Famous Russian Armenians under EU sanctions
Two famous Russian Armenians have been included in the EU sanctions list. They are comedian and showman Mikhail Galustyan and businessman Albert Avdolyan.
 
It is noted that Galustyan is included in the sanctions list for his “involvement in the children's and youth military-patriotic movement “Yunarmiya” and open support for the policies of the Russian president.” “Yunarmiya” organizes fundraising and events in support of fighters participating in the “special military operation.”
 
According to the EU magazine, Albert Avdolyan has business interests in the energy sector, especially in the coal industry. Through various companies, in particular A-Property-Holdings and Elgaugol, Avdolyan “owns significant shares in the Russian energy infrastructure sector,” which “provides significant income to the Russian government.”
Последние новости
Kadyrov’s close associate once again heads the Chechen government; his son and son-in-law retain deputy prime minister posts
Politics
Kadyrov’s close associate once again heads the Chechen government; his son and son-in-law retain deputy prime minister posts
8 October 2026

On October 8, the Chechen parliament approved the nomination of Magomed Daudov as Chairman of the Republic's Government. The session was attended by the Head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov.
Memorial plaque to Anna Politkovskaya installed yesterday destroyed today
Society
Memorial plaque to Anna Politkovskaya installed yesterday destroyed today
8 October 2026

A makeshift memorial dedicated to journalist Anna Politkovskaya has been destroyed outside the Moscow building on Lesnaya Street where she lived and was killed. The memorial had appeared the previous day, on the 20th anniversary of her murder.
Human rights
"A sentence for one becomes a sentence for all": Crimean Tatar speaks about the families of political prisoners
8 October 2026

Abdulmedzhit Seytumerov, a political prisoner from Crimea, described in a letter from a Russian prison how the lives of Crimean Tatar families change when their loved ones are sentenced to long terms of imprisonment. His wife, Amina Seytumerova, published the message on Facebook.
European Parliament Approves Resolution Against Ban on Opposition Parties in Georgia
Politics
European Parliament Approves Resolution Against Ban on Opposition Parties in Georgia
8 October 2026

On October 8, the European Parliament adopted a resolution regarding attempts by Georgia's ruling party to secure a ban on opposition parties in the country. The document was supported by 445 MEPs, with 37 voting against. The resolution was drafted following a debate on the situation in Georgia held the previous day.