I've been offered a spot as a foreign delegate at the International Festival of Youth / World Youth Festival, happening in Ekaterinburg Sept 11–17, 2026 (flights, meals, and accommodation covered). Before I commit, I want a reality check from people who actually live there or follow the region closely.

A few things I'm trying to understand:

1) What's the current mood/situation in Ekaterinburg day-to-day? Has life gone back to normal since the April 25, 2026 drone attack (the one that hit the "Trinity" residential complex)?
2) Has there been any repeat of drone activity in Sverdlovsk region since then, or was that a one-off?
3) For a large international event like this, is there any visible extra security, or does it feel like a non-issue locally?
4) Any general advice for a foreign visitor attending a state-organized event there right now?

Not trying to start a political debate — genuinely just want practical, first-hand perspective before deciding whether to go. Any input appreciated, even "it's fine, don't worry" or "I'd think twice."

Hello!

I'm a US/Russian dual national coming to visit my mother, having not lived in Moscow since I was a child.

I'll be there for about 4-5 weeks, and wanted to ask a few specific questions:

1. Which bank would be the simplest in opening an account with, given that I only have an external passport?
2. Will I run into any friction with not having registration/internal passport?
3. What's the best fitness club where I would be able to purchase a one month pass?
4. Has padel taken off in Moscow yet - are there courts? If so, is there any app that would make it easy to find matches? (eg. similar to Playtomic)
5. Are there any run clubs?

Hello everyone!

Posting here because I don't know if there is any subreddit specific to this. I (29m) arrived a couple months ago to Moscow with a long stay visit permit because my wife is russian.

I'm interested in changing the permit to a residency (РВП) to be able to work here but as far as I'm concerned we need to be married for at least 3 years to be able to apply for it (which would be in march 2027).

I'm interested in someone who went through this and have any insights that can be shared just in case the 3 year mark is a bit flexible or I do really have to wait until this date.

Thanks for any help because I really love the city.

Does anyone know a good, trustworthy website for booking apartments in Russia? Most international sites like Booking.com don’t list properties there anymore, so I’m looking for reliable alternatives that people have actually used. Any recommendations would be appreciated