Russian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan was reportedly detained by the Azerbaijani military

The wife of the former minister of state of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, ex-citizen of the Russian Federation, billionaire Ruben Vardanyan reported that contact with him had been lost.

People around the businessman confirm this information, and TV presenter Tina Kandelaki wrote on the social network: “Friends, my friend, former Minister of State of Nagorno-Karabakh, Ruben Vardanyan was arrested by the Azerbaijani military.” According to media reports, he was detained today by the Azerbaijani side at a checkpoint in the Lachin corridor.

At the end of 2022, Vardanyan decided to withdraw from his status as a citizen of the Russian Federation. He left Russia and became the Minister of State of Nagorno-Karabakh, calling on the Russian leadership to provide support to the region and Armenia. He later left his post under pressure from Azerbaijan.

Последние новости
Georgian Prosecutor’s Office to Bring New Charges Against Opposition Coalition Leader
Politics
Georgian Prosecutor’s Office to Bring New Charges Against Opposition Coalition Leader
31 July 2026

The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office intends to bring new charges against Aleko Elisashvili, a leader of the "Lelo – Strong Georgia" coalition. According to his lawyers, the politician is set to be charged with contempt of court. The formal presentation of charges is scheduled for July 31.

Москва ответила на запрет Еревана: «Заменить армянские товары не составит труда»
Politics
Москва ответила на запрет Еревана: «Заменить армянские товары не составит труда»
31 July 2026

Москва заявила, что без труда заменит армянские товары после того, как Ереван ввел шестимесячный запрет на импорт томатной пасты, объяснив это последствиями российских ограничений на поставки армянской сельхозпродукции.

Chechnya Promotes Mountainous Areas: Photo Contest of Local Mountains Announced in Vedeno
Society
Chechnya Promotes Mountainous Areas: Photo Contest of Local Mountains Announced in Vedeno
31 July 2026

The administration of the Vedensky District in Chechnya has announced a contest for photographs and short videos featuring local mountain scenery. A prize of 100,000 rubles is offered for the best entry, while the runners-up in second and third place will receive 70,000 and 50,000 rubles, respectively.

Armenian Prime Minister Does Not Rule Out International Court Over Railway Dispute with Russia
Politics
Armenian Prime Minister Does Not Rule Out International Court Over Railway Dispute with Russia
30 July 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said Yerevan does not rule out taking its dispute with Russia over the management of the South Caucasus Railway to an international court if the issue cannot be resolved through negotiations. At the same time, he stressed that the Armenian authorities hope to settle the matter through talks.