Stories from Russia

Sales of used cars in Russia increased by 12% in April compared to March. This growth was observed across all federal districts in the country. The data was reported by Izvestia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, stated on May 3 that Russia will use special military operations to force a resolution if Ukraine is unwilling to reach an agreement. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Peskov stated on the 3rd that if Ukraine is unwilling to reach an agreement, Russia will force it through a special military operation. Russian air defense systems destroyed 39 Ukrainian drones over eight Russian regions this morning. The CNR Voice of China reported these statements and meetings. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to participate in a series of bilateral and multilateral talks. Finland recently decided to add 300 million USD in special funds for Ukrainian defense support.

Sanctions targeting five Russian oil refineries are being implemented ahead of a scheduled visit by Donald Trump. The move impacts approximately one-quarter of China's oil refining capacity.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova stated on April 4th that the US State Department is imposing American citizenship on children of Russian diplomats born in the United States. Zakharova claimed this action violates both international and US domestic law. She further asserted that the move aims to undermine the process of reducing bilateral friction between Russia and the US. She believes the US move aims to disrupt efforts to reduce friction in bilateral relations. A spokesperson from Russia's Foreign Ministry criticized the US State Department for imposing US nationality on children of Russian diplomats born in the US, calling it a violation of international and domestic law and an attempt to hinder the improvement of bilateral relations.

Authorities in Komi have eliminated a group that was attempting to launch drones.

A rare first-edition Bible printed by Ivan Fedorov sold for nearly 5 million rubles at a Litfond auction in early April. The book is the first complete Bible printed in the Church Slavonic language and represents a Cyrillic publication. The volume contains over one thousand pages. The source noted that the publisher previously worked for the entire Soviet Union. A large-scale Cyrillic publication exceeding 1,000 pages has been sold for 5 million rubles. The publication was historically as the only publishing house of its kind serving the entire Soviet Union. Printed by Ivan Fedorov in 1581 at the printing house of Prince Konstantin Ostrogsky, the original run consisted of approximately 1,500 copies. Only about 350 copies are known to have survived to the present day.

Sergey Boyka, head of the Tuapse district, announced the liquidation of oil slicks in the Black Sea. He stated that the contaminated city beach will be cleared by June.

A high state of readiness has been implemented in the village of Kucherava, located in Crimea.

Outgoing regional head Sergey Melikov has requested the inclusion of the region in a program to relocate residents from dangerous zones. This request follows the addition of three districts to the emergency situation zone last week.

A fund reported the sale of 24 billion in shares.