Moscow Experiences Coldest Night in Two Months: News Roundup

Moscow Experiences Coldest Night in Two Months, Autumn Weather Ahead

Moscow has experienced its coldest night in two months, marking the onset of autumn. This cool September weather, with daytime temperatures not exceeding +17°C and nighttime lows below +10°C, is expected to persist until mid-next week, fortunately without rain.

Alexander Shuvalov, head of the Meteo prognostic center, commented on the forecast. Shuvalov noted that Moscow will be fortunate this Friday and Saturday, as a Mediterranean cyclone passing to the south will bring significant rainfall (up to half a month`s norm) to regions like Bryansk, Tula, Ryazan, Arzamas, and Nizhny Novgorod. The southern Moscow region, including Serpukhov, Kashira, and Kolomna, will see only light showers (5-7 mm). Moscow itself will remain outside the cyclone`s influence, experiencing dry weather and temperatures of 16-18°C. This dry, rain-free weather, with temperatures rising to 17-19°C and approaching 20°C, will extend across the entire region on Sunday.

Alexander Shuvalov, Head of Meteo Prognostic Center:
“We will be very lucky this Friday and Saturday because a Mediterranean cyclone will be passing to the south. In some places, very heavy rains will fall along the line of Bryansk, Tula, Ryazan, Arzamas, Nizhny Novgorod. Here, the amount of precipitation could be up to half of the monthly norm. In the Moscow region, this cyclone will only affect the south – Serpukhov, Kashira, Kolomna. Here there will be rains, but mostly light, within 5-7 millimeters of precipitation, which is very little. Moscow will remain outside the influence of this cyclone`s precipitation, so it will be without rain. And the temperature will be low, 16-18 degrees. The same dry, precipitation-free weather will fully persist across the entire region on Sunday, but the temperature will already be 17-19, approaching 20 degrees.”

However, by Monday, typical autumn rains, described as light but prolonged, are predicted to arrive in the capital.

Trump “Very Angry” Over Ukrainian Attacks on Druzhba Pipeline, Orbán Correspondence Shows

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has disclosed correspondence with Donald Trump, revealing the former U.S. President`s strong displeasure regarding Ukrainian attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline, a critical oil supply route from Russia for Hungary and Slovakia. Trump`s handwritten note on Orbán`s letter expressed his “great anger” over Ukraine`s actions.

Reports indicate that Donald Trump is significantly displeased and “very angry” about Ukraine`s attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline. Viktor Orbán released his exchange with Trump after Ukrainian forces once again targeted the Druzhba pipeline on the Russia-Belarus border. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed this as the third attack in recent days, leading to a suspension of oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia.

Hungary`s ruling party published a screenshot of Trump`s reply to Orbán`s message, which was sent after a previous attack. In his appeal to Trump, Orbán stated that just before the historic meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska on August 15, Ukraine had used drones to attack the Druzhba pipeline in Russia. Orbán emphasized that this pipeline is the sole means for Hungary and Slovakia to receive crude oil. He noted that while Hungary supports Ukraine with electricity and gasoline, Ukraine is attacking the very pipeline that supplies Hungary with oil, calling it “a very unfriendly step” and wishing Trump success in his pursuit of peace.

Donald Trump`s handwritten note:
“Viktor, I am not pleased by this. I am very angry. Tell Slovakia. You are a good friend of mine.”

Fuel Shortages and Panic Buying Hit Primorsky Krai Amid Increased Deliveries

Media reports indicate that while fuel deliveries to gas stations in Primorsky Krai have increased, panic buying by motorists filling up their tanks completely has led to renewed shortages. Local authorities have assured the public that the number of fuel tankers in the region has been doubled.

