Referendums on joining Russia have begun in the "DPR" and "LPR"

On September 23, referendums on joining Russia began in the “DPR” and “LPR,” as well as in the Russian-controlled Kherson region and part of the Zaporozhye region of Ukraine. The head of the German Foreign Ministry, Annalena Bärbock, said after the G7 ministerial meeting in New York that the G7 countries do not recognize referendums in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Ex-commander of the Azov regiment Maxim Zhorin, released from Russian captivity, said that all captured Ukrainians were tortured by starvation, beaten, and not allowed to sleep. Almost all those released need serious medical and psychological assistance.
In Vladikavkaz, travel was restricted at checkpoints towards the Georgian border due to the large number of people wishing to leave the country. A multi-kilometer traffic jam has accumulated in front of the border checkpoint in Upper Lars.

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Georgia Expects to Avoid Sanctions: Kulevi Port Data Provided to European Commission
Politics
Georgia Expects to Avoid Sanctions: Kulevi Port Data Provided to European Commission
23 February 2026

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the European Commission has been provided with complete and reliable information on the activities of the Kulevi port, confirming compliance with the sanctions regime. The statement came amid discussions of the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, which, according to media reports, may include the Georgian port.

Azerbaijan has again donated humanitarian aid to Ukraine
Politics
Azerbaijan has again donated humanitarian aid to Ukraine
23 February 2026

As part of its humanitarian assistance, Ukraine received a new shipment of energy equipment from Azerbaijan worth a total of $1 million. The handover was attended by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Ukraine Mardaliyev, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mishchenko, and the Deputy Ministers of Energy and Health.

82 years ago, the Chechens and Ingush were forcibly deported
News
82 years ago, the Chechens and Ingush were forcibly deported
23 February 2026

February 23, 1944, marked a dark date in the history of two peoples of the North Caucasus: on the orders of Joseph Stalin, the total deportation of the Chechens and Ingush began. Half a million people were forcibly uprooted from their homes and sent into exile in Central Asia and Siberia.

A destroyed memorial plaque to Anna Politkovskaya has been restored in Moscow
Human rights
A destroyed memorial plaque to Anna Politkovskaya has been restored in Moscow
23 February 2026

Activists in Moscow have installed a memorial plaque for the 21st time in honor of Anna Politkovskaya, who was murdered in 2006. The plaque, which reads, "Anna Politkovskaya lived in this house and was vilely murdered on October 7, 2006," has previously been destroyed by unknown assailants. Activists intend to continue restoring it until it remains in place forever.