Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the European Commission has been provided with complete and reliable information on the activities of the Kulevi port, confirming compliance with the sanctions regime. The statement came amid discussions of the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, which, according to media reports, may include the Georgian port.
The Supreme Court of Ingushetia has upheld the decision to extend the arrest of Ingushneft executive director Umar Balayev, who is accused of illegal oil production and other crimes. Balayev will remain in custody until November 20, bringing his total time in pretrial detention to more than eight months.
According to the court, Balayev is accused of conducting business activities without a license, large-scale fraud, and abuse of office. According to investigators, in 2023, Balayev, without a license, gave instructions regarding oil production at the Malgobek-Voznesenskoye field. He is also accused of transferring 5 million rubles to the company Hedos for work that was never actually performed. Balayev denies his guilt, and his lawyer, Khusein Guliyev, believes the criminal prosecution is an attempt to remove him from office.