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.

Последние новости
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.

A case seeking to increase the fine for life-sentenced prisoner Rauf Arashukov has been submitted to the court
Society
A case seeking to increase the fine for life-sentenced prisoner Rauf Arashukov has been submitted to the court
22 February 2026

The Orenburg Regional Court has begun hearing the state prosecution's appeal in the 6-million-ruble bribe case involving former senator Rauf Arashukov. The prosecution is seeking to increase the fine for the former official, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, from 120 million to 420 million rubles.

A memorial plaque has been restored for the 20th time near Anna Politkovskaya's home
Human rights
A memorial plaque has been restored for the 20th time near Anna Politkovskaya's home
22 February 2026

In Moscow, activists have restored a memorial plaque for the 20th time on a building associated with Anna Politkovskaya. The original plaque, which had hung for nearly 20 years on the wall of the journalist's home on Lesnaya Street, was first destroyed on January 18. Since then, activists have repeatedly installed temporary plaques, which were quickly destroyed—usually within less than 24 hours.

Georgian authorities have set very low tariffs for oil transportation from Azerbaijan to Armenia
Politics
Georgian authorities have set very low tariffs for oil transportation from Azerbaijan to Armenia
22 February 2026

Georgia has decided to set a symbolic price for the transit of petroleum products from Azerbaijan to Armenia, the country's Ministry of Economy announced. This move follows a one-time free transit of oil in early December 2025, after which standard tariffs were applied.