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Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia passes away at 93
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, has died at the age of 93. The official announcement was made by Bishop Shio at the Caucasus Medical Center. The Patriarch was hospitalized at the Caucasus Medical Center with massive bleeding from the stomach. He was placed in the critical care unit. Ilia II was elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia on December 23, 1977. With the blessing of Ilia II, the Bible, theological collections, brochures, books, magazines, three types of calendars were published in modern Georgian; newspapers were founded. In 1988, under the leadership of Ilia II, the Mtskheta Theological Seminary was transferred to Tbilisi and the Tbilisi Theological Academy-Seminary was founded; Theological schools were opened in various parts of Georgia: theological seminaries in Batumi, Akhaltsikhe and Kutaisi. A theological school and a gymnasium were established in Khulo; after centuries, the Gelati Theological Academy and the Gelati Academy of Sciences under the auspices of the church were revived; over the course of twenty years, the number of dioceses of the Georgian Church increased from 15 to 33; monasteries - up to 53; clergy - up to 1,000; new saints were canonized; the Holy Trinity Cathedral was built. In 1960, the Catholicos-Patriarch defended his thesis on the topic: “The History of the Iverian Monastery of Mount Athos” at the Moscow Theological Academy to obtain the degree of Candidate of Theology. In 1978-1983 he was the President of the World Council of Churches, and since 1997 he has been a full member of the International Academy of Informatization at the United Nations and an honorary member of the Theological Academy of Crete. He is also an honorary doctor of theology of the New York Theological Academy and a doctor of theology of the St. Tikhon Theological Seminary of the Orthodox Church in the USA.
Mediterranean states say adrift Russian tanker poses 'imminent and serious' threat
Reuters Italy, France and seven other nations told the European Commission that a Russian liquefied natural gas tanker adrift in the Mediterranean represents an ecological threat, and they urged swift action, a letter showed on Monday. Russia's Foreign Ministry acknowledged that the vessel was adrift in the Mediterranean and said Russia's further involvement in resolving the situation depended on "concrete circumstances". The letter from EU states to the European Commission said the Arctic Metagaz was drifting in waters between Malta and Italy. Its state posed a "dual challenge" -- upholding maritime safety and preventing an ecological disaster against the background of EU sanctions imposed on Russia. "The precarious condition of the vessel, combined with the nature of its specialised cargo, gives rise to an imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster in the heart of the Union's maritime space," the letter seen by Reuters said. The EU said the vessel was part of Russia's "Shadow Fleet" intended to circumvent sanctions imposed in connection with Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Action to resolve the situation, including surveillance, monitoring and other technical support, risked "undermining the integrity, effectiveness and the deterrent value of the EU sanctions regime". Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on the ministry website that Moscow was in touch with the vessel's owner and foreign "competent bodies". It had no crew, she said, and was carrying 700 metric tons of different types of fuel and "a substantial amount of natural gas". "The international legal norms applicable to the current situation imply the responsibility of coastal countries ... for resolving the situation with the drifting vessel and preventing an environmental disaster," Zakharova wrote. "Further involvement by the shipowner and Russia as the flag state will depend on the specific circumstances." Russia's Transport Ministry earlier this month said the Arctic Metagaz, carrying LNG from the Arctic port of Murmansk, was attacked by Ukrainian naval drones and said the weapons had been launched from the Libyan coast. Libya's maritime agency reported on March 4 that the vessel sank in waters between Libya and Malta after catching fire a day earlier. Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for any such attack.
NATO appoints new special rep for South Caucasus
Kevin Hamilton has been appointed as NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia. Hamilton is responsible for carrying forward the Alliance's policy in these two strategically important regions. He is also Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Partnerships, in the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division. A career member of the Canadian Foreign Service, he served from 2023 to 2026 as Canada's Ambassador to Türkiye, with concurrent accreditation to Azerbaijan and Georgia. He earlier served as Ambassador to Romania, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Moldova (2016–2020).
