A native of Chechnya was sentenced to 16 years for the death of Pskov paratroopers

The Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don found Alavdi Batykaev from Grozny guilty and sentenced him to 16 years in prison. According to investigators, in 1999 he joined the illegal armed formation of the self-proclaimed Chechen Republic of Ichkeria under the leadership of Shamil Basayev and Khattab.

Batykaev allegedly participated in an attack on servicemen of the sixth parachute company of the 104th regiment of the 76th Pskov Airborne Division near the village of Ulus-Kert. Then 84 federal soldiers were killed.

64-year-old Alavdi Batykaev denies his involvement in the crime. The main evidence of the prosecution is the testimony of secret witnesses. The Memorial Center believes that the man was convicted without grounds. According to human rights activists, identical testimonies from relatives of Russian servicemen are presented in almost all criminal cases brought against natives of Chechnya on charges of participating in the attack on paratroopers. People repeat the official version or talk about the lives of their relatives before the incriminated events. According to Memorial, there is also a series of pieces of evidence proving Batykayev's innocence. These are testimonies and interrogation protocols of himself, fellow villagers, acquaintances and relatives. They confirmed that he was a civilian at the time of the incriminated crime.

Последние новости
Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russia and Dagestan overnight
Politics
Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russia and Dagestan overnight
31 July 2026

On the night of July 31, residents of Kaspiysk reported explosions near the seaport, which serves as the base for the Caspian Flotilla. Russian authorities have not officially commented on reports of a possible attack on the port. That same night, Ukrainian drones also struck other Russian regions.

Georgian Prosecutor’s Office to Bring New Charges Against Opposition Coalition Leader
Politics
Georgian Prosecutor’s Office to Bring New Charges Against Opposition Coalition Leader
31 July 2026

The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office intends to bring new charges against Aleko Elisashvili, a leader of the "Lelo – Strong Georgia" coalition. According to his lawyers, the politician is set to be charged with contempt of court. The formal presentation of charges is scheduled for July 31.

Moscow Responds to Yerevan’s Ban: ‘Replacing Armenian Goods Will Not Be Difficult’
Politics
Moscow Responds to Yerevan’s Ban: ‘Replacing Armenian Goods Will Not Be Difficult’
31 July 2026

Moscow has said it will have no difficulty replacing Armenian goods after Yerevan imposed a six-month ban on tomato paste imports, citing the impact of Russia’s restrictions on Armenian agricultural exports.

Chechnya Promotes Mountainous Areas: Photo Contest of Local Mountains Announced in Vedeno
Society
Chechnya Promotes Mountainous Areas: Photo Contest of Local Mountains Announced in Vedeno
31 July 2026

The administration of the Vedensky District in Chechnya has announced a contest for photographs and short videos featuring local mountain scenery. A prize of 100,000 rubles is offered for the best entry, while the runners-up in second and third place will receive 70,000 and 50,000 rubles, respectively.