On December 17, 2024, various events captured headlines across Russia, ranging from weather forecasts to significant political developments and economic updates.
Starting with the weather, Kaliningrad was set to experience unusually warm winter conditions, accompanied by variable cloudiness and sporadic rain. According to the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, temperatures were expected to reach around +8°C during the day, with moderate westerly winds of about six meters per second. Meteorologists warned residents of potential strong downpours expected to intensify as night approached.
Meanwhile, residents of the Balakovo district faced school closures due to rising cases of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). The local administration announced the temporary shutdown of classes for first graders at three schools: MAOU SOSh No. 22, MAOU SOSh No. 21, and MAOU SOSh No. 6. This move highlights the impact of viral illness on educational institutions, drawing attention to the need for vigilance during the winter months.
Turning to the economy, the Russian currency showed resilience against the dollar and euro. The Central Bank of Russia set the official dollar exchange rate at 102.9125 rubles, down from the previous rate of 103.4305 rubles. Similarly, the euro was pegged at 108.7016 rubles, which marked another decrease. Analysts attributed these shifts to the cessation of trade with so-called unfriendly countries, which altered the methods of establishing foreign currency rates since the Central Bank now relies more on bank statements and data from over-the-counter trading platforms.
Political developments also stirred attention. A court ruling prohibited Donald Trump from utilizing presidential immunity as defense against his criminal convictions stemming from allegations of falsifying business records. Judge Juan Merchan concluded the evidence provided by Manhattan prosecutors did not pertain to Trump's official actions during his presidency. This ruling caps off what has been a tumultuous legal saga for the former U.S. president.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia expressed hopes for developing friendly relations with Syria. Officials emphasized their close watch on events occurring within the Middle Eastern nation, signifying Moscow's intent to bolster diplomatic ties.
Meanwhile, significant military actions unfolded as the United States executed airstrikes against Houthi operatives' coordination centers located within Yemen’s capital. This military action, carried out by U.S. Central Command, raises concerns about the continuing conflict within the region.
Elsewhere, seismic activity disrupted life in Vanuatu, where an earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck, characterized as destructive at its epicenter. Reports confirmed widespread fear and the urgent need for emergency responses following one of the year's most impactful geological events.
On the judicial front, the Economic Collegium of the Supreme Court was slated to examine the legality of multi-million ruble set-offs involved between AСG Hidrostroy and IFSK ARCS. The dispute revolves around the value of six agreements stretching over 363 million rubles. The court will deliberate on whether these transactions were valid under bankruptcy laws.
While addressing the recent issue of internet advertising taxation, RSPP (Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs) urged the government to refine its approach to the collection of the newly imposed 3% fee from advertisers. The organization raised concerns about the potential for multiple tax impositions throughout the advertising supply chain, explaining how this could result in increased costs for Russian businesses.
Cybersecurity became another focal point of concern as over half of Russia's companies reportedly had their confidential data leaked onto dark web forums and Telegram channels. The report from Infosystems Jet stated the number of compromised corporate accounts soared by 60% to 16,000. Phishing attacks accounted for nearly half of the breaches, underscoring the vulnerabilities prevalent among businesses, especially within the financial and IT sectors.
Lastly, various accidents and emergencies were reported across the country, but none were significant enough to warrant the activation of emergency measures. The Kostroma region saw no incidents of natural or man-made disasters, with fire services responding only to tech fires sporadically.
