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Drones attacked southern Russian regions—the same areas used to launch drones against Ukraine
Politics
Drones attacked southern Russian regions—the same areas used to launch drones against Ukraine
18 August 2026

Overnight into August 18, drones attacked several regions in southern Russia. Russian authorities reported that hundreds of drones were shot down but did not report any damage or casualties in the Rostov, Krasnodar, and Volgograd regions.

Chechen prisoner faces new disciplinary sanction after five days in solitary confinement
Human rights
Chechen prisoner faces new disciplinary sanction after five days in solitary confinement
17 August 2026

A Chechen man serving a 17-year prison sentence for allegedly preparing a terrorist attack faces a new disciplinary sanction shortly after spending five days in a punishment cell. His wife says he is being treated unfairly and fears he could be transferred to stricter prison conditions.

Politics
"Strong Georgia – Lelo" Petitions Constitutional Court to Restore Emigrants' Voting Rights
17 August 2026

The opposition coalition "Strong Georgia – Lelo" has filed a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court demanding the restoration of voting rights for citizens living abroad. The party maintains that the authorities' decision violates the constitutional rights of emigrants.

Azerbaijan orders arrest in absentia of three Russians over alleged calls for terrorism
Society
Azerbaijan orders arrest in absentia of three Russians over alleged calls for terrorism
17 August 2026

An Azerbaijani court has ordered the arrest in absentia of three Russian citizens accused by investigators of publicly calling for terrorism, the violent overthrow of the constitutional order and violations of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, the country's Prosecutor General's Office said.

Economy
"The harvest on the trees can't wait": farmers in Armenia block highway
17 August 2026

Farmers from the villages of Khandjyan and Atsik in Armenia's Armavir region blocked the Armavir–Yerevan highway, demanding a solution to the problem of selling their peach harvest. Buyers are offering around 100 drams per kilogram—approximately 23 rubles—whereas farmers consider a price of at least 150 drams to be acceptable.

Drone attacks disrupt airports in southern Russia
News
Drone attacks disrupt airports in southern Russia
17 August 2026

A new wave of drone threats on Aug. 17 prompted restrictions at airports in Russia's Krasnodar Krai and caused major disruption to air traffic in Sochi. Russian military authorities also reported hundreds of drones intercepted during the day, including over the Rostov region and the Black Sea.

Drone attacks in southern Russia killed a woman and hit grain exports
Politics
Drone attacks in southern Russia killed a woman and hit grain exports
17 August 2026

On the night of August 17, drone attacks killed a resident of the Astrakhan Region. Governor Igor Babushkin reported that a drone struck a private home in the Yenotayevsky District. The woman inside was killed. Her teenage son was unharmed.

The President of Azerbaijan was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of the Ukrainian city of Irpen
Politics
The President of Azerbaijan was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of the Ukrainian city of Irpen
17 August 2026

Presenting Ilham Aliyev with the certificate of Honorary Citizen of Irpen, Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Yuriy Gusev thanked the President of Azerbaijan and the country for their support of Ukraine and assistance in the city's restoration.

Syrian Circassian Nurdin Karaf May Have Been Tortured After Refusing to Fight in Ukraine
Human rights
Syrian Circassian Nurdin Karaf May Have Been Tortured After Refusing to Fight in Ukraine
17 August 2026

According to Circassian activists, Syrian Circassian Nurdin (Najmuddin) Karaf may have been forcibly conscripted into the Russian army and died after being tortured in a mobilization camp. His family was previously informed of his death, but his body was allegedly not returned to them. The International Circassian Committee announced this on August 11.

Human rights
"They’re going to kill me": St. Petersburg lawyer of Chechen descent found with signs of strangulation
16 August 2026

Shamil Akhaev, a 44-year-old lawyer who had lost contact on August 10, has been found dead. Media outlets and online groups tracking the search reported the news on August 15. His body was discovered in a wooded area.