Listeners from Primorsky Krai are reporting “huge queues everywhere” and gasoline prices reaching 82 rubles per liter at private gas stations, sending in photos of dozens of cars waiting at local fueling stations. Director Vitaly Poplavsky described the situation:

Vitaly Poplavsky, Director:
“We drove from Vladivostok to Dalnegorsk and needed to refuel. There was a huge queue of 20-30 cars. We decided to try the next station. At the next one, they told us to wait for a tanker to arrive and unload fuel. We waited about 20 minutes; they said only 98-octane would be available in about 40 minutes, no other types. Naturally, we left and found a private station. The standard price for gasoline is 61-80 rubles, but at the private station, it was 82 rubles per liter, and only cash was accepted. Perhaps to avoid receipts, but it was 20 rubles more expensive, and strictly cash. The attendant immediately put the money into a separate pocket attached to the pump. We passed about ten gas stations; almost all had enormous queues. Some were completely closed. This situation continued almost all the way to Dalnegorsk.”

Local media reports that fuel deliveries have increased, but panic buying, with drivers filling up completely, has caused new shortages. Despite prohibitions on filling canisters, some individuals continue to do so. Ekaterina Ocheretina, a Moscow resident visiting the area, notes that some Primorsky gas stations are also out of diesel:

Ekaterina Ocheretina, Moscow resident:
“Right now we passed Chuguevka, checked, and pulled up to a gas station. There are no queues now, of course, because it’s not the main road, we turned off the highway. But at the station, there`s no 95-octane, marked `Maintenance,` and no diesel, marked `Draining.` But we didn`t see any draining machines nearby. That`s the situation on the road. We just passed another station, it was completely empty, and it said no gas either.”

Sergey, a driver from Khabarovsk, stated that his city has no fuel problems, but described what he saw in Primorye a few days prior:

Sergey, driver from Khabarovsk:

— There wasn`t such a frenzy to fill canisters, but that`s common. If people go somewhere, to a bay or something, they have generators. They fill canisters, it`s always been that way. It`s not like they`re specifically filling up to stock for the road. I refueled in Vladivostok, and on the way back in Luchegorsk, there were probably 20 cars at the NK Alliance gas station. I waited about half an hour, refueled. Only one pump was working from both sides, 92 and 95 octane. I got fuel for 61 rubles per liter to get home. There weren`t big problems. This is a bit exaggerated.

— They say it`s due to logistics.

— Quite possible. I didn`t delve into the details there.

The press service of the regional Ministry of Energy announced that Primorsky Krai has doubled the number of fuel tankers delivering to gas stations in response to the fuel shortage.

China Unlikely to Become Ukraine`s Security Guarantor, Despite Russia`s Hopes

Local media reports indicate that Ukrainian President Zelensky has stated Kyiv does not view Beijing as a potential security guarantor, citing China`s perceived inaction in stopping the conflict in 2022. This raises questions about China`s actual stance and role.

The South China Morning Post reports that China is “unlikely” to become a security guarantor for Ukraine, despite Russia`s “desire.” Experts interviewed by the publication suggest that while China might offer political or diplomatic support for conflict resolution, it “lacks the incentives and resources to guarantee Ukraine`s security,” given its distance from both Ukraine and Europe. China might be willing to discuss and participate in security measures under UN mechanisms, but currently, the publication notes, there are “no signs of UN involvement.”

This week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov mentioned several countries, including China, as potential security guarantors for Ukraine. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv does not want Beijing as a potential guarantor, claiming China did not help de-escalate the conflict in 2022. Aleksey Maslov, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University and an orientalist, offered his perspective on China`s potential position:

