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Russian law enforcement authorities have launched a criminal investigation after a circus tiger leaped into a panicked crowd of spectators in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don. The incident occurred while three tigers and two trainers were inside a performance ring, according to eyewitness video shared by local media. When the barrier separating the audience from the animals collapsed, one tiger jumped over it and rushed into the seating area.

Video from the scene showed the tiger moving through the rows of seats while some spectators scrambled to flee. A second video captured a trainer attempting to steer the animal toward an exit along the empty back rows as families with young children watched. "Dear visitors, please remain calm or you'll make it worse," an announcer was heard saying over the circus loudspeaker.

The Investigative Committee, Russia's top investigative body, said Monday that it launched a criminal probe into safety violations.

Current conditions in Moscow: Few clouds, 51°F (feels like 47°F). Humidity: 28%. Wind: 5 mph.

Today's forecast: High of 53°F, low of 40°F. No active weather alerts.

Data from OpenWeatherMap as of April 22, 2026.

Unpacking the recent police raid on a Tibetan Buddhist festival in Moscow — and what the southern republic of Kalmykia has to do with it. The raid was part of recent enforcement activities by Moscow police.

In 2024, Moscow exhibits a low overall level of crime, with residents feeling relatively safe compared to previous years. Crime rates show a positive trend towards reduction, and public perceptions reflect a growing sense of safety. Overall, Moscow has shown a promising reduction in crime levels with enhanced public safety and a notable decline in the fear of violent crimes.

Continued vigilance against corruption and property crime prevention is vital to maintain the positive trend. Moscow's crime levels are low, with significant progress in public safety perceptions. While corruption remains a concern, overall security has improved.

A majority of Russian companies have effectively frozen hiring through the end of the year as weakening demand ripples through the economy, according to a report by the Central Bank. Instead of outright layoffs, many employers are turning to reduced working hours.

The number of employees working part-time reached a record 1.6 million in the fourth quarter of last year, helping keep unemployment at historically low levels. Russia's jobless rate stood at 2.1% in February.

Vladislav Bykhanov, a partner at recruitment firm Cornerstone, told Kommersant that part-time arrangements allow companies to lower labor costs quickly without complicating future hiring if conditions improve. He added that many firms in mining and manufacturing have already shifted workers to four- or even three-day workweeks.

On April 22, talks will be held in Moscow between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Seychelles Patrick Herminie, who is in Russia on a working visit. The leaders intend to discuss current matters pertaining to the bilateral cooperation in politics, trade and economy, and humanitarian and cultural affairs, as well as international and regional issues.

The Seychelles president arrived in Russia on a working visit on 20 April. The leader's delegation included a number of ministers. The main topics of discussion will be the development of tourism and the promotion of investment, as well as key areas of bilateral cooperation, including expanded air links and food security.

In January 2026, Vladimir Putin and Sergei Sobyanin launched the official testing of Russia's trailblazer self-driving metro train. On a later stage, they will test the driverless technology on the newest Moscow-2026 metro train to continuously run without passengers before the end of this year.

This year, the authorities have plans to launch the first section of the Rublyovo-Arkhangelskaya line from Delovoy Tsentr to Bulvar Generala Karbysheva, continue test operations of Russia's trailblazing driverless metro train and deliver 312 Moskva-2026 cars for the Zamoskvoretskaya and Rublyovo-Arkhangelskaya lines.

It is expected to start carrying its first passengers in 2027. Pursuant to the urban transport development strategy, the first self-driving metro line — the Big Circle Line — is scheduled for implementation for 2030.

In 2026, Kommunarka is emerging as the leading district for new housing developments in Moscow, with plans to introduce a staggering 1 million square meters of residential space. According to recent reports from RIA Real Estate, this district is expected to outpace all others in terms of new construction. With a projected 1 million square meters of residential space, Kommunarka is not just a trend; it's a game-changer for the city's housing market.

First, the area offers a mix of affordable housing options and modern amenities, making it attractive to young professionals and families. The average price per square meter in Kommunarka is approximately 100,000 rubles, which is competitive compared to other districts in Moscow. Additionally, the infrastructure improvements in Kommunarka, such as enhanced public transport, including the new metro line extension, and recreational facilities, further bolster its appeal.

Yevgeny Kapyev, head of the publishing giant Eksmo, was taken in by police following a search of the company's Moscow office. The detention is part of ongoing enforcement actions targeting media and publishing companies.

In April, a Moscow court sentenced four journalists to five-and-a-half years in prison for allegedly producing content for the Anti-Corruption Foundation, designated as "extremist" by the authorities in 2021.

In the fourth year of its full-scale war against Ukraine, the Kremlin further escalated the crackdown on Russian civil society, targeting critics both inside the country and in exile, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2026. Aiming to stifle all forms of dissent, authorities expanded censorship and surveillance, increasingly used "undermining state security" charges, and streamlined prosecutions of critics designated as "foreign agents."