Leningrad Region Alcohol Poisoning: 14 Detained in Tragic Case
The Investigative Committee confirmed a total of 25 deaths from poisoning. High levels of methanol were found in the victims` blood. A criminal case has been initiated under the article `causing death by negligence to two or more persons`.
As part of the investigation into counterfeit alcohol poisoning in the Leningrad Region, 14 individuals have been detained, with four of them arrested. They are accused in a criminal case related to the procurement and sale of illicit alcohol in the region, as reported by the unified press service of the Leningrad Region courts.
Previously, six more victims were reported in the Volosovsky District of the Leningrad Region; forensic examination confirmed methanol poisoning as their cause of death. Before that, 19 deaths were recorded in the Slantsevsky District. The total number of confirmed fatalities from poisoning, according to the Investigative Committee, is 25. High concentrations of methanol were found in their blood. A criminal case has been opened on charges of `causing death by negligence to two or more persons`.
Andrei Karlov, correspondent for 47news.ru, told Business FM:
By the evening of September 28, half of those detained for distributing counterfeit alcohol in the Leningrad Region have been arrested. To our knowledge, these are residents from three districts of the Leningrad Region: Slantsevsky, Volosovsky, and Kingiseppsky. The youngest is 28 years old, and the oldest is 79. Arrests began on Saturday, including a man detained on Friday and his alleged accomplice, a kindergarten defectologist, who supplied the methanol. The number of victims, as far as we understand, is not currently increasing, remaining at 25 deaths from poisoning, 19 of which occurred in the Slantsevsky District since early September. The deaths of eight people from methanol poisoning have been confirmed in laboratory conditions, and six have died in the Volosovsky District. How the alcohol was distributed and how it reached those involved in this illegal business is not yet fully clear; police, prosecutors, and the Investigative Committee are investigating, and further arrests of other suspects are planned.
According to Yevgeny Vyshenkov, deputy chief editor of `Fontanka`, the Leningrad Region incident closely mirrors a 2023 event in the Volga region where people were poisoned by the drink `Mister Cider`. In that case, methanol, stolen from an evidence warehouse, accidentally found its way into the counterfeit product instead of ethanol. Vyshenkov notes that the story has repeated itself:
In the Leningrad Region, there`s a temporary storage warehouse – a place where various confiscated items, including counterfeit goods and large pieces of evidence, are stored and documented. Two tons of alcohol were kept at this warehouse, referring to 100-liter, 200-liter plastic white canisters, and so on. Several months ago, these canisters were, of course, illegally removed. Where would one sell two tons of alcohol? Naturally, we know where various underground vodka production facilities are located – garages, hangars, and so-called private entrepreneurs where these canisters can be distributed for a small profit. But what happened was this: among these two tons, there were approximately 200 liters of methanol. Nobody knew about this. Well, perhaps those who seized the alcohol knew, but it was part of some criminal case, and the details seemed insignificant. The vast majority of the alcohol was sold to various outlets. However, these poisonous liters of alcohol also reached these informal distributors. They, without intending any harm, poured it. And now, look at the outcome – 25 people are dead.
One of the counterfeit alcohol vendors even poisoned his own wife, who sampled the toxic liquor intended for resale. On Sunday, the Leningrad Region courts will continue to hear investigative petitions for the pre-trial detention of suspects.
New Regulations: Drivers to Lose Licenses Without Court for Incompatible Diagnoses
Among the diagnoses incompatible with driving are alcoholism, drug addiction, and mood disorders, including depressions of various etiologies, bipolar, anxiety, and panic disorders, phobias, and others.
Drivers diagnosed with conditions incompatible with vehicle operation will have their licenses revoked without a court order. Sergey Leonov, head of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection, explained to TASS how this system will function after March 1, 2027.
While some auto lawyers have raised alarms, others reassure citizens, stating that the new rules could indeed save many lives.
There is no new information in Deputy Leonov`s statement; he merely explained how previously adopted laws will be implemented. Currently, any Russian driver undergoes a medical examination before obtaining or renewing their license, which is no more frequent than once every 10 years. During this period, anything can happen to a person, but the traffic police (GAI) cannot quickly ascertain if a citizen has been diagnosed with a condition that prohibits driving. Thus, individuals with such diagnoses continue to operate vehicles. Now, the GAI will gain access to a unified Ministry of Health database, where both state and private clinics already transmit patient data. Auto lawyer Lev Voropaev explains:
Currently, the procedure for revoking a driver`s license only occurs through court, when the prosecutor`s office files an administrative claim and the court makes a decision. Apparently, this new system involves combining the medical institution database with the State Traffic Inspectorate`s database. This would allow traffic police officers to see if a citizen has contraindications listed in the approved register, and they would practically automatically revoke the driver`s license without judicial proceedings. If a citizen disagrees, they can challenge the decision in court. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the court will dismiss the claim; if not, it will overturn the State Traffic Inspectorate`s decision.
