Early presidential elections in Abkhazia may be held in mid-February 2025
The election of a new president of the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia must be held within three months from the date of the current head's resignation. According to a representative of the country's Central Election Commission, they will most likely take place on February 15 or 16, 2025 - these will be weekends. As soon as the parliament sets the date of the elections, the Central Election Commission will begin preparing for them.
 
Recall that on November 19, the Abkhazian parliament accepted the resignation of President Aslan Bzhania. Thus, as a result of the protests on November 15, the opposition was able to achieve the fulfillment of its demand.
 
Recall that the reason for the protests was the ratification of the investment agreement with Russia by the president. Many residents feared that the arrival of Russian business in the unrecognized republic would leave them without work.
 
Earlier, Bzhania agreed to resign "in order to maintain stability and constitutional order" and on the condition that the protesters leave the buildings of parliament and other government agencies.
Последние новости
Drone alert declared across southern Russia this evening
News
Drone alert declared across southern Russia this evening
17 October 2026

On the evening of 17 October, a drone alert was declared again in several districts of Krasnodar Krai. The warning covered Anapa, Gelendzhik, Novorossiysk, Abinsky, Krymsky and Temryuksky districts. Earlier in the day, alerts had also been issued in Sochi, Tuapse municipal district and Mostovsky district.

Residents over 55 in Karachay-Cherkessia five times more likely to visit online learning websites
Society
Residents over 55 in Karachay-Cherkessia five times more likely to visit online learning websites
17 October 2026

In the third quarter of 2026, monthly internet traffic to educational websites in Karachay-Cherkessia was 1.3 times higher than in the first quarter. Among users aged over 55, the figure increased fivefold, according to a study by telecommunications operator MegaFon and the Skillbox educational group.

Reporters Without Borders condemns forced detention of Novaya Gazeta editor-in-chief
Human rights
Reporters Without Borders condemns forced detention of Novaya Gazeta editor-in-chief
17 October 2026

Sergei Sokolov was taken to Russia’s Investigative Committee and held in the building for around three hours, despite having been officially summoned for questioning as a witness. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) described the incident as a new stage in the pressure on one of Russia’s last independent media outlets.

Shchukin: Over 3 Billion Rubles Paid to Flood Victims in Dagestan
Society
Shchukin: Over 3 Billion Rubles Paid to Flood Victims in Dagestan
16 October 2026

More than 3 billion rubles have been paid out to residents of Dagestan affected by spring floods. Fyodor Shchukin announced this on October 15 while speaking at a session of the republic’s People’s Assembly. On the same day, deputies elected him as the head of the region, following which he took the oath of office and assumed his duties.