A Russian court has sentenced Georgian citizen Zaza Shonia in absentia to 28 years in prison for participating in combat against Russian military personnel. He was charged with five counts, including mercenarism, illegal border crossing, arms smuggling, terrorism, and illegal arms trafficking.

Three additional days off – March 19, 20, and 21 – will be granted to residents of the Chechen Republic to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The decision was made based on an appeal from the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Chechnya.

Russian billionaire and senator from Dagestan, Suleiman Kerimov, ranked fifth among Russians in the Forbes global rich list. His net worth is estimated at $25.7 billion.

FSB Director and Chairman of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) Alexander Bortnikov claims that more than 2,500 armed "militants" have been killed in the North Caucasus since 2006, and approximately 5,000 of their accomplices have been detained.