Stories from Russia

Computer games are described as a means of erasing boundaries between the real and virtual worlds, leading to total exhaustion. The brain reportedly does not distinguish between real and virtual experiences. Children may become aggressive when parents also exhibit aggression.

The Board of Directors of Arina Data has recommended dividends for the past year and the first quarter of 2026, amounting to 6.43 rubles per share. The dividend yield is currently 6.3%. Shareholders will make the final decision at a general meeting on May 28. The joint-stock company Novobef has recommended a dividend payment of 10 rubles per share based on last year's results. The company's policy mandates distributing at least 50% of net profits as dividends. Novobef reported a 13% increase in profit last year, reaching 5.2 billion rubles. A specific date for the dividend payment has not yet been established.

A monument to poet Marina Tsvetaeva stands in Moscow, depicting her with fine features and wind-blown hair. Tsvetaeva is recognized as an honorary citizen of the city, and museums bearing her name are present.

A debate is occurring regarding the implementation of collective responsibility in modern schools. Concerns are raised about accountability when a child makes a mistake, with questions about whether teachers are unfairly blamed.

The Balmont family, including poet Konstantin Balmont, has roots in the city of Shui. The Tsvetaev family, including poet Marina Tsvetaeva, also originates from Shui. Marina Tsvetaeva's grandfather served and was married in a church in Shui.

Online marketplace Lamoda has acquired 90% of the clothing brand Selfmade. The remaining 10% will be retained by the brand's founder, Tatiana Kutsenko, who will continue as CEO. This marks the first merger and acquisition deal for the online platform. The deal was reported by Kommersant. The total deal value was not disclosed, but Fast Fashion's revenue doubled last year, with a net profit of 8 million rubles.

The Russian market has seen a decrease in the import of powerful cars since December, with a focus shifting to older, more nostalgic models. The new program is planned to start in 2027. This change was announced by the outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's associates, who are reportedly withdrawing assets abroad. Imports of BMW and Porsche vehicles in Russia increased 1.5 times this spring. Drivers are increasingly ordering classic European models from abroad to avoid high customs duties. A Porsche 911 can cost between 10 million and 30 million rubles after delivery and customs. New models are currently priced near 50 million rubles. Alternative imports currently account for approximately 15% of the market. Auto expert Salik Masseyev noted that demand for vehicles with up to 160 horsepower will persist as long as certain rights remain.

More than 200 birds have died along the Russian coast due to pollution. Traces of contamination were found near the coast. Separately, media reports indicate over 130 dolphins have been found dead off the coast of Sochi and other areas since March.

Roscosmos has released a satellite image showing a snow-covered Moscow. The image was captured by the Elektro-L and Arktika-M series spacecraft. The photo depicts a cyclone covering European Russia, most of Europe, the Black and Mediterranean Seas, Turkey, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. The peak snowfall in Moscow occurred this morning and is gradually weakening.

President Vladimir Putin attended a meeting of the Council of Legislators in St. Petersburg. The meeting took place at the Tauride Palace. Putin congratulated the parliamentarians on their professional holiday, said the historical significance of the date. The event marks 120 years since the start of the first authorized domestic parliament on April 27, 1906. His deputy, Igor Chaika, has been appointed as the new head of the Glavros cooperation agency, replacing Yevgeny Primakov who is stepping down. President Vladimir Putin urged parliamentarians not to focus solely on prohibitions and restrictions. Speaking at a council in Saint Petersburg, he stated that Russian legislation needs to be flexible and forward-looking. Putin believes excessive barriers hinder development. He also supported a proposal to postpone debt repayment for regions concerning budgets.