A native of Chechnya was sentenced to 16 years for the death of Pskov paratroopers

The Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don found Alavdi Batykaev from Grozny guilty and sentenced him to 16 years in prison. According to investigators, in 1999 he joined the illegal armed formation of the self-proclaimed Chechen Republic of Ichkeria under the leadership of Shamil Basayev and Khattab.

Batykaev allegedly participated in an attack on servicemen of the sixth parachute company of the 104th regiment of the 76th Pskov Airborne Division near the village of Ulus-Kert. Then 84 federal soldiers were killed.

64-year-old Alavdi Batykaev denies his involvement in the crime. The main evidence of the prosecution is the testimony of secret witnesses. The Memorial Center believes that the man was convicted without grounds. According to human rights activists, identical testimonies from relatives of Russian servicemen are presented in almost all criminal cases brought against natives of Chechnya on charges of participating in the attack on paratroopers. People repeat the official version or talk about the lives of their relatives before the incriminated events. According to Memorial, there is also a series of pieces of evidence proving Batykayev's innocence. These are testimonies and interrogation protocols of himself, fellow villagers, acquaintances and relatives. They confirmed that he was a civilian at the time of the incriminated crime.

Последние новости
Drone attack on Volgograd leaves one dead, eight injured
News
Drone attack on Volgograd leaves one dead, eight injured
31 July 2026

The number of people injured in a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on the southern Russian city of Volgograd has risen to nine after rescuers recovered the body of a woman from the rubble of a residential building struck overnight on July 31.
Second Initiative to
Society
Second Initiative to "Protect National Values" Launched in Georgia in a Week
31 July 2026

Another public initiative aimed at protecting "national values" has emerged in Georgia. This time, the launch of a platform was announced by actor Giorgi Shanidze, director Giorgi Sikharulidze, and Kote Mzhavia, the director of the Batumi Drama Theater. They propose drafting a law intended—in their view—to protect the church, sacred sites, historical figures, and other "fundamental values" of the country.
Illegal dumping problem grows in Ingushetia, local media report
Society
Illegal dumping problem grows in Ingushetia, local media report
31 July 2026

While crews attempt to extinguish smoldering hotspots at the closed landfill in Malgobek, a new illegal dump is already forming nearby. Bers Bankhaev, head of Ingushetia’s Regional Management Center, highlighted this issue.
Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russia and Dagestan overnight
Politics
Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russia and Dagestan overnight
31 July 2026

On the night of July 31, residents of Kaspiysk reported explosions near the seaport, which serves as the base for the Caspian Flotilla. Russian authorities have not officially commented on reports of a possible attack on the port. That same night, Ukrainian drones also struck other Russian regions.