Aleksey Maslov, Director of Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, Orientalist:
“China has never abandoned the idea of acting as one of the guarantors in reconciling Russia and Ukraine, but it`s important to understand that China will never join collective guarantees, such as those presented by Europe or other organizations; China always maintains a separate position. Chinese guarantees would only materialize if China were truly involved in the negotiation process. Today, it is not involved; China is not a party to this process. China adopts a pro-Russian neutrality, while continuing trade with Ukraine; relations have not been severed. Moreover, China purchases significant quantities of, for example, oil and other agricultural products from Ukraine. Some Chinese media refer to experts who do not represent state bodies. This is not a state opposition, but evaluative judgments. At best, China can be a guarantor in terms of diplomatic or political statements, but in terms of security guarantees in military operations, China is unlikely to step forward. China has never sent its troops abroad to, for instance, separate warring parties. It has never participated in joint operations against a third country, excluding joint exercises. Therefore, I believe China will maintain absolute neutrality in this regard. In my opinion, China is even slightly offended that all major decisions regarding Ukraine and the conflict are currently made without its participation, and furthermore, without mentioning the initiatives China put forward throughout 2023 and 2024, including with Brazil. I recall that China initially issued a 12-point statement outlining its vision for reconciliation between the parties. Later, there was a joint statement with Brazil, where China offered a more concise version of possibilities for ending the conflict, hostilities, and so on. However, these statements largely contained anti-Western rhetoric, with China unequivocally pointing to Western countries as one of the sources of tension and hostilities. At the same time, for example, China does not directly accuse Ukraine but rather blames the countries that are pushing Ukraine to continue the conflict.”

Today, China`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on Ukraine`s rejection of Beijing`s guarantees. The ministry stated that all parties should facilitate a political settlement of the conflict in Ukraine in accordance with the concept of comprehensive security, and that Beijing is ready to play a constructive role in the political settlement.

“Wings of Sakhalin” Forum to Explore Peaceful Drone Applications, From Agriculture to Emergency Services

On Sakhalin, discussions will focus on the prospects of using unmanned systems for peaceful purposes. From September 6 to 8, the “Wings of Sakhalin” international forum will take place at “Pushisty,” Russia`s first drone port, organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

At the forum, representatives from government, business, science, and education will discuss the development of unmanned systems in various sectors, from agriculture to emergency rescue. The event will showcase 70 scenarios for drone applications in the national economy.

Valery Limarenko, Governor of Sakhalin Oblast, highlighted current drone uses on Sakhalin: “Drones already identify hogweed thickets, illegal landfills, conduct ice reconnaissance, deliver small medical cargoes, help catch poachers, and locate people lost in forests.” He elaborated:

Valery Limarenko, Governor of Sakhalin Oblast:
“The forum will have aviation, marine, civilian, and military components. The main ideology of the forum is to show that unmanned aviation can be used not only [in conflicts] but also in peaceful life and be economically effective. Unmanned aviation has managed to reduce the volume of forest fires by 40 times in three years. We will show how this task is solved; it can be solved in any region of the Russian Federation, in any region of the world, if the technology is correctly applied. The same applies to floods. We managed to clean riverbeds with the help of drones. We ensured a situation where we had the snowiest winter, and yet almost no houses were flooded. Many examples of drone applications – all this will be demonstrated at the forum.”

“Wings of Sakhalin” is an off-site platform of the Eastern Economic Forum, launching immediately after its conclusion. A music festival will also be held at the “Pushisty” drone port from September 5 to 7.

Russia-UAE Tax Agreement: Remote Workers to Pay Taxes in Russia Starting 2026

Starting next year, a double taxation avoidance agreement with the UAE will come into effect. This marks the first international treaty where remote work is specifically addressed, clearly outlining how taxes will be levied in such cases.

Russian citizens who have relocated to the Emirates but work for Russian companies will pay taxes in their home country. The agreement on the avoidance of double taxation with the UAE will become active in 2026. This is the first international treaty to include a dedicated clause on remote work, precisely defining how taxes will be collected in such scenarios. It will classify remote employment as work performed in the country of residence of the employer or client, regardless of the employee`s physical location.

