Stories from Russia

A successful launch of the Angara 1.2 rocket was recorded, carrying an unknown payload designated as Kosmos. The mission was completed during the early hours of April 23. The Soyuz 5 launch vehicle, described as the world's most powerful liquid-fueled rocket, successfully completed its first flight using a new engine.

Russia has alleged that NATO is conducting military exercises designed to simulate a seizure of the Kaliningrad exclave. The claim suggests heightened tensions in the Baltic region as the alliance continues its drills. This development follows ongoing geopolitical friction between Moscow and Western powers. Russia has threatened to launch cyberattacks against US territory if strikes on its leadership resume. The statement implies a 'nothing personal' approach to such actions. A recent catastrophe involving the gas industry is mentioned in connection with these threats. Russian Ambassador for Special Assignments Artem Bulatov stated that Russia will provide decisive responses to any attempts to blockade the Kaliningrad region. Bulatov noted that warnings issued by President Vladimir Putin serve as an signal to NATO and EU countries regarding potential conflict escalation.

According to Forbes Russia, the wealth of Russian billionaires increased by 11% in 2025. This significant growth occurred despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and heavy international sanctions. The trend suggests a high level of economic resilience among the country's elite during the conflict. Total revenue from the 20 largest hotel chains in Russia increased by 11 percent last year to reach 94 billion rubles. The growth is attributed to rising demand for domestic tourism and a shortage of quality room inventory. There are currently over 39,000 registered organizations in the sector, with 58 percent being individual entrepreneurs.

The total wealth of Russia's top five billionaires has surged to an estimated $696.5 billion. The Federal Tax Service is updating its approach regarding uncollectible amounts as part of these targeted changes. The adjustments are described as specific changes affecting particular groups of recipients. The payment for the first child is now nearly 729,000 rubles. For a second child, the amount has increased to approximately 963,000 rubles, provided the family did not receive a payment for the first child. Approximately 3 million families have already processed certificates for a first child out of 15 million families that received maternity capital during the program's duration. Vice-Premier Tatyana Golikova announced that maternity capital in Russia was indexed by 5.6 percent in February. Of these families, 3 million have already completed the necessary paperwork.

Russian authorities have detained dozens of Israeli citizens at a Moscow airport amid escalating geopolitical tensions involving Israel and Iran. The move comes as regional instability continues to impact international travel and diplomatic relations. The incident highlights the increasing risks for foreign nationals in the region. Her lawyer, Filipp Devel, stated she was imprisoned for displaying posters with messages such as "Russia is not our enemy" and "Remember Soviet soldiers." Novikova is the founder of the humanitarian organization SOZ Donbas. The lawyer described her actions as offenses from the perspective of the West.

Air quality in Tuapse has deteriorated significantly following a major fire at the city's marine terminal. A new attack by Ukrainian drones targeted the port of Tuapse on the Black Sea. The strike caused a fire at the maritime terminal, according to Reuters. The port and oil refinery in Tuapse are owned by the Russian Rosneft concern. Russian military sources reported that the operation also targeted drone control points and shelters. The strike included the destruction of a Starlink satellite communication station and various robotic complexes. No specific casualty figures or damage assessments were provided in the report. A drone attack on a maritime terminal in Tuapse caused a fire, according to Radio Rossii. Over 120 personnel and more than 40 pieces of equipment were deployed to extinguish the blaze.

Reports indicate that Russian forces have deployed Kenyan mercenaries to participate in suicide assaults on the battlefield. This development comes despite official Kremlin promises to cease the recruitment of foreign fighters. The use of these mercenaries highlights the ongoing, evolving nature of personnel recruitment within the conflict. These groups have also been claiming attacks in Niger, Benin, and Nigeria. Other local branches of the Islamic State are also active in the region. Russian mercenaries operating in Mali to support the military junta have confirmed their withdrawal from the strategic northern city of Kidal. Russian-aligned forces known as the Africa Corps are continuing combat against rebels in various regions of the country. This fighting follows the seizure of strategic military bases by rebel groups.

An oil refinery in Tuapse, Krasnodar, has been burning for three days following a major fire. The refinery primarily produces goods for export. This marks the fourth attack on the facility within a single week. Previous strikes on the refinery also resulted in large fires. The attacks are part of an intensified Ukrainian campaign targeting Russian oil industry infrastructure to disrupt revenue. A drone attack caused a fire at a marine terminal in Tuapse, Russia. Emergency responders deployed 128 people and 41 units of equipment to extinguish the blaze. The incident took place during the night of May 1. Emergency and specialized services are working at the scene. Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities have led to a decline in production within Russia, according to a Bloomberg report. Most tank farms in Tuapse are reportedly burnt out.

Russia is set to stop allowing the transit of oil from Kazakhstan to Germany through pipelines under its control. This move is expected to impact energy flows and supply chains between Central Asia and Europe. The decision follows ongoing geopolitical tensions regarding energy infrastructure and transit rights. The remaining portion of its output consists of petroleum products. This supply level is noted in the context of demand exceeding current supply capabilities. The report suggests Russia cannot increase international market deliveries significantly due to existing obligations.

The head of VTB Bank has called for the acceleration of cryptocurrency market legalization in Russia. This follows the State Duma's first reading of a bill regarding cryptocurrency circulation, though the Central Bank reportedly does not yet consider crypto for payments or reserves. However, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina has not supported the introduction of cryptocurrency as a means of payment in the country. He stated that keeping cash under pillows does not benefit owners or the national economy. According to the source, 48 percent of the population currently keeps their savings in cash. Siluanov suggested investing in securities, stocks, bonds, or investment institutions instead. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov called on citizens to move money out of cash savings and into investment instruments.