The arrested pro-Russian mayor of an Armenian city has been hospitalized

A court has ordered a forensic medical examination for the arrested mayor of Gyumri, Vardan Ghukasyan. He has been sent to the Republican Medical Center in Yerevan for examination. The politician's condition is assessed as satisfactory, and there is no immediate threat to his life.

In mid-December, Ghukasyan's pretrial detention was extended for three months. The prosecutor's office cited the risk of him committing further crimes if released. Concerns were also raised regarding potential pressure on witnesses and other participants in the corruption case. Furthermore, a criminal case was opened against Ghukasyan for undermining Armenia's sovereignty due to his statements about the need for a union with Russia. This incident was later removed from the case file.

Previously, Ghukasyan's son, Spartak Ghukasyan, was sentenced to two months' detention on charges of hooliganism committed by a group of individuals using information technology.

Последние новости
Trump Wants to Build Trump Tower, the Tallest Skyscraper in Tbilisi
Politics
Trump Wants to Build Trump Tower, the Tallest Skyscraper in Tbilisi
19 April 2026

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on plans by US President Donald Trump's family, along with local partners, to build a 70-story Trump Tower in Tbilisi. According to the publication, the building is slated to be the tallest in the Georgian capital.
This news comes amid the ruling Georgian Dream party's desire to restore relations with the United States and establish a partnership with the Trump administration.

The number of flooded homes in Dagestan has dropped to 54
Ecology
The number of flooded homes in Dagestan has dropped to 54
19 April 2026

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 54 residential buildings, 59 garden plots, and three sections of roads remain flooded in four settlements in Dagestan. 544 people are staying in 15 temporary accommodation centers.

New Case Against Seriously Ill Tofik Abdulgaziyev: Release Review to Begin anew
Human rights
New Case Against Seriously Ill Tofik Abdulgaziyev: Release Review to Begin anew
18 April 2026

A new criminal case has been opened against Crimean Tatar activist Tofik Abdulgaziyev, who suffers from a number of serious illnesses, including a malignant brain tumor and tuberculosis, under the article on contempt of court (Part 2 of Article 297 of the Russian Criminal Code). This was reported by Crimean Solidarity, citing a comment from lawyer Emil Kurbedinov.

Pashinyan: Pro-Russian parties will not enter parliament in the upcoming elections
Politics
Pashinyan: Pro-Russian parties will not enter parliament in the upcoming elections
18 April 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan predicted that three opposition forces, which he called the "three-headed war party," will not enter parliament in the June elections. He believes that a potential victory for the parties of Samvel Karapetyan, Robert Kocharyan, and Gagik Tsarukyan would lead to a new war with Azerbaijan.