Armenia approved the draft law on joining the European Union
The Government of Armenia approved the draft law on launching the process of the country's accession to the European Union. It is sent to the parliament for adoption.
 
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that the final intention to join the EU must be approved by a national referendum. At the same time, he reminded that there are still problems with the citizens of Armenia obtaining visas to European countries.
 
The Russian authorities have repeatedly expressed their disapproval of Armenia's desire to become closer to Europe. According to Moscow, this is not in the interests of Yerevan and delays the normalization of the geopolitical situation in Transcaucasia. Earlier, Armenia actually stopped participating in the events of the pro-Russian CSTO military bloc. Also, Yerevan practically refused to purchase weapons from the Russian Federation and blocked the broadcast of a number of Russian propaganda TV programs. In July 2024, after 32 years of service, the Russian border guards left the Yerevan Zvartnots airport. In addition, from 2025, they will cease to serve at checkpoints on the Armenian-Iranian border.
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Economy
Chechnya Leads in Lowest Alcohol Sales
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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.