Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree increasing the authorized strength of the country’s Armed Forces. Effective August 1, the military’s total authorized personnel will rise to 2,426,130, including 1,535,000 service members.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation today at the initiative of the Armenian side. A key topic of discussion was the difficulties surrounding the supply of Armenian products to the Russian market.

Georgian MMA fighter Giorgi Kartvelishvili has announced the creation of a civic movement dedicated, he says, to defending Georgian traditions, culture, and national identity. The athlete spoke about the new initiative at a press conference held at the offices of the Georgian Federation of Journalists.

In June, prices in Chechnya rose faster than in the previous month. According to the regional branch of the Bank of Russia, the average cost of goods and services in the republic increased by 2% over the month.