Drivers will have one month to appeal the decision. If they recover and can prove it within that period, they can regain their license. Diagnoses incompatible with driving include alcoholism, drug addiction, and mood disorders, such as various types of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic disorders, and phobias. Some commentators fear that people will avoid doctors to prevent losing their licenses or that corruption risks might arise with threats to `assign` a diagnosis. However, Business FM`s interlocutors consider such scenarios unlikely. According to auto lawyer Stanislav Lagoyko, this measure applies only to serious, officially registered medical conditions:
Without official medical registration, it is impossible to diagnose such a condition and, consequently, to apply this measure. Only if a person is officially registered for treatment can their driver`s license be revoked or refused issuance.
Less than two years ago, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives published a study indicating that nearly 15 million Russian residents were in a state of deep depression, representing about 10% of the country`s population. However, statistics from studies and officially diagnosed cases differ significantly: according to the Ministry of Health, approximately four million people in Russia were registered with mental and behavioral disorders in 2023.
Moldovan Elections: Opposition Leads Amidst Allegations of Irregularities
On election day, an unprecedented number of severe violations were reported at polling stations. The annulment of the elections was not ruled out. Opposition representatives expect Sandu to take such action if her pro-European party loses.
As of the evening of September 28, with 50% of ballots processed, opposition parties in Moldova, including the Patriotic Bloc, are polling at 51.02%, surpassing the ruling PAS party, which has 42.4%. Moldova`s Central Election Commission banned exit polls on election day.
During the voting process, numerous obstacles to democratic election procedures were reportedly created by supporters of President Maia Sandu`s ruling party. On election day, an unprecedented number of severe violations were reported at polling stations.
Voters were electing Members of Parliament who would form the government. To enter parliament, independent candidates needed to clear an electoral threshold of 2% of votes, parties 5%, and blocs 7%.
The Foreign Ministry of Transnistria lodged a protest and urged the OSCE to take measures to ensure the rights and freedoms of the residents of the unrecognized republic. Furthermore, the possibility of annulling the elections was not ruled out. Opposition representatives expected Sandu to act this way if her pro-European party lost.
Business FM discussed the interim results of the Moldovan elections with political analyst Georgy Bovt:
If we consider European standards, one could say this is on the verge of lawlessness. There are more than enough violations of democratic norms. It is sufficient to note that one of the opposition parties was removed from the elections literally on the last day before voting. This is completely unacceptable. Moreover, it`s evident that obstacles were created for voters who were opposed to the pro-government party led by Sandu. For instance, bridges leading from Transnistria were blocked. For Moldovan voters living in Russia, only one polling station was opened, whereas for Moldovans in Europe, 300 were available. If we measure by general European democratic standards, these actions indeed violate all norms. Yet, no one is objecting to such actions that disregard all norms of democracy.
Could such elections damage the international political reputation of Moldova`s current President, Maia Sandu?
No, of course not. Because it`s enough to declare that you support Ukraine, that you oppose Russia`s policy towards Ukraine, that you are in opposition to Putin and Russia. That will be enough to do whatever you want in the elections you conduct; then everything is permissible.
How likely is it that the parties that made it into parliament will ultimately manage to form a government and nominate a prime minister? Or will the elections still be annulled?
If the opposition wins, it is likely that the elections will be annulled under any pretext. If Sandu`s party achieves a relative victory – she won`t gather an absolute majority despite everything – she might enter a coalition with other pro-European parties and form a government. I think this option is the most probable.
A peaceful protest by the opposition is scheduled for September 29 in front of the parliament building. Do you think it can take place, considering that the police have already detained three people after searches in a case involving alleged preparations for unrest? How might this protest end if it does take place? And could there be any unforeseen scenario?
It can take place. As long as it remains genuinely peaceful, no one will disperse, touch, or repress it. If the opposition attempts to seize power by force, then it will be suppressed. After all, the security forces are under the control of the executive branch. The executive branch is headed by President Sandu, and the security forces are loyal to her. For now. It doesn`t seem that the opposition is prepared for a forceful seizure of power, nor does it seem to have the resources for a forceful seizure. Therefore, most likely, it will end inconclusively.
