Georgia
Putin urges Georgians to ‘preserve the good traditions of friendship’ ahead of Victory Day
Russian President Vladimir Putin specifically congratulated the people of Georgia and Moldova as opposed to those countries’ heads of state.
News Stories
Today, 09 May 2025
Today, 09 May 2025
Daily Brief
Friday, 9 May 2025
Regional * The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council, Armen Grigoryan, has stated that Armenia investigated all ceasefire violation claims made by Baku and shared the findings with Azerbaijan, concluding that ‘in general, there were no such violations’. He added that Armenia also provided Azerbaijan with information on violations committed by the Azerbaijani side and expects a thorough investigation. A Factor TV report on Wednesday suggested that talks had taken place between Yerevan and Bak
Reviews
Review | Rahman Mammadli — psychedelic Azerbaijani guitar that mixes traditional with contemporary
The short set highlights Rahman Mammadli’s soulful guitar solos and unique, traditionally-influenced playing style.
Yesterday, 08 May 2025
Azerbaijan
Imprisoned Azerbaijani politician Yagublu’s health deteriorates as hunger strike approaches 40th day
Adil Geybulla, the doctor of imprisoned politician Tofig Yagublu, was not allowed to visit him in prison.
Georgia
Former Georgian Dream ally and businessperson sentenced to nine years in prison
Once a supporter of the ruling party, Giorgi Chikvaidze linked the charges against him to political persecution.
Armenia
Armenia reports new ceasefire violation following bilateral talks on past allegations
On Thursday, Armenia reported that another civilian object was damaged as a result of Azerbaijani fire.
Armenia
Pashinyan loses temper in parliament after being accused of not holding allies accountable for corruption
Pashinyan, in turn, suggested that if they went by media reports, 70% of the opposition would end up in prison.
Georgia
Georgia’s Security Service criticises US Embassy for alerting about bomb threats in Tbilisi
The alert concerned three shopping centres in Tbilisi.
Azerbaijan
Aliyev receives Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Lâm
The two signed several agreements to increase cooperation between their countries.
OC Insider
Russia’s cynical distortion of Victory Day
On Friday, Russia will hold a grand spectacle in Moscow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. The official holiday — arguably the most important non-religious holiday in modern Russia — will feature a parade, and will be attended by several leaders from the Caucasus, including Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Abkhazian President Badra Gunba, South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev, and likely the heads of Russian republics in the North Caucas
Azerbaijan
In last-minute cancellation, Aliyev will not attend Moscow Victory Day celebration
The news of the cancellation was announced by Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov.
Daily Brief
Thursday, 8 May 2025
Armenia * Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan yesterday shouted at an MP during a parliamentary session after she accused him of having no ‘political will’ to hold his team accountable for allegations of corruption. Pashinyan responded to the accusation by saying that if he had gone by press reports about corruption allegations, his government ‘would have hanged you and deported you from Armenia altogether’. * Pashinyan also said that his government adopted ‘a balanced and balancing foreign policy
Wednesday, 07 May 2025
Georgia
Death of heavily injured Georgian inmate raises questions about prison violence
The state has implied the inmate’s injuries were caused by a fall.
Azerbaijan
Two more Azerbaijani journalists detained as media crackdown continues
Both journalists were reportedly brutally beaten during their detention.
Armenia
Armenian authorities summon woman for online comment that ‘calls for violence’ against Pashinyan
The Investigative Committee confirmed the launch of a criminal case.
Armenia
Russia responds to Yerevan’s accusations it is ‘waging a hybrid war’ against Armenia
The accusations were made by Armenian Parliamentary Speaker Alen Simonyan earlier this week.
Azerbaijan Airlines Crash
Baku says Russia is dragging its feet on December’s deadly plane crash
The pro-government Azerbaijani media outlet APA said that Russia has yet to release any details of its investigation into the crash.
Daghestan
Nine local officials in Daghestan fined for not hoisting Russian flag on administrative buildings
They have also been subjected to disciplinary action.
Georgia
Kobakhidze appointed Georgian Dream party chair, vows ‘to win back misguided citizens’
Irakli Kobakhidze will serve as both prime minister and as chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Daghestan
Man admits guilt in deadly attack on police in Daghestan
One of the suspects, who was seriously wounded during the incident, is currently receiving medical treatment under guard in hospital.
Armenia–Belarus Relations
Aliyev receives Belarusian Prime Minister Turchyn in Baku
Turchyn is also expected to visit ‘liberated territories’ to observe reconstruction efforts carried out by Belarusian companies.
Armenia
Armenian Defence Minister Papikyan meets Greek counterpart in Athens
The two discussed their readiness for further collaboration in the defence sector.
Daily Brief
Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Armenia * On Tuesday, the Defence Minister Suren Papikyan met with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias during his official visit to Greece. They discussed issues related to bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, and ‘emphasised their readiness to further enhance cooperation in the fields of military education, experience exchange across various domains, and other areas’. Papikyan also participated in the opening ceremony of the DEFEA-2025 international defence exhibition. * Russian Fore
Reviews
Review | Taming the Garden — an insightful documentary on power and vanity in Georgia
Salomé Jashi’s cautionary tale on power, vanity, and uprooted trees feels more prescient than ever.
Tuesday, 06 May 2025
Armenia
Armenian opposition leaders Kocharyan and Sargsyan split over Pashinyan impeachment
In late April, the We Are Awake movement submitted letters to all MPs urging them to launch impeachment proceedings against Pashinyan.
Chechnya
Kadyrov asks to be relieved of his duties
This is not the first time Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov has discussed stepping down.
Armenia
Armenian parliamentary speaker says Russia is waging ‘a hybrid war’ against Armenia
The statement came on the same day that the same official met with the Russian Ambassador to Armenia.
Caucasus Datablog
Datablog | Increasing optimism for the future in Armenia and Georgia
Armenians were generally more optimistic than Georgians, though both have seen an increase since 2017.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani opposition politician Tofig Yagublu denied house arrest despite deteriorating health
Yagublu’s health has reportedly been sharply deteriorating after more than a month into his hunger strike.
Georgia
Anti-government protesters in Tbilisi pepper sprayed and pelted with dye
Several activists and journalists have been targeted in physical attacks amidst Georgia’s ongoing protests.
