Weird News Monthly Dispatch – October 2025: From Clown Shortages to Putin Kettlebells

If you thought the world had calmed down, think again. October in Russia brought us everything from bizarre inventions to psychological trends and international bathroom drama. Buckle up — here’s your monthly digest of the weirdest, most wonderfully absurd headlines.

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Soviet Spirit Meets Modern Safety: Niva Finally Gets an Airbag

The car airbag was invented in the early 1950s. But here in Russia, we like to stay traditional — Orthodox, even. For the first time, the Lada Niva will be equipped with an airbag.
But there’s a twist: the only one will protect not the driver, but the rear-seat passenger. The sporty Niva Sport, priced at around ₽1.7 million (≈ $18,500), is set to go on sale in December.
Because clearly, in a Niva, it’s the backseat that needs the most protection.
auto.ru

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A House for $1,200 — and It Comes with a Sauna

The cheapest village home in Russia is up for sale in Chuvashia for just ₽110,000 (≈ $1,200). Built in 1955, this 40 m² (430 sq ft) wooden house has a stove, sauna, well, and fruit trees — basically everything you need for a minimalist dacha life.
Wanna move in?
ki-news.ru

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Putin’s Head Is the New Gym Equipment

Forget dumbbells — meet the Putin kettlebell. This bizarre workout accessory, shaped like the president’s head, has been spotted on Russian marketplaces for ₽8,500 (≈ $90).
The seller claims it’s “impossible to slack off while working out, because Big Brother is watching you.”

Meanwhile, the EU’s 19th sanctions package has banned the export of toilets and bidets to Russia, sparking outrage and memes. The Kremlin promised that Europe would “pay a high price.” Apparently, even porcelain isn’t safe from geopolitics.
kommersant.ru

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Send in the Clowns — Literally

Russia is facing an acute shortage of clowns, according to veteran circus performer Anatoly Marchevsky. He says today’s audiences are too sophisticated — and it’s getting harder to make them laugh. Clown schools report low enrollment, while older performers are retiring.
If you’ve been thinking about a career change, this might be your sign (red nose optional).
lenta.ru

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The Height of Insecurity

Sales of heel and insole lifts among Russian men have skyrocketed — up fivefold in a year. Each pair costs around ₽300 (≈ $3.20) and adds up to 5 cm (≈ 2 inches) of height. The trend reportedly stems from social-media dating standards, where women openly declare they only date men taller than 180 cm (≈ 5′11″).

At the same time, demand for penis extenders has soared by 90%. Psychologists say men feel increasing pressure from “sigma-male” culture and body-talk on social media. Doctors, meanwhile, warn that the devices can cause injuries or sexual dysfunction — a high price to pay for a few extra centimeters.

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Gamers Get Paid: Dota 2 Tutors Earn More than Teachers

Coaching online games has become a booming business. Dota 2 tutors in Russia are now earning up to ₽120,000 a month (≈ $1,300). They usually teach 7–10 students weekly, helping them master lanes, item builds, and rankings.
Most clients are school or university students aged 14–25 who’d rather invest in gaming skills than math homework.
gazeta.ru

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Turkish Love Fever

Single Russian women are heading to Turkey after binge-watching romantic Turkish TV dramas.
According to surveys, 77% admitted that soap operas inspired their travels — most of them women aged 31 to 44, hoping to find love worthy of a prime-time plot twist.

Travel agencies report a noticeable surge in solo female bookings to Istanbul and Antalya. Looks like love — or maybe Netflix — is the strongest visa motivation.

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And that’s October for you — airbag miracles, kettlebell presidents, love migration, and a country running out of clowns. If the rest of the world ever feels too normal, you know where to look.