Bloomberg noted that these elections are crucial for Moldova`s EU bid. Following the elections, a parliament must be formed within 30 days, and a prime ministerial candidate must be nominated. If a government is not formed within 45 days and after at least two attempts, the president may dissolve parliament and call new elections.
Igor Dodon, leader of the opposition Party of Socialists, announced a peaceful protest against election falsification to take place on September 29 in front of the country`s parliament building and urged supporters to join. On Sunday evening, the police stated they had information about preparations for unrest during the planned protests, calling on organizers to take responsibility.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that, according to Moldovans themselves, this electoral campaign has been the most anti-democratic in the republic`s 34 years of independence.
Russian Premier League Update: CSKA Takes Lead, Upcoming Derbies
Baltika, the sensation of the football season, suffered its first defeat. CSKA secured a 1-0 victory over the RPL newcomer with a goal from defender Diveev just 20 seconds before the end of the match, propelling the `Red-Blues` to first place. Baltika, however, dropped to sixth, as Spartak also earned three points.
The `Red-Whites` predictably defeated `Pari NN` 3-0 at home, with goals from Ugalde and a brace from Guedes. CSKA, once again, without a standout performance, similar to the last round, seized a last-minute victory. The referee glanced at his watch, allowing time for one final corner kick. Kislyak headed the ball towards the goalmouth, and Diveev reacted first. After recovering from an acute respiratory viral infection and missing the previous match against Sochi, Igor returned to secure a win for the Army men, bringing them to the top of the championship table. Baltika`s unbeaten streak ended at nine matches. The visiting coach, Andrei Talalaev, was naturally disappointed:
It`s unpleasant to lose in the final minutes, but that doesn`t make it any easier. We played against a good team. As of today, CSKA and Krasnodar are probably the two teams in Russia that play football resembling `football.` Congratulations to the Army team for being in the championship race. But fans should consider this: in your last six games, without penalties and red cards, I believe you haven`t had a single victory. Therefore, I didn`t see anything exceptional in terms of quality today. In my opinion, this is because my lads executed everything well. All we planned was to wear them out in the first half and try to counter-attack in the second. But Andrade`s red card slightly disrupted our plans.
Andrade`s red card occurred late in the game, and Kaliningrad`s team lacked the strength to compensate. Lokomotiv seized second place, immediately following CSKA. In their home match against Rubin, the `Railroaders` were not impressive. The reason is clear: the absence of key players on the flanks, Pinyaev and Bakaev, forced a reevaluation of the tactical scheme. The team`s head coach jokingly suggested naming this forced solution `Galaktionov`s Quadrilateral`. As for questions about leadership—Lokomotiv held the top position for a full day—coach Galaktionov currently does not welcome them:
It`s clear there`s high density in the standings. Any slip-up pushes a team down. Again, you see that in terms of quality and level, any team can beat any other. And the opponents` preparedness today is at a very good level. There are no matches today where you can calmly and easily achieve a result. Therefore, organization, discipline, and the level of preparedness of each team will determine everything. And, of course, individual talents. Those who can make a difference. And it was very important for us, after these series of draws, so to speak, to calm the team internally. So that the guys wouldn`t shy away, so they would perform their actions correctly.
And individuals indeed do. Lokomotiv`s captain Barinov took a risky long shot and secured a 1-0 victory for his team. Dynamo successfully traveled to Samara, winning 3-2. Zenit crushed Orenburg 5-2 at Gazprom Arena. Krasnodar drew 0-0 away against Rostov. Stanislav Cherchesov became the first coach in Akhmat`s history to start his tenure with seven undefeated matches. This time, the Grozny team routed Akron 3-0. Standings: CSKA – 21 points, Lokomotiv and Krasnodar – 20 points each, but Lokomotiv is second due to a 2-1 head-to-head victory. Zenit is fourth with 19 points. Spartak has 18, Baltika has 17. Akhmat, Dynamo, and Rubin each have 15 points.
The upcoming 11th round of the Russian Championship is evenly split between next Saturday and Sunday. The football weekend will be highlighted by two Moscow derbies. On October 4, Dynamo and Lokomotiv will clash at VTB Arena. And on October 5, the public awaits the Russian `El Clásico`: CSKA versus Spartak.
