The Georgian authorities explained why they do not impose sanctions against the Russian Federation

Member of the Georgian Parliament from the ruling Georgian Dream party, Mamuka Mdinaradze, said that the introduction of sanctions against Russia would be self-deception and would harm the residents of the republic themselves.

According to the politician, the share of Georgian products in Russian imports is 0.3%. Thus, the introduction of sanctions would not cause any serious damage to the Russian economy, while Georgia would experience an economic decline of 10%.

The head of the Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, previously stated that Georgia would punish itself and its people by supporting sanctions against Russia. He cited data according to which Georgia, having introduced restrictions, would have experienced a 10-18 percent economic decline.

Earlier, the opposition party “Deal for Georgia” presented a draft resolution in parliament, which it called the “Georgia Defense Act.” It consisted of points, including joining sanctions against the Russian Federation, introducing a visa regime for Russians, restricting the right to work for citizens of the Russian Federation, etc. Parliament rejected this opposition initiative.

Последние новости
Another drone attack repelled in Rostov Oblast; region also used as launch point for strikes on Ukraine
Chronicle of Wars and Crimes
Another drone attack repelled in Rostov Oblast; region also used as launch point for strikes on Ukraine
19 October 2026

On the night of October 19, Rostov Oblast was once again among the Russian regions targeted by drones. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, a total of 149 Ukrainian drones were shot down over Russian territory throughout the night.

MMA fighter from Chechnya hospitalized following a brawl involving gunfire in Vladikavkaz
Society
MMA fighter from Chechnya hospitalized following a brawl involving gunfire in Vladikavkaz
18 October 2026

Mixed martial arts fighter Ibragim Islamov, known by the nickname "Nikarkho," sustained a gunshot wound from a non-lethal (traumatic) pistol during an altercation in the center of Vladikavkaz. Two people were injured in the incident, both of whom were hospitalized. The North Ossetia branch of the Russian Interior Ministry has opened a criminal case, and one of the individuals involved has been detained.

Azerbaijan marks 35 years of independence—33 of which have seen the country ruled by a single family
Society
Azerbaijan marks 35 years of independence—33 of which have seen the country ruled by a single family
18 October 2026

On October 18, Azerbaijan celebrates the Day of the Restoration of Independence. It was on this date in 1991 that the republic’s Supreme Soviet adopted a Constitutional Act, formalizing the country’s departure from the Soviet system and the restoration of its state sovereignty.

US Congressman Calls Kobakhidze’s Meeting with Iranian President an “Insult to Trump”
Politics
US Congressman Calls Kobakhidze’s Meeting with Iranian President an “Insult to Trump”
18 October 2026

American Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has criticized Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for holding talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The meeting took place in Yerevan on the sidelines of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).