In Abkhazia, five candidates were nominated for the presidential elections
On February 15, early presidential elections will be held in the self-proclaimed republic of Abkhazia. Five candidates submitted documents to the CEC: acting of President Badra Gunba, ex-Minister of Economy, leader of the Abkhaz People's Movement Adgur Ardzinba, former trade representative of Abkhazia in Moscow Oleg Bartsits, ex-head of the Control Chamber Robert Arshba and chairman of the board of the commercial bank "Black Sea Development Bank" Adgur Khurkhumal.
 
In mid-December, ex-president of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhaniya refused to run for election. Badra Gunba stepped forward from the ego of the team.
 
As a reminder, on November 19, the Parliament of Abkhazia accepted the early resignation of Aslan Bzhania, which was one of the demands of the opposition. After that, the ex-head of the unrecognized republic announced his intention to run for office again, but later refused. Subsequently, the parliament voted against the ratification of the investment agreement with the Russian Federation. Earlier, its possible adoption caused mass protests.
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Chechnya Leads in Lowest Alcohol Sales
Economy
Chechnya Leads in Lowest Alcohol Sales
25 February 2026

In 2025, residents of the North Caucasus regions consumed the least amount of hard liquor in Russia. The lowest official retail sales figures were recorded in Chechnya (0.01 liters per capita). Other republics of the North Caucasus Federal District also demonstrated modest figures: Ingushetia - 0.7 liters, Dagestan - 2.2 liters, Kabardino-Balkaria - 2.6 liters, North Ossetia - 3 liters, and Karachay-Cherkessia - 3.4 liters. Experts attribute this decline to the prevalence of cultural and religious restrictions, as well as a preference for low-alcohol beverages.

A rally against the Russian government and the war took place in Armenia
Politics
A rally against the Russian government and the war took place in Armenia
25 February 2026

An anti-war rally took place in Yerevan in front of the Russian Embassy. Participants unfurled banners reading "Putinism is evil. No to war," "Putin to The Hague," "Russians against war," as well as Ukrainian and white-blue-white flags.

Kazakhstan has refused to extradite a Chechen refugee to Russia
Human rights
Kazakhstan has refused to extradite a Chechen refugee to Russia
24 February 2026

The Supreme Court of Kazakhstan has suspended the extradition of Chechen activist Mansur Movlayev to Russia. The decision was made pending the consideration of his claim against the denial of refugee status, according to lawyer Murat Adam.

From Chechnya to Ukraine and Beyond: Zelenskyy in the European Parliament on Russia's Systemic Military Aggression
Politics
From Chechnya to Ukraine and Beyond: Zelenskyy in the European Parliament on Russia's Systemic Military Aggression
24 February 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking in the European Parliament on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, stated that Ukraine did not choose this war and is doing everything possible to end it.