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.
Последние новости
Kadyrov’s close associate once again heads the Chechen government; his son and son-in-law retain deputy prime minister posts
Politics
Kadyrov’s close associate once again heads the Chechen government; his son and son-in-law retain deputy prime minister posts
8 October 2026

On October 8, the Chechen parliament approved the nomination of Magomed Daudov as Chairman of the Republic's Government. The session was attended by the Head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov.
Memorial plaque to Anna Politkovskaya installed yesterday destroyed today
Society
Memorial plaque to Anna Politkovskaya installed yesterday destroyed today
8 October 2026

A makeshift memorial dedicated to journalist Anna Politkovskaya has been destroyed outside the Moscow building on Lesnaya Street where she lived and was killed. The memorial had appeared the previous day, on the 20th anniversary of her murder.
Human rights
"A sentence for one becomes a sentence for all": Crimean Tatar speaks about the families of political prisoners
8 October 2026

Abdulmedzhit Seytumerov, a political prisoner from Crimea, described in a letter from a Russian prison how the lives of Crimean Tatar families change when their loved ones are sentenced to long terms of imprisonment. His wife, Amina Seytumerova, published the message on Facebook.
European Parliament Approves Resolution Against Ban on Opposition Parties in Georgia
Politics
European Parliament Approves Resolution Against Ban on Opposition Parties in Georgia
8 October 2026

On October 8, the European Parliament adopted a resolution regarding attempts by Georgia's ruling party to secure a ban on opposition parties in the country. The document was supported by 445 MEPs, with 37 voting against. The resolution was drafted following a debate on the situation in Georgia held the previous day.