In Abkhazia, five candidates were nominated for the presidential elections
On February 15, early presidential elections will be held in the self-proclaimed republic of Abkhazia. Five candidates submitted documents to the CEC: acting of President Badra Gunba, ex-Minister of Economy, leader of the Abkhaz People's Movement Adgur Ardzinba, former trade representative of Abkhazia in Moscow Oleg Bartsits, ex-head of the Control Chamber Robert Arshba and chairman of the board of the commercial bank "Black Sea Development Bank" Adgur Khurkhumal.
 
In mid-December, ex-president of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhaniya refused to run for election. Badra Gunba stepped forward from the ego of the team.
 
As a reminder, on November 19, the Parliament of Abkhazia accepted the early resignation of Aslan Bzhania, which was one of the demands of the opposition. After that, the ex-head of the unrecognized republic announced his intention to run for office again, but later refused. Subsequently, the parliament voted against the ratification of the investment agreement with the Russian Federation. Earlier, its possible adoption caused mass protests.
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Former senator Rauf Arashukov, sentenced to life imprisonment, has requested a transfer to his father's prison colony
Society
Former senator Rauf Arashukov, sentenced to life imprisonment, has requested a transfer to his father's prison colony
18 March 2026

Former Federation Council member Rauf Arashukov from the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, serving a life sentence in the Black Dolphin prison colony in Orenburg, expressed a desire to be transferred to a prison colony in Mordovia. The reason for this transfer is the fact that his father, Raul Arashukov, is also serving a life sentence there for stealing gas and organizing two murders.

The defense team for a Crimean Tatar political prisoner suffering from brain cancer is seeking his release
Human rights
The defense team for a Crimean Tatar political prisoner suffering from brain cancer is seeking his release
18 March 2026

The health of political prisoner Tofik Abdulgaziyev, who suffers from brain cancer, tuberculosis, and other serious illnesses, continues to deteriorate. His wife, Aliye Kurtametova, reported that his situation is "extremely critical" and recalled unsuccessful requests for assistance in similar cases.

Four regions of the North Caucasus Federal District have declared holidays to celebrate Eid al-Fitr
Society
Four regions of the North Caucasus Federal District have declared holidays to celebrate Eid al-Fitr
18 March 2026

Eid al-Fitr, one of the key Islamic holidays that concludes Ramadan, will begin on the night of March 19-20. Most republics of the North Caucasus Federal District have declared the holiday non-working.

Azerbaijan reminded Iran of the investigation into the drone attack on Nakhchivan
Politics
Azerbaijan reminded Iran of the investigation into the drone attack on Nakhchivan
18 March 2026

A telephone conversation took place between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Iran, Jeyhun Bayramov and Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. Bayramov insisted that Tehran fulfill its promise to investigate the drone attacks launched from its territory on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.