Russia reminds again about Armenia's debt to the CSTO
The CSTO member countries "may consider different scenarios" if Armenia does not pay its contribution to the organization's budget by the end of 2025. This was stated by Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Pankin.
 
According to him, Moscow "hopes for the best in the situation of freezing Yerevan's membership, and it did not announce its withdrawal from the CSTO."
 
On February 23, 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the freezing of Armenia's participation in the CSTO. On May 8, the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported that the country would not participate in financing the bloc. In early 2025, a report by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Armenia noted that the country does not intend to unfreeze its membership in the organization.
 
The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is a regional international organization created to "protect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity" of its member states. The bloc includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Последние новости
Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russia and Dagestan overnight
Politics
Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russia and Dagestan overnight
31 July 2026

On the night of July 31, residents of Kaspiysk reported explosions near the seaport, which serves as the base for the Caspian Flotilla. Russian authorities have not officially commented on reports of a possible attack on the port. That same night, Ukrainian drones also struck other Russian regions.

Georgian Prosecutor’s Office to Bring New Charges Against Opposition Coalition Leader
Politics
Georgian Prosecutor’s Office to Bring New Charges Against Opposition Coalition Leader
31 July 2026

The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office intends to bring new charges against Aleko Elisashvili, a leader of the "Lelo – Strong Georgia" coalition. According to his lawyers, the politician is set to be charged with contempt of court. The formal presentation of charges is scheduled for July 31.

Moscow Responds to Yerevan’s Ban: ‘Replacing Armenian Goods Will Not Be Difficult’
Politics
Moscow Responds to Yerevan’s Ban: ‘Replacing Armenian Goods Will Not Be Difficult’
31 July 2026

Moscow has said it will have no difficulty replacing Armenian goods after Yerevan imposed a six-month ban on tomato paste imports, citing the impact of Russia’s restrictions on Armenian agricultural exports.

Chechnya Promotes Mountainous Areas: Photo Contest of Local Mountains Announced in Vedeno
Society
Chechnya Promotes Mountainous Areas: Photo Contest of Local Mountains Announced in Vedeno
31 July 2026

The administration of the Vedensky District in Chechnya has announced a contest for photographs and short videos featuring local mountain scenery. A prize of 100,000 rubles is offered for the best entry, while the runners-up in second and third place will receive 70,000 and 50,000 rubles, respectively.