Russian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan was reportedly detained by the Azerbaijani military

The wife of the former minister of state of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, ex-citizen of the Russian Federation, billionaire Ruben Vardanyan reported that contact with him had been lost.

People around the businessman confirm this information, and TV presenter Tina Kandelaki wrote on the social network: “Friends, my friend, former Minister of State of Nagorno-Karabakh, Ruben Vardanyan was arrested by the Azerbaijani military.” According to media reports, he was detained today by the Azerbaijani side at a checkpoint in the Lachin corridor.

At the end of 2022, Vardanyan decided to withdraw from his status as a citizen of the Russian Federation. He left Russia and became the Minister of State of Nagorno-Karabakh, calling on the Russian leadership to provide support to the region and Armenia. He later left his post under pressure from Azerbaijan.

Последние новости
Papuashvili called on Europe to
Politics
Papuashvili called on Europe to "respect the democratic choice of the Georgian people"
17 March 2026

Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili accused European leaders of using relations with Georgia as a political tool, leading to the current tensions.
An Adygea resident was sentenced to 11 years in prison for involvement in the
Society
An Adygea resident was sentenced to 11 years in prison for involvement in the "Council of United Circassia"
17 March 2026

The Southern District Military Court sentenced Ibragim Nagoyev, a resident of Adygea, to 11 years in prison for involvement in the "Council of United Circassia." Russian law enforcement agencies consider the organization to be part of the banned "Anti-Russian Separatist Movement."
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has warned of China's hidden strategy of influencing media in Georgia
Politics
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has warned of China's hidden strategy of influencing media in Georgia
17 March 2026

The international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warns of China's gradual strengthening of its influence over Georgia's information space. According to RSF's analysis, since 2022, Beijing has not created its own media outlets in the country, but has instead operated through local platforms—primarily pro-government or pro-Kremlin.
Europe will support Armenia in countering foreign interference
Politics
Europe will support Armenia in countering foreign interference
17 March 2026

At Armenia's request, the European Union will deploy a rapid response team to the country to counter hybrid threats ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, 2026. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas announced this. She noted that Europe will support Armenia in the fight against external interference.