnesses in the case have reportedly testified that these executives provided funds to individuals involved in the investigation. The specific purpose of these financial transfers remains unknown. Executives from X-MO are undergoing questioning regarding incriminating testimony filed against them.

The B-200 Altair jet-powered amphibian aircraft completed its first experimental flight after eight years of development. The aircraft is designed for firefighting, water search and rescue operations, and expeditions to remote areas. The maiden flight lasted 27 minutes before the plane landed. Factory workers reportedly met the aircraft with applause upon its return. Development of the prototype took 8 years from the initial design phase. Engineers spent 8 years developing the experimental aircraft from initial blueprints. It features a maximum range of 1,400 kilometers with a full load and a service ceiling of 8,000 meters. Crew commander training for this model requires five years of preparation. The aircraft is a twin-engine jet with a 1,400km range and 8,000m ceiling, capable of firefighting.

The Russian government is considering a bill to increase maximum compulsory third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) compensation. The current threshold discussed is 400,000 rubles. The Russian Ministry of Finance has submitted a bill to the State Duma to impose Value Added Tax (VAT) on marketplace sellers. Under the proposed legislation, online platforms would act as tax agents, collecting payments from sellers and transferring them to the state budget. This move aims to formalize tax collection within the digital commerce sector. The proposal aims to level the competitive playing field between online platforms and traditional retail. Following this, a general 22% tax rate will be applied to marketplace goods in the subsequent year. The Ministry cited planned changes to the EIS customs code as the driver for this shift.

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in over 230 agricultural territories in the Kuban region. The Krasnodar Krai operational headquarters reported that there is currently no direct threat to the population. Most flooded areas have seen water levels recede and roads have reopened. Over 100 personnel are currently engaged in rescue and restoration operations in the Belomorsk area. More than 100 people are currently engaged in rescue and recovery operations following flooding in Belomorsk.