Stories from Russia

Sibur plans to launch the first phase of a catalyst factory in Kazan by 2027. The investment for the production of rhodium catalysts will exceed 11 billion rubles. Executive Director Pavel Likhovich stated that documentation for remaining production lines is currently under development. A decision regarding the additional lines is expected in the near future. This follows a period where the company saw a 6% revenue decline in 2025. The company's net profit for 2025 was 1 billion rubles, the first such figure since 2012.

A recent legislative initiative in Russia proposes providing free school uniforms to children from large families. The proposal follows discussions regarding the redistribution of prices for essential versus luxury goods. This initiative aims to support families with multiple children through state-provided resources. The specific implementation timeline for the uniform program was not detailed in the report. Dmitry Gusev, a deputy from the Just Russia party, has proposed creating a 'white list' of verified Russian users. This list would consist of individuals whose phone numbers are linked to confirmed accounts on the Gosuslugi state services portal. The proposal aims to ensure these users do not face mobile internet disconnections. This comes amid a legislative push in the State Duma to guarantee digital rights, including internet access and anonymity.

Vyacheslav Volodin stated that no law should take effect without the approval of the State Duma. He described this requirement as an unshakeable rule. The comments follow the 120th anniversary of the first State Duma session held on April 27, 1906. The remarks were made during a discussion regarding parliamentary authority.

The Moscow Exchange aims to begin operations involving cryptocurrency starting in 2027.

Vladislav Grib has proposed extending the Russian school year by two weeks for students.

Russian Foreign Ministry special envoy Andrey Belousov stated that US-led dialogues on strategic stability appear unrealistic and unclear. He noted that no decisions have been made in Moscow to launch new negotiations with the United States regarding these issues. Belousov said that specific conditions must be met before Russia considers resuming dialogue on strategic stability. The comments were made during an interview regarding a conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Emergency responders and volunteers are working to liquidate an oil-related emergency in Taupinsk. The head of Taupinsk reported that engineers and technicians worked for several days to address the oil spill and protect public spaces, including playgrounds. Authorities are monitoring the coastline for small leaks and urge citizens to report any catastrophic situations to the administration. Street animals including cats and dogs in the Yurny district of Taupinsk have been affected by oil-contaminated rain. Volunteers have begun washing the animals to remove petroleum products from their fur. Rescued animals are being transferred to a local rescue center for temporary care. The city has reportedly unified to assist in the cleanup efforts following the oil-related weather event. The contamination occurred after rainfall caused oil products to mix with the ground.

Oil has leaked into the open sea and washed up on beaches following a sudden rise in river water levels. Analysts suggest production facilities may be unable to run at full capacity due to the situation. This price backdrop persists despite Iran submitting a counter proposal. Investors are monitoring potential rapid rises or retreats in the market. The timing of these price movements remains uncertain. Analysts are monitoring price fluctuations across the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of the year. This price level is expected to impact fuel costs, food prices, and global inflation. Market participants are monitoring upcoming interest rate decisions from the Bank of Japan, ECB, and the Fed this week. Fertilizer prices in Austria have increased by up to 40 percent, according to the Salzburg Chamber of Agriculture.

Military experts are analyzing the routes of drone attacks targeting Russian cities to bypass air defense systems. Some experts suggest drones may have been launched from neighboring Kazakhstan due to the vast steppe territories. Major General Vladimir Popov is among those discussing the potential launch sites and defensive responses. The investigation remains ongoing to determine the exact origin of the flight paths. Retired Major General Vladimir Popov suggests Kazakhstan may be the origin of certain drone attacks. Experts note that drones traveling such distances likely carry only fuel and minimal explosives. There are calls for diplomatic pressure on Europe to halt drone production for the VSO. Experts urge increased vigilance regarding these aerial threats.

A long-range Ukrainian drone attack targeted a transport and energy facility at the Ammonia-3 chemical complex in Cherepovets. The strike resulted in a sulfuric acid leak from a nitrogen complex pipeline. Ten people were injured in the incident, with six hospitalized and two reported in serious condition. Governor Georgy Filimonov stated that specialists have contained the leak and no dangerous chemical emissions are occurring. The attack took place during the night. Vologda Oblast Governor Georgy Filimonov stated that there have been no emissions of hazardous chemical substances following the incident. The leak occurred at the Amyak-3 chemical complex.