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.
News Stories
Today, 06 April 2026
Today, 06 April 2026
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
Azerbaijan
Is Azerbaijan banning the hijab in public schools?
Reports of girls being expelled or banned from school for wearing hijab have led to speculation on the further repression of religious expression.
Yesterday, 05 April 2026
Afgan Sadigov
Georgia deports journalist Afgan Sadigov to Azerbaijan following late night arrest
The court ordered Sadigov’s deportation in a late night hearing following his surprise arrest several hours earlier for ‘insulting police’ online.
Friday, 03 April 2026
Georgia
Is the Georgian government secretly killing stray dogs?
Rumours have spread recently regarding the disappearance of street dogs across Georgia and their possible cremation in Gori.
Mzia Amaghlobeli
Georgian state council rejects early release for journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli
The council rejected the request because Amaghlobeli has not ‘expressed remorse’ for slapping police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze.
Daghestan
Three sentenced in absentia for allegedly organising Makhachkala’s antisemitic airport riot
All three organisers are on the international wanted list.
Economy
Georgia’s annual inflation slows to 4.3% as food and services prices rise
Food and beverages contributed 2.57 percentage points to annual inflation.
Armenia–Russia Relations
Russia applies ‘stricter requirements’ for Armenian goods following tense Pashinyan–Putin talks
Russia has often been accused of implementing stricter trade controls as a punitive measure.
Georgia
Georgian Public Defender says police has not faced persecution for abuse of protesters
The report noted lack of prosecution even in cases where the officers’ faces were uncovered.
Georgia–Moldova Relations
Moldova’s ruling party declines Tbilisi visit over poor bilateral relations
The visiting delegation was headed by pro-Russian lawmaker Bogdan (Bogdat) Țîrdea and controversial former President Igor Dodon.
Chechnya
Chechen officials threaten to force those caught with tinted car windows to fight in Ukraine
The official has confirmed the authenticity of the recording.
Daily Brief
Friday, 3 April 2026
Armenia * Russia’s Veterinary and Phytosanitary department has said that the ‘range and quantity’ of plant and livestock products arriving from Armenia gave them grounds to believe that not all of them originated from Armenia. The agency explained that this led to ‘Russia applying stricter requirements to Armenia’. * Armenian authorities have arrested an employee of Russian–Armenian tycoon Samvel Karapetyan’s Our Way of Preservation of National Values NGO. According to investigators, since Fe
Thursday, 02 April 2026
Georgian Dream
Georgian Dream joins Council of Europe’s Congress group linked to right-wing Patriots for Europe
The group is composed of members from right-wing populist parties.
Azerbaijan
Imprisoned Azerbaijani theologian left covered in sores
Theologian Mansur Velishov’s family stated that he has spent the last four months in this condition without receiving a medical examination.
Armenia–Russia Relations
Putin and Pashinyan hold contentious talks in Moscow
Following the meeting, Moscow offered critical remarks regarding Armenia and its ties and projects with the EU and US.
Daghestan
Daghestani National Policy Minister ‘disappears’ amidst reports of an assassination attempt
The first reports of his alleged assassination appeared in early March.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan ramps up pressure against ‘political prisoners’
One human rights activist has speculated the increased pressure is a sign that some prisoners might be released in the near future.
North Caucasus
Stalin named ‘ideal leader’ by 3% of North Caucasians in recent survey
The survey also found that North Caucasians viewed Rambo, the Terminator, and the Hulk as role models for an ‘ideal leader’.
Georgia–Moldova Relations
Moldovan parliamentary delegation including former controversial former President Igor Dodon visits Georgia
The delegation is led by pro-Russian lawmaker Bogdan Țîrdea.
Daghestan
Court in Makhachkala seizes $15 million in assets from former Daghestani official
The decision was made following a claim by the Prosecutor General’s Office and is subject to immediate enforcement.
2026 Armenian parliamentary elections
Former Armenian President Sargsyan’s Republican Party to sit out elections
The party ruled Armenia for almost two decades.
OC Insider
Pashinyan and the Armenian opposition’s ‘war party’
Absent real alternative plans among Armenia’s main opposition parties for how to deal with Azerbaijan, Pashinyan’s framing rings true.
2026 Armenian parliamentary elections
Opinion | The risks of Pashinyan’s fear-mongering tactics ahead of Armenia’s elections
Pashinyan’s claims that the opposition is preparing a new war with Azerbaijan risks justifying non-democratic and even unconstitutional measures.
North Ossetia–Alania
MMA coach in Vladikavkaz accused of assaulting underage girls
At least four individuals are recognised as victims in the case.
Georgia’s EU U-turn
‘He learned to live on his own’: the hidden toll on Georgia’s women protesters
In a country where rigid gender roles remain, many Georgian women must juggle childcare, housework, and fighting for their children’s future.
