Memorial: Chechen teenagers were released, but their fathers were sent to war

Three teenagers in Chechnya were released after their fathers signed contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry. The schoolchildren were held in the Interior Ministry department for more than six months without access to lawyers, charges, or the opportunity to meet with their families. 16-year-olds Mansur Shabazov, Said Idigov, and Elbrus Saidaev were abducted back in December 2024, according to Memorial Human Rights Center employees. For more details, watch our video.

Последние новости
Ukraine struck southern Russia again: drones attacked an oil refinery, killing two people
Politics
Ukraine struck southern Russia again: drones attacked an oil refinery, killing two people
25 August 2026

On the night of August 25, drones attacked several districts in the Krasnodar Krai and Rostov Oblasts. The worst consequences were in the village of Afipsky in Krasnodar Krai: two people were killed and two more were injured after debris fell on a train station.

Medvedev predicts EU will reject Armenia’s membership bid, warns of rift with Russia
Politics
Medvedev predicts EU will reject Armenia’s membership bid, warns of rift with Russia
24 August 2026

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has commented on Armenia’s plans to begin preparing an application to join the European Union, saying Yerevan would ultimately fail to secure EU membership but could seriously damage its relations with Russia and other members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Former Georgian Prime Minister Faces New Corruption Charges Following Pressure Claim
Politics
Former Georgian Prime Minister Faces New Corruption Charges Following Pressure Claim
24 August 2026

Former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has been charged with new corruption. According to the prosecutor's office, the charges relate to the alleged conspiracy to accept a particularly large bribe by a group of individuals.

A friend of a missing Chechen woman faces up to 30 days in jail or a hefty fine for a picket in Grozny
Human rights
A friend of a missing Chechen woman faces up to 30 days in jail or a hefty fine for a picket in Grozny
24 August 2026

Lena Patyaeva, a friend of missing Chechen native Seda Suleimanova, was charged with an administrative offense after a solo picket in Grozny. She held the protest on August 23, the third anniversary of Suleimanova's disappearance. Under the charges against her, Patyaeva faces up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to 300,000 rubles.