Iran is increasing its economic and cultural influence in Dagestan
Since 2022, trade turnover between Iran and Dagestan has more than tripled. Tehran is also increasing its religious influence in the Russian region, the Special Eurasia think tank reported.
 
It is noted that ports on the Caspian Sea and Dagestan have become a key link in Iran's logistics network to bypass sanctions and are used in the interests of shipping and oil companies.
 
Despite the fact that only 5% of Dagestanis profess the dominant Islamic movement in Iran, Shiism, the latter is actively promoting its centers and language in the region. In particular, the Shiite association "Ahlul-Beit" operates in Makhachkala. It distributes Iranian literature and magazines through religious centers, universities and libraries in Dagestan, as well as Chechnya and the Stavropol Territory.
Последние новости
The North Caucasus republics ranked last in the car affordability rankings for families
Economy
The North Caucasus republics ranked last in the car affordability rankings for families
8 December 2025

A RIA Novosti study revealed significant differences in car affordability across Russian regions. The worst situation is observed in the North Caucasus republics, where only a small proportion of families can afford to purchase and maintain a new car on credit.

Former Georgian Interior Ministry Official: Banned Substance Used to Disperse Rally at Central Election Commission in 2020
Politics
Former Georgian Interior Ministry Official: Banned Substance Used to Disperse Rally at Central Election Commission in 2020
8 December 2025

Former Georgian Interior Ministry official Lasha Shergelashvili, who served as the head of the Armaments Department of the Special Operations Directorate, said on Formula TV that a banned substance was used to suppress a protest outside the Central Election Commission in 2020. When asked if he had any suspicions, he replied that he "knew for sure that it was used" as he was there at the time.

The Speaker of the Russian State Duma questioned Georgia's prospects for European integration due to its adoption of an anti-LGBT law
Politics
The Speaker of the Russian State Duma questioned Georgia's prospects for European integration due to its adoption of an anti-LGBT law
8 December 2025

Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin recalled that anti-LGBT laws have been in effect in Russia for three years, prohibiting any propaganda of LGBT rights, pedophilia, and gender reassignment. He also noted that, according to the amendment to the country's Constitution, "marriage is a union between a man and a woman," emphasizing that this is the choice of Russian citizens.

Regions of the North Caucasus Federal District (NCFD) have demonstrated the lowest alcohol consumption in Russia
Society
Regions of the North Caucasus Federal District (NCFD) have demonstrated the lowest alcohol consumption in Russia
8 December 2025

Alcohol consumption among Russians has been steadily declining. November 2025 saw the eighth consecutive monthly decline, bringing the figures close to the minimum levels of 1997-1998.