Abkhazia refused ex-president Medvedev's proposal to join the Russian Federation

“Abkhazia is not considering the option of joining the Russian Federation. The political forces of the republic stand for close and allied relations with Russia, but not for becoming one of its subjects,” said Sergey Shamba, Secretary of the Security Council of Abkhazia.

Earlier, the Georgian Foreign Ministry called the Russian official's article an attempt to encroach on the country's territorial integrity. “The statements of Deputy Head of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Medvedev are a continuation of the policy of the Russian Federation on the occupation of the territories of Georgia and another attempt to encroach on sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Tbilisi said.

In his article, Dmitry Medvedev admitted that the idea of joining the self-proclaimed republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia to Russia could be realized if the West continues to inflame the situation in Georgia.

Последние новости
General Lapin, called ‘incompetent’ by Kadyrov, becomes deputy prime minister of Tatarstan
News
General Lapin, called ‘incompetent’ by Kadyrov, becomes deputy prime minister of Tatarstan
19 October 2026

On 19 October 2026, the State Council of Tatarstan approved the appointment of Colonel General Alexander Lapin as deputy prime minister of the republic. Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov signed the appointment decree the same day. Lapin had previously been appointed acting deputy prime minister on 29 September 2026.
The dispute between Baku and Yerevan over the issue of landmines has reached a photo exhibition in Rome, though only one side is represented.
Politics
The dispute between Baku and Yerevan over the issue of landmines has reached a photo exhibition in Rome, though only one side is represented.
19 October 2026

On October 17, a photo exhibition opened in Rome as part of a "World Without Mines" campaign, organized by the Azerbaijani public association "Gilavar Photo Club." The exhibition focuses on the threat posed by landmines following the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia—a threat for which the organizers hold Yerevan responsible.
Azerbaijan Works on Enhancing Military Interoperability with NATO Countries
Politics
Azerbaijan Works on Enhancing Military Interoperability with NATO Countries
19 October 2026

In Baku, representatives from Azerbaijan, NATO member states, and partner nations have been assessing the Azerbaijani army’s capabilities against the alliance’s standards. The program included operational planning and exercises designed to improve interoperability between military units.
Georgian Court Refuses to Include Former PM’s Statement on Political Pressure in Case File
Politics
Georgian Court Refuses to Include Former PM’s Statement on Political Pressure in Case File
19 October 2026

A preliminary hearing was held at the Tbilisi City Court regarding a new corruption case against former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. The court is currently reviewing the admissibility of evidence and must decide whether the case should proceed to a trial on the merits. The accused did not appear at the hearing.