Russians' December spending jumps 10.8% year-on-yearIn December 2025, Russians spent 8.4 trillion rubles ($84 billion at current rates), a 10.8% increase from the previous year, with significant growth even after adjusting for inflation.
New Central Bank Powers Threaten Visa and Mastercard BlockingA new bill granting the Bank of Russia authority to limit bank card validity could lead to the blocking of millions of Visa and Mastercard cards and increased costs, sparking a dispute with banks.
Russia to simplify utility bill reductions for service disruptionsThe Russian government is preparing to introduce automatic recalculation of utility bills for poor-quality services or excessive interruptions. The change would move to a no-application system based on meter readings.
Why Microloan Borrowing Halved in Kurgan OblastThe Bank of Russia reported that microloan issuance in Kurgan Oblast dropped by half from January to September 2025, attributed to new credit restrictions aimed at reducing over-indebtedness.
Russia to raise unemployment benefits from February 2026The maximum monthly unemployment payout will increase to 15,886 rubles (about $177) starting February 1, 2026, as announced by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
ZabSU Students Develop Robotic Excavator PrototypeStudents at Zabaikalsky State University have completed the main phase of work on a robotic excavator prototype, which will be tested in the region's coal mines and quarries.
Federal ministry upholds unrealistic export targets for Rostov regionRussia's Agriculture Ministry has refused to adjust inflated export targets for the Rostov region and has even raised them for the coming year. The region's government says it missed last year's $7.1 billion goal by a wide margin.
Who pays the most taxes into the Voronezh Region budgetThe budget of Voronezh Region has grown steadily over the last five years, with tax payments playing a crucial role. The main contributors to the regional treasury are identified in this ranking of the top 50 companies.
What Payments Await Russians Who Never WorkedA senator has detailed the social pension available to Russians who have never held an official job, citing specific amounts set to take effect in 2026.
