Chechnya
Breaking: Kadyrov’s son Adam reportedly in critical condition after car accident
The opposition-linked Telegram NIYSO has reported that Khamzat Chimaev died of his injuries.
News Stories
Yesterday, 16 January 2026
Yesterday, 16 January 2026
Georgia
Georgian intelligence probes appearance of Gazprom documents on government website as ‘cyberattack’
The investigation likely concerns information about a contract with Russia’s energy giant that was published on the government’s website.
Georgia
Georgian Dream files complaint with BBC over allegations WWI-era chemical was used on protesters
Georgian Parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said the complaint had been filed directly to the BBC, but added legal action could follow.
Iran
Armenians and Georgians number among killed in Iran protests, reports say
Verifying the information is difficult due to the communications blackout.
Armenia
Solovyov’s suggestion of ‘special military operation’ in Armenia a ‘personal opinion’, Kremlin says
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova added that Vladimir Solovyov’s comments were taken out of context.
Iran
‘Help must reach the people of Iran’ — Iranians demonstrate in Tbilisi and Yerevan
Alongside the protests in their homeland, Iranians in Georgia and Armenia are holding solidarity rallies, filled with anger, grief, and fervent hope.
Armenia
Army chaplains reportedly pressured to join Pashinyan’s Church reform initiative
The Defence Ministry denied the allegations.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan’s anti-colonialist Baku Initiative Group turns its focus on India’s treatment of Sikhs
The government-linked organisation has primarily focused its ire on Armenia’s allies, namely France.
Chechnya
Chechen Parliament approves appointment of Kadyrov’s son as deputy prime minister
He also remains Chechnya’s minister for physical culture and sport.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan’s SOCAR to begin supplying gas to Austria and Germany
Gas will reach the countries through existing routes to Italy.
The Caucasus
What can the Caucasus expect in 2026? Our staff gives their takes
OC Media’s staff members have come together to share their predictions for this coming year.
Daily Brief
Friday, 16 January 2025
Regional * Armenia and Azerbaijan conducted a joint inspection of the current condition of the Yeraskh–Sadarak railway section on Thursday. According to the Armenian authorities, the inspection ‘aimed to assess the technical suitability of the railway section for the movement of specialised railway construction equipment in order to implement comprehensive measures for the restoration of the infrastructure’. Armenia * Five people, including senior officials from the State Revenue Committee
Thursday, 15 January 2026
Ingushetia
Ingush Head Kalimatov claims authorities settled 6 blood feuds and 40 conflicts
The claim by Ingush Head Makhmud-Ali Kalimatov was based on the results of the work of the republic’s Reconciliation Commission.
OC Insider
What would an Iranian revolution mean for the Caucasus?
Whatever happens in Iran will likely have wide-reaching spillover effects in the Caucasus.
Ingushetia
Ingush woman who fled domestic violence detained in Moscow
Aina Mankieva’s mother has accused her of theft in an attempt to force police to detain Mankieva and escort her home.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan says Nagorno-Karabakh leaders and ‘those who committed crimes’ to remain in custody
On Wednesday, Azerbaijan released four Armenian prisoners, prompting discussion that more could follow.
Armenia
Iranian demonstrators questioned in Armenia as Iran slams authorities for allowing protests to continue
The Iranians have been holding protests in Yerevan since last week.
The Caucasus
US suspends immigrant visa processing for Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia
The suspension has affected a total of 75 countries — including Russia.
Daily Brief
Thursday, 15 January 2025
Armenia * Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, criticised the daily protests held by Iranians near their embassy in Yerevan during a press briefing on Wednesday, saying that ‘despite our protests, that process continues’. In response, the Armenian Interior Ministry announced that they ensure the security of all accredited diplomatic missions, and underscored that Armenia, as a democratic state, is ‘obliged not to impede’ citizens’ rights to freedom of movement and peaceful assembl
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Georgia
Kobakhidze condemns Moldovan President Sandu’s suggestion of Moldova–Romania unification
The ruling Georgian Dream party has repeatedly criticised Moldovan President Maia Sandu and her pro-Western government.
Armenia
Azerbaijan releases four Armenian prisoners
In parallel, Armenia has released two Syrian nationals captured during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War of 2020 to Syria.
Daghestan
Daghestani authorities investigate long-term water cuts in Kaspiysk
Investigators have launched an inquiry after residents of Kaspiysk were left without water for several days.
Trump Route
US to receive 74% share in company overseeing and developing Trump Route
The TRIPP Development Company will ensure the development and implementation of the TRIPP infrastructure.
Armenia–EU Relations
Pashinyan says Armenia ‘unequivocally’ wants to join EU
The Armenian Prime Minister also said that the country's Eurasian Economic Union Membership was not at risk for the time being.
Georgia
Married Georgian Dream MP denies appearing in video with unidentified woman in Monaco
The video and Zarkua’s reaction sparked ridicule on social media.
Karachay–Cherkessia
Former senator from Karachay–Cherkessia sentenced to another 10 years for bribing prison officials
Rauf Arashukov was already serving a life sentence in Russia’s Orenburg region on charges of organising hits on community leaders.
Armenia
Russia’s soft power project focused on Armenia funded through presidential grant
The budget for the project will be at least ₽13 billion ($165 million), sources told the Russian media outlet RBC.
Reviews
Review | The Door Was Open: Short Stories — unveiling the dark side of Armenian womanhood
Karine Khodikyan’s uncanny and inscrutable short stories focus on lust, love, and death, and all the dysfunction that lies between.
Georgia
Georgian activist fined again for geoglyphing ‘MEGOBARI Act’
Rostom Zarandia created the geoglyph promoting the US bill in November together with friends.
Daily Brief
Wednesday, 14 January 2025
Armenia * Armenia and the US have published the Trump Route Implementation Framework, which foresees establishment of the TRIPP Development Company, intended to ensure the development and implementation of the project’s infrastructure. It is ‘expected to be granted the right to development for an initial term of 49 years’, with Armenia intended to offer the US a 74% share and to hold itself a 26% share. According to the framework, Armenia is expected to extend the company’s control over the ro
