Russian citizens are banned from vacationing in Abkhazia because of its policies
Russia has decided to conduct "educational work" with Abkhazia, depriving the republic of the tourist flow from the Russian Federation, which was its main source of income. This was stated by the vice-president of the Association of Tour Operators of the Russian Federation, Artur Muradyan.
 
"Russian operators are currently banned from selling tours to Abkhazia. This will be the case as long as local businesses continue to protest against the ratification of the investment agreement with Russia," Muradyan said.
 
According to him, after the start of protests in the unrecognized republic and the resignation of its president, Aslan Bzhania, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development issued a ban on Russian tour operators selling tours to Abkhazia.
 
Recently, Abkhazia's Prime Minister Valery Bganba asked the Russian government to resume co-financing of public sector salaries. The authorities of the unrecognized republic have stopped paying salaries to public sector employees, new power outage schedules have been introduced since December 9, and schools and kindergartens will be closed since December 10. There is also a shortage of funds to pay salaries to security forces.
 
Before this, Abkhazia refused to conclude an economic agreement with Russia. The parliament of the self-proclaimed republic voted against ratifying the agreement with the Russian Federation on investments. Earlier, its possible adoption caused mass protests. This agreement was the subject of harsh criticism from the opposition. Many residents feared that the arrival of Russian business in the unrecognized republic would leave them without work.
Последние новости
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.
Court upholds sentences for four Crimean Tatars in ‘Hizb ut-Tahrir’ case
Human rights
Court upholds sentences for four Crimean Tatars in ‘Hizb ut-Tahrir’ case
16 October 2026

A Russian military appellate court has rejected the appeals of four Crimean Tatars—Nariman Ametov, Ali Mamutov, Vokhid Mustafayev, and Enver Khalilyayev—who were convicted of involvement with the organization ‘Hizb ut-Tahrir.’ The sentences handed down by the Southern District Military Court on May 21, 2026, remain unchanged. According to the TASS news agency, citing court sources, the individuals—part of what is known as the "third Dzhankoy group"—were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 14 to 15 years.