Since 2024, under the Russian Tax Code, the salaries of remote workers are considered income from Russian sources, with rates currently ranging from 13% to 22%. Nikolay Rudomanov, an attorney and partner at Nekrasov, Rudomanov and Partners law firm, explained the implications of this new agreement between Moscow and the Emirates:

Nikolay Rudomanov, Attorney, Partner at Nekrasov, Rudomanov and Partners:
“Remote work under employment or contract will effectively be recognized as performing a labor function in the Russian Federation, regardless of where the individual is physically located while performing this labor function. This means that if a Russian company hires an employee in Dubai, their income is considered earned in Russia and is subject to personal income tax here, in Russia. Let`s consider an example: a Russian marketer living in Dubai, works remotely for a Russian company. In the UAE, such a marketer has no income tax, while in Russia, tax was withheld because, since 2024, salaries of remote employees paid by Russian employers are considered income from Russian sources. There was a certain expectation that from 2026, due to the signing of this international tax agreement, a classic logic would apply to such remote workers, where tax would be paid in the country where the resident performs the function. And, as a consequence, such income could effectively be taxed at a 0% rate. However, starting in 2026, the salary of such a remote employee will unequivocally be recognized as income from Russian sources, and the company will be obliged to withhold tax at a rate of 13% to 22%. It is not necessary for the person to be physically in the Emirates at the moment of performing labor functions; it is sufficient for such an employee to have the status of a tax resident of the United Arab Emirates. The agreement with the United Arab Emirates is the first case where remote employment is explicitly stipulated in an international treaty on taxation. For Russians, this means that working from Dubai for a Russian company is possible, but taxes will still have to be paid to the Russian Federation.”

According to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, the double taxation avoidance agreement introduces reduced rates on dividends, interest, and royalties, allows individuals to offset tax paid in another country, and enhances transparency through mutual information exchange. Siluanov believes “this will contribute to stimulating trade, increasing mutual investments, and creating a favorable environment for businesses and citizens.”

Russia Prohibits Payments for Instagram`s “Blue Tick,” Citing Extremist Funding Risks

In Russia, a “blue tick” badge is issued upon account verification. This section explores the popularity of obtaining this “blue tick” and what exactly falls under the new prohibition.

Russians are now prohibited from paying for a “blue tick” on Instagram (owned by Meta, recognized as an extremist organization in Russia and banned). The “blue tick” is granted upon account verification. Moscow`s Kuntsevo District Court has banned the dissemination of information on how to obtain it. The lawsuit was filed by prosecutor Maxim Shcherbakov, who found that acquiring the “blue tick” requires a paid Meta Verified subscription, which entails sending money to a prohibited company.

The court materials state that “providing account verification services, including obtaining a `blue tick,` has a `criminal nature` and `may contribute to the financing of an extremist organization.`” The banned social network can independently issue “blue ticks” to public figures or certain users. However, the option to pay for account verification is now forbidden. Alexey Pak, founder of the Purple Door advertising and production agency, discussed the popularity of obtaining a “blue tick”:

Alexey Pak, Founder of Purple Door advertising and production agency:

— For ordinary users, it`s not particularly widespread; it was more popular among bloggers or those offering services not only in Russia but also in foreign markets. Freelancers, for example, who live in Bali and provide services worldwide, might have used such a feature to make their profile look better and reduce the likelihood of ending up in spam when sending out messages. Previously, it was very difficult to get a blue tick; only popular people could do it. But now it really is just paying for a subscription within Instagram.

— Three years ago, you discussed the process of transferring from Instagram to Telegram, but there is a feeling that at the time it was somewhat an overestimated process.

— Small and medium-sized businesses earn money in prohibited social networks because that`s where the audience is, they developed there long ago, and the algorithms are understood. Unfortunately, domestic social networks lack proper algorithms. The same applies to bloggers, because bloggers are where most advertisers are, making them easier to reach. And where we have bloggers, we have content. Then a second factor comes into play. Take a domestic social network: only Russian-speaking bloggers post content there. In prohibited social networks, it`s the whole world. And here we face a colossal difference in the quantity, quality, and diversity of content.”

Starting September 1, Russia will introduce fines for advertising on banned social networks.