Referendums on joining Russia have begun in the "DPR" and "LPR"

On September 23, referendums on joining Russia began in the “DPR” and “LPR,” as well as in the Russian-controlled Kherson region and part of the Zaporozhye region of Ukraine. The head of the German Foreign Ministry, Annalena Bärbock, said after the G7 ministerial meeting in New York that the G7 countries do not recognize referendums in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Ex-commander of the Azov regiment Maxim Zhorin, released from Russian captivity, said that all captured Ukrainians were tortured by starvation, beaten, and not allowed to sleep. Almost all those released need serious medical and psychological assistance.
In Vladikavkaz, travel was restricted at checkpoints towards the Georgian border due to the large number of people wishing to leave the country. A multi-kilometer traffic jam has accumulated in front of the border checkpoint in Upper Lars.

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Azerbaijani activist: 88 participants in protests against the hijab ban detained in Nardaran
Human rights
Azerbaijani activist: 88 participants in protests against the hijab ban detained in Nardaran
22 October 2026

In the settlement of Nardaran, located in the Sabunchu district on the outskirts of Baku, 88 people have been detained for protesting against restrictions on wearing the hijab. According to Alamdar Bunyatov—an activist with the European branch of the "Muslim Unity Movement"—criminal cases have been initiated against the majority of those detained. This information was reported by the independent media outlet *Qəzetçi* (Gazetchi).

Pashinyan suggests possibility of early elections linked to constitutional reform and outlines timeline for peace with Azerbaijan
Politics
Pashinyan suggests possibility of early elections linked to constitutional reform and outlines timeline for peace with Azerbaijan
22 October 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made a series of significant statements while speaking with journalists on Thursday, October 22. He addressed issues concerning constitutional reform, relations with Azerbaijan, a peaceful settlement, and the government’s future political agenda.

Chechnya to Host Festival of Neural Network Art
News
Chechnya to Host Festival of Neural Network Art
22 October 2026

The Chechen Republic is planning to host its first international festival, "Artifact — The Art of Generation," dedicated to creative work produced using artificial intelligence. Preparations for the event were discussed during a meeting of the organizing committee, as reported by the regional Artists' Union.

Commander of Kadyrov’s special police regiment reiterates threats against those who ‘help terrorists’
News
Commander of Kadyrov’s special police regiment reiterates threats against those who ‘help terrorists’
22 October 2026

The commander of the Akhmat Kadyrov Special Police Regiment of Chechnya’s Interior Ministry, Zamid Chalaev, attempted during an Instagram livestream the previous day to explain a video address he had posted two days earlier, in which he threatened suspected extremists with a bullet “without trial or investigation”.