The Russian apps VK and the national messenger MAX are no longer available for download via the Google Play Store. Existing installations continue to function without restriction; however, Android users are now advised to install and update the apps through alternative app stores.

A fuel shortage in southern Russia and the North Caucasus has led to hours-long queues, restrictions on gasoline sales, and a stark price gap between major chain stations and private gas stations.

The defense team for Mansur Movlaev, a native of Chechnya, has appealed to Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General, Berik Asylov, demanding an end to his continued detention pending extradition. According to the defense, the statutory time limit has expired, and Kazakh authorities no longer have legal grounds to hold Movlaev in custody.

The city court in the capital of Karachay-Cherkessia has sentenced public figure Kase Kik in absentia to seven years in prison under the statute prohibiting the dissemination of false information about the Russian army. The activist, who is currently outside Russia, called the verdict politically motivated and stated that he has no intention of ceasing his civic activities.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed his support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem. He made this statement at a meeting in Baku with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa.

The Armenian government has approved the start of the ratification process for the framework agreement with the US regarding the TRIPP project ("Trump’s Road to International Peace and Prosperity"). The document will now be submitted to the Constitutional Court and subsequently—provided it is deemed constitutional—to the National Assembly.

A court in Kazakhstan has extended the extradition detention of Chechnya native Mansur Movlaev until January 13, 2027. Human rights activist Maxim Rudnev reported the news, noting that the hearing took place without the participation of Movlaev himself or his lawyers.

Kabardino-Balkaria has taken first place among the regions of the North Caucasus in terms of meat production. In the first five months of 2026, the republic produced 46,900 tons of livestock and poultry for slaughter in live weight—a 1.2% increase compared to the previous year.

Georgia is among the countries whose scores in the Global Freedom and Prosperity Index have declined most significantly in recent years, according to the Atlantic Council's 2026 report, which covers 171 countries.

The United Russia party nominated Ramzan Kadyrov as its candidate for a new term as head of Chechnya. After his nomination, Kadyrov stated that he was running "under duress" and that, if the decision were entirely up to him, he would nominate another candidate. Learn more in our video.