Hourly occurrences: Unveiling the events that transpired
In the heart of Russia, several notable events unfolded on August 5, 2025.
The official exchange rate of the U.S. dollar took a significant turn, falling below 80 rubles for the first time since July 29. This decline was primarily influenced by a combination of relative currency strength and macroeconomic conditions in Russia.
The Bank of Russia set the official dollar rate at 79.6736 rubles, marking a decrease compared to previous months and reflecting a relative stabilization or strengthening of the ruble. Inflation in Russia showed signs of moderation, with a slight decline in consumer prices in early August and a year-to-date inflation rate of 4.37%.
Prior to August, the Russian central bank had cut its key interest rate from 20% to 18% by late July 2025, signaling easing monetary policy amid slowing economic activity and declining inflation. Geopolitical factors appeared mixed; recent peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv in late July failed to yield progress, causing some short-term ruble weakness in late July, but by early August the ruble stabilized somewhat.
The Russian ruble had experienced a broad recovery during 2025, reaching lows near 74 rubles per dollar in July before fluctuating around the high 70s to low 80s in August, showing relative strength compared to earlier in the year when USD/RUB rates were above 100.
Elsewhere in Russia, Alexander Dvornikov, head of the Agriculture and Food Policy and Environmental Management Committee of the Federation Council, noted the increase in cheese production. Russian cheese production volume has significantly increased, but no further details were provided.
In a separate incident, the head of the Azerbaijan diaspora in Yekaterinburg, Shahin Shikhlinский, was arrested in Moscow. Shikhlinsky is suspected of involvement in an attempt to kill a businessman and of using violence against a representative of the authorities.
Traffic congestion on the Crimean Bridge reached a record high, with over 4,000 vehicles queued. The waiting time for vehicles on the Taman side is over six hours, while it is three hours on the Kerch side. Approximately 4068 vehicles are expected to pass through inspection points on the Crimean Bridge, with 2850 on the Taman side and 1218 on the Kerch side.
No new information was provided about the open letter signed by more than 600 former high-ranking officials and leaders of the Israel Defense Forces, Mossad, and Shin Bet. Similarly, no updates were given regarding the arrest of Shahin Shikhlinsky or the situation in Gaza.
The White House has called for changes to the statistics on the U.S. labor market, and Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, believes that the current methodology for U.S. labor market statistics is outdated and resembles a "black box".
These developments in Russia offer a snapshot of the day's events and the ongoing economic and political landscape. Stay tuned for further updates.
- The decline in the U.S. dollar's official exchange rate in Russia, along with the relative strength of the ruble and the moderation of inflation, are significant financial indicators reflecting the state of Russia's economy as of August 5, 2025.
- The general-news landscape in Russia extends beyond economics, with events such as the arrest of the head of the Azerbaijan diaspora in Moscow, Shahin Shikhlinsky, and the record traffic congestion on the Crimean Bridge, highlighting the country's political and social aspects.
