Chechnya
AfD moves to expel Chechen-born member Noah Krieger
The decision follows reports about Noah Krieger’s links to Chechnya and a recent controversial visit to the region.
News Stories
Today, 09 April 2026
Today, 09 April 2026
Armenia–Russia Relations
Pashinyan says Armenia–Russia relations undergo ‘constructive transformation’
Relations between Russia and Armenia are currently undergoing another round of escalating tensions.
Georgia
Three minors receive multi-year prison sentences over murder of Tbilisi tutor
The case of the fatal beating of 28-year-old tutor Giga Avaliani in October 2025 attracted significant attention in Georgia.
Chechnya
Kadryov rejects rumours Chechen units could fight for Iran
Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov specifically criticised Iranian strikes on infrastructure in Gulf states.
Kabarda–Balkaria
Two Kabarda–Balkaria residents fined over rally commemorating Soviet-era deportations
The court found Alina Taimakulova and Asiyat Kaigermazova to be guilty of organising an unauthorised public event.
Daily Brief
Thursday, 9 April 2026
Regional * Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev will meet with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan today in Yerevan. The delegation, which includes Transportation Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev, previously held talks in Baku, including with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Armenia * Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has suggested that any Armenian official threatening to leave the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Collective Security Treaty Organ
Yesterday, 08 April 2026
Daghestan
Heavy rains in Azerbaijan and Daghestan continue to wreak havoc
The region has been beset by historic heavy rains and associated flooding for weeks.
Anaklia Port
Georgian opposition party Lelo proposes naming Anaklia Port after Donald Trump
The party said the port should become a ‘gateway of [the] Trump Route to the Western world’.
Georgia
Over 40 arrested in Georgia in latest mafia crackdown
Those arrested were allegedly in contact with notorious mob boss Mamuka Shubitidze, also known as Mamuka Kakhetinsky or Davit Baratashvili.
Armenia
Major Armenian opposition alliance forced to drop Karapetyan’s name after legislative changes
The Strong Armenia with Samvel Karapetyan can no longer use the name of the Russian–Armenian tycoon.
Georgia
Tbilisi greenlights eviction of several residents for Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre construction
The order was issued by Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili.
Armenia–Azerbaijan Relations
Could Vance’s visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan herald further American weapons deals?
While the US’s role in the South Caucasus is expanding, significant political and economic factors argue against a full partnership reset.
Georgia–US Relations
US denies Georgian Dream claims of expected State Department visit
The mixed messages come as the current state of Georgia’s relations with the US remain murky.
Karachay–Cherkessia
Cherkessk resident charged with extremism over ‘anti-Russian statements’
He is accused of calls for terrorism and incitement of hatred.
Daily Brief
Wednesday, 8 April 2026
Regional * Five property owners in Tbilisi’s old town will have their properties expropriated for the construction of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center. According to the 3 April order signed by Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili, the center constitutes a project of ‘pressing social needs’, noting that since no agreement could be reached with the property owners, the expropriation of their properties will be ‘required’. Armenia * Armenia's Parliament has adopted amendments to the electora
Tuesday, 07 April 2026
Chechnya
Ramzan Kadyrov awarded ‘for contribution to the development of science’
The merits for which he received the award remain unclear.
Georgia
Georgia hides asset declarations of Security Service chief Mdinaradze
Declarations of SSG chiefs are traditionally available for public inspection.
Armenia
Armenian Defence Committee chair says son avoided military service because he is ‘high-class’
He has apologised for his statement after facing criticism.
Georgia
Georgia’s opposition attempts a political reset with new alliance
Georgia’s opposition are seemingly attempting something broader than simply defeating the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Economy
IMF sees continued economic growth for Georgia in 2026 barring Iran war escalation
The IMF concluded that Georgia’s economic performance will remain at 5% 2026.
Azerbaijan–Georgia Relations
Aliyev meets Ivanishvili before leaving Georgia
He had earlier met with President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
Chechnya
Grozny court recognises the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria as a terrorist organisation
The organisation’s activities are now banned on the territory of Russia.
Daily Brief
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
Regional * Before concluding his state visit to Georgia, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party. During the one-day visit, he had earlier met with President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Armenia * Andranik Kocharyan, a Civil Contract MP and the chair of Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Security, stated during a press briefing on Monday that his son, Levon, did not complete mandatory m
Reviews
Review | Jocasta: Raw Material — a feminist comparison of two civil wars
Mariam Megvinyte’s latest play contrasts Thebes’ fall in the Oedipus cycle with the Georgian Civil War, all via a feminist perspective.
Monday, 06 April 2026
Armenia–Russia Relations
Yerevan threatens to leave Russia-led blocs in latest diplomatic row with Moscow
Yerevan has threatened to leave Moscow-led economic and security blocs in response to economic pressures if they occur.
Daghestan
Daghestan floods kill at least 4 as fears of a dam overflow trigger evacuations
This was the second major flood to have hit the republic in weeks.
Daghestan
Daghestani National Policy Minister resurfaces after month-long absence and assassination rumours
The minister has hinted that he was ‘out of action’ due to a traffic accident.
Afgan Sadigov
Journalist Afgan Sadigov briefly detained in Azerbaijan after deportation from Georgia
It is yet unclear on what grounds Sadigov was detained.
Ilham Aliyev
Aliyev visits Georgia day after deportation of independent Azerbaijani journalist Sadigov
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is in Tbilisi for a state visit.
Daily Brief
Monday, 6 April 2026
Regional * A court in Georgia has ordered the deportation of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov in a late night hearing that lasted mere hours, following his surprise arrest several hours earlier for ‘insulting police’ online. The decision was implemented immediately, with Sadigov reportedly in Baku as of yesterday. The ruling came despite the journalist being under an international protection order blocking his extradition to Azerbaijan over human rights concerns. * The day after Sadigov’s
