Changes regarding communication and tourism
Forecast: "Outlines of the Global Future" (published on February 9, 2026, link)
S. Dragan:
There is a feeling that since May 2026, life, routines, and moods in Russia have been changing significantly. Interestingly, after May 2026, the forms of Russia's communication and tourism relations with other countries may also change. Perhaps a significant easing in these matters...
Russian authorities in May 2026 actively discussed the mutual lifting of travel restrictions with three new countries, according to the press service of the Ministry of Economic Development.
"As of April 2026, Russian citizens can visit 86 countries without a visa. Another 38 countries have a simplified entry procedure (e-visa or visa on arrival)," the Russian Ministry of Economic Development emphasized.
The ministry's representatives added that currently (May 11, 2026), detailed work is underway on introducing a visa-free regime with Malaysia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. These destinations are expected to become accessible to travelers soon.
The volume of bookings for overseas trips during June - August has exceeded last year's levels by an average of 8%, the Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATO) noted. Some tour operators have seen growth of 10-13%.
According to analysts' forecasts, 6.4-6.8 million Russians are expected to travel abroad this summer. It is noted that the strengthening of the ruble has been the main factor influencing demand, making overseas trips more affordable.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPEF) took place from June 3 to 6. The 2026 forum program is dedicated to shaping a new model of global development in the context of the transformation of the global economy. SPEF is a major event where Russia presents its foreign and economic policies in dialogue with various countries.
Russia continues to gain new partners, the country is open to brotherhood. This was stated by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
"Pressure on Russia persists, but it has new partnership relations," the president said at the PMEF-2026, as reported by URA.RU correspondent. Additionally, Putin emphasized the country's openness to new relations with any nation interested.
At PMEF-2026, President of Russia Vladimir Putin once again underlined the country's openness to dialogue, noting the emergence of new partnership relations. Earlier at the same forum, he stated that Russia is ready to communicate with Europe - all they need to do is show initiative. According to him, contacts between Russian and European intelligence services continue.
«After May 2026 ... significant relief may be possible in ... internet communication issues...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the Russian government and FSB to guarantee Russians uninterrupted access to the internet even during restrictions. This was reported on June 1st by the Kremlin press service.
«The Government of the Russian Federation, together with the FSB of Russia, shall ensure the uninterrupted operation of key services during the period of restriction of the functioning of the 'Internet' information and telecommunications network,» the message on the Kremlin website reads.
It is noted that this will primarily affect access to medical assistance systems, the 'Gosuslugi' portal, as well as payment systems. A report on the work is to be submitted to the president by July 1, 2026.
On June 4, 2026, Russian mobile operators discussed with authorities a mechanism that would allow access to certain foreign websites without using a VPN. This was reported on the sidelines of the PMEF, according to Kommersant.
The discussion revolves around the possibility of freely accessing specific resources, which are currently only accessible through workarounds. It is known that the operators' previously proposed idea of "VPN white lists" has been continued and found support. Services that may become available include neural networks and streaming platforms.
A representative of one of the operators explained that the initiative is interdisciplinary. It is being developed in collaboration with all major telecom operators and regulatory bodies.
Currently, a model is being discussed where a portion of the internet will be opened directly, without using a VPN, and a separate list of permitted resources will be established. The initiative is still in the development phase: specific website lists and potential launch dates are not yet disclosed.
Mobile operators are discussing with authorities ways to restore Russians' access to Netflix, neural networks, and other blocked resources in Russia. This was reported by RBK at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) Sergey Anokhin, CEO of Beeline.
S.Dragan:
The sudden zigzag is striking, hinting at a revolutionary turn in (various) fields...