US Discusses Tomahawk Missile Supplies to Ukraine, Vance Criticizes Russia`s War Efforts
In addition to discussing the potential sale of missiles to Europe for Ukraine, Vance stated that Russia has achieved no military successes, faces growing economic problems, and has recently declined bilateral meetings with Ukrainians and trilateral meetings involving Trump or other American officials. How do experts evaluate these statements?
The United States is discussing the possibility of supplying long-range Tomahawk missiles to NATO for transfer to Kyiv, Vice President JD Vance announced on Fox News. According to him, Trump will act in the best interests of the United States, and Washington will apply the same logic to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The TV journalist noted that if Kyiv receives these missiles, Moscow would be within range, and previously, the U.S. had refused to provide Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. She asked Vance if he supported this decision:
As Trump said, we are currently examining this. We are definitely considering a number of requests from the Europeans. And one of the things that I believe truly worked in Trump`s policy on Ukraine and Russia is that it forced the Europeans to get seriously involved. As you know, we are no longer just handing out tons of money and weapons. We are asking the Europeans to buy this weaponry. Now they have their own share of risks. This truly engages the Europeans in what is happening on their doorstep and in the peace settlement process that Trump has been pushing for the past eight months. We will continue to work on this.
Vance assessed that Russia is incurring significant losses on the front and achieving virtually no results. He also stated that in recent weeks, Moscow has refused bilateral meetings with Ukrainians and trilateral meetings involving Trump or other American officials. Despite this, the Trump administration still aims for peace, but this requires steps from both sides.
Business FM discussed the potential transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine and Vance`s statements with American political analyst Malek Dudakov:
These missiles are primarily sea-based, and without the transfer of destroyers or submarines, they hold little practical value for Ukraine. Of course, the United States has an experimental ground-based platform called Typhon from which these missiles can be launched. However, this is an experimental development; there are very few of them, and no one will withdraw them from the Indo-Pacific region to support Ukraine. In my opinion, this is all information noise, but to some extent, it reflects the desperation of many American and European hawks, because we have been hearing for a long time about the possibility of supplying various long-range missiles. For example, they tried to supply ATACMS missiles, depleting their own American stockpiles, but the effectiveness of these missiles turned out to be quite low. Russian air defense quickly learned to counter them. They considered launching experimental missiles specifically for Ukraine, even giving them a separate name, ERAM. But it later emerged that this is being handled by literally one startup in Texas that currently has no production capabilities, and it would take many, many years for them to start producing these missiles. The question arises: what else can be supplied without depleting their own reserves? And so far, the hawks in the U.S. and Europe have no answer. As for Mr. Vance`s other statements, in yet another attempt to accuse us of something, alleging that we are supposedly dragging out the negotiation process, it is obvious to everyone that the Trump administration is currently not ready to continue developing a negotiation track with us specifically in the context of Ukraine in some aspects. On other issues, progress might emerge, so we should not ask ourselves why this is happening.
According to The Wall Street Journal, during a meeting with Zelensky in New York, Trump stated that he does not rule out lifting restrictions on Kyiv`s use of American long-range weapons. However, the American president did not make any firm promises.
As the newspaper clarifies, the issue of restrictions on Ukraine`s use of American weapons is being handled by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and his deputy Elbridge Colby. Since this spring, they have specifically limited Kyiv`s use of ATACMS missiles.
Belgorod Experiences Blackout Amidst Repeated Missile Attacks
The first shelling injured two civilians and caused power outages. Some facilities were switched to backup power, and subsequently, the city was subjected to a second shelling.
Belgorod is experiencing a blackout. On Sunday evening, the city was twice subjected to missile attacks. According to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, the first shelling injured two civilians and caused power outages. He stated that measures are being taken to reconnect the city to backup power generation. Local `Vodokanal` (water utility) divisions and hospitals have already switched to backup power sources. Gladkov warned that there might be interruptions in alerts for missile danger or UAV attacks. He urged citizens to leave the streets and stay indoors. Following this, the city was subjected to a second shelling by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Information regarding casualties and damages is being clarified.
Anna Skripka, staff correspondent for Rossiyskaya Gazeta in the Belgorod Region, told Business FM about what happened in Belgorod on Sunday evening:
What we heard even before the missile alert siren? It was a sound characteristic of a strike, and not even a sound, but a feeling of a certain vibration that accompanies a similar missile strike. This happened a few days ago, and Belgorod residents, one might say, already recognize this sound. No fewer than 10 sounds resembling explosions rang out over the city and its suburbs. After that, power outages began. Currently, where I am myself, also a suburb of Belgorod, on the Shebekinsky side, there are no power or water outages yet.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth