Stories from Russia

The economic sustainability of the 'one-employee billion-dollar company' model is being questioned due to high computing costs. Industry discussions highlight that real computational expenses are often obscured by investor subsidies. While some telemedicine projects like Medviz report projected revenues of $800 million, questions remain regarding the use of unverified data and non-existent doctors. AI still requires human oversight to function effectively.

Sfon AI Director Amos Bordzhov reported that his four-person team spent $113,000 on artificial intelligence in a single month. The company is prioritizing investment in computing power over hiring additional staff. The firm aims to reach $10 million in annual revenue using a minimal workforce. AI integration is currently replacing traditional functions in marketing, legal, development, and support departments.

Hundreds of iPhone users in Russia have reported that their devices became non-functional following an update to iOS version 26.4.1. Users are reporting the issue to repair centers, describing the phones as 'bricks'. The specific cause of the software failure has not been identified. The report cites a increase in such complaints according to Russian media. Users claim the software update effectively turned their phones into 'bricks.' Reports of the issue have been documented by Russian media outlets as customers seek repairs at service centers.

The independent project Charon reported over 147,000 Russian soldiers killed or missing as of February 2026. Relatives are reportedly using these channels to exchange information and seek the truth about casualties. These groups are structured around specific army districts, regiments, brigades, and divisions. The initiative is driven by family members of those killed or missing in action. Russian prisoners of war face systematic screening by the FSB upon returning to the Russian Federation. The report notes that Russia is failing to adhere to international law regarding the rights of prisoners of war. Returning prisoners of war are subject to systematic FSB screening upon re-entering the Russian Federation. One instance involved a deserter suffering a broken leg during the FSB filtration process.

St. Petersburg Police Chief Ivan Dmitrievich Putilin is investigating a crime possibly linked to a costume rental shop. He visited Peniyagin's costume workshop on Bolshaya Dmitrovka and Lasheyev's workshop in Gazetny Lane. Putilin described a suspect who rented a costume for 10 rubles, noting the suspect seemed eccentric. A police chief in Moscow is investigating a costume rental business in relation to criminal activity.

The Russian military's Northern grouping reported the destruction of 29 heavy combat artillery systems and 32 command posts over a 24-hour period. The report states that over 190 items were destroyed, including 14 vehicles, artillery pieces, and mortars. Additionally, the military claims to have neutralized 37 command posts, 3 communication stations, and 4 field ammunition depots. These operations were part of ongoing combat actions by the Northern grouping.

Russian nationalists are criticizing the United States' new national defense strategy, which prioritizes containing China and defending its territory, while Russia remains a manageable threat to NATO's eastern members. The nationalists also express strong opposition to immigration and what they perceive as 'leftist' influences in the US, linking these to a perceived decline in traditional values. Russian nationalists have voiced criticism regarding US foreign strategy and immigration policies. Certain groups in Russia are reportedly permitted to express criticism of political and military decisions, including those made by the president. This situation is occurring amidst broader censorship and self-censorship within the country. Military correspondents have faced punishment for crossing undefined boundaries.

An alternative medicine specialist suggested that nicotine could treat cognitive issues, noting that approximately 0.01 milligrams of nicotine is equivalent to one cigarette. Nicotine is a psychoactive substance that stimulates brain processes, particularly dopamine release, which is for attention and concentration. Experts state that tobacco smoke, not nicotine itself, causes the most harm to smokers. Historically, nicotinic acid was used as medicine. Medical blogger Philipp Kuzmenko suggested that a campaign supporting nicotine would benefit the tobacco industry, which has invested in alternative products.

Figurines from Malta and Burete in Siberia, dating back to approximately 500-300 thousand years ago, have been found with micro-particles of green and blue pigments. These ancient artifacts, along with other items like shell engravings and bone beads, indicate early human appreciation for aesthetics and adornment. Some figurines appear to have been adorned with patterned belts or straps.

Archaeologists are investigating a discovery suggesting that flint was transported over distances of 60-80 kilometers to a site. The flint found is from the Cretaceous period, which is geologically present at the Kostenki site. This indicates a sophisticated procurement system for tool-making materials among ancient populations.