US asked Ukraine for help fighting Iranian drones, Zelensky says
The US has asked Ukraine for help defending Gulf allies against Iranian drones, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.He said Ukraine's partners had been reaching out and there had been "requests from the American side".Zelensky said he had given instructions "to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the necessary security".Asked about the Ukrainian offer, US President Donald Trump said: "I'll take any assistance from any country."Earlier Zelensky had made clear Ukraine would help on condition that its own defence was not weakened and that there were diplomatic gains for Kyiv. He suggested, in particular, that Ukraine would be willing to swap its interceptor drones for more US Patriot air defences to protect against Russian ballistic missiles. He has spoken to counterparts across the Gulf - in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait - and is promising what he calls "concrete steps" to help them defend their military bases and civilian infrastructure from Iranian attack. Ukraine has for years been subject to strikes by Russian-made Shahed drones - one-way unmanned aircraft based on an Iranian design. The US has ceased direct military support under his administration but continues to provide vital intelligence that helps Ukraine both defend against drones and missiles, and strike targets deep within Russia.
UK to allow the US to take defensive action from British military bases - Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has just shared a video statement on X. He says the UK is going to allow the US to take defensive action from British military bases. "The US has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose," he says in a pre-recorded video. "We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risks and hitting countries that have not been involved."
Dimitri Abdushelishvili Signs Agreement with French Specialist on the “National Swimming Center” and Other Large-Scale Projects
The President of the Georgian National Federation of Aquatic Sports, Dimitri Abdushelishvili, has signed an agreement with French specialist Olivier Sangaria on the development of a swimming strategy for Georgia. The agreement on the swimming development strategy includes large-scale projects, among them the establishment of a “National Swimming Center,” which will operate under the Federation. Olivier Sangaria is a renowned swimming specialist and has coached multiple Olympic, World, and European champions. He is also known for his unique programs for swimmers, aimed at refining swimming techniques, retraining coaches, and promoting overall athletic development. The signing ceremony was attended by members of the Georgian National Federation of Aquatic Sports and representatives of the Federation’s Board.
Journalism in Conflict and Post-Conflict Environments
In an era where conflicts increasingly unfold across both physical and informational domains, the role of independent media has become central to prevention, stabilization, and post-conflict dialogue. Within ongoing European discussions on civilian crisis management and mediation frameworks, media governance and editorial responsibility are recognized as structural components of peacebuilding strategies. In this interview, we speak with Gvantsa Pipia, media manager and Editor-in-Chief of an independent analytical news agency (Accentnews.ge) operating in conflict-sensitive environments. She reflects on the evolving responsibilities of journalists, the ethical dilemmas of war reporting, and the institutional role of editorial leadership in safeguarding professional standards amid political and informational pressures. Q: International institutions increasingly emphasize the role of media in conflict prevention. Why has this become a strategic priority? Contemporary conflicts are no longer confined to physical battlefields. They simultaneously unfold within information ecosystems, where public perception, political positioning, and international responses are shaped. Within European policy discussions on civilian crisis management and mediation frameworks, media is increasingly recognized not merely as a channel of communication, but as a structural actor influencing escalation and de-escalation processes. When information environments become monopolized or heavily politicized, polarization deepens and space for compromise narrows. Conversely, professionally governed, pluralistic media contributes to informed discourse, mitigates manipulation, and strengthens the conditions necessary for conflict prevention. Q: Media is often described as a mobilizing force during conflict escalation. Can it also serve peace-oriented objectives? Media naturally influences public mobilization, particularly during moments of war or acute crisis. However, its professional mandate does not end there. Peace-oriented journalism does not imply minimizing facts or softening realities. It requires: * rigorous fact verification,* terminological precision,* contextual depth,* and the avoidance of dehumanizing language. Editorial decisions—ranging from headline formulation to analytical framing—have tangible societal effects. Responsible journalism does not suppress difficult truths, but it refrains from uncontrolled amplification of emotionally charged or strategically manipulative narratives. In conflict environments, framing can intensify hostility or create space for reflection. The distinction lies in professional discipline. Q: What ethical and operational dilemmas do journalists face when covering war? War reporting is inherently high-risk and ethically complex. Journalists frequently operate under direct threats to personal safety in order to deliver timely and verified information to the public. However, the dilemmas extend beyond physical risk. Journalists must continuously evaluate how information is presented, contextualized, and interpreted. In polarized environments, even accurate reporting can be instrumentalized if separated from sufficient analytical framing. The challenge is not only reporting events accurately, but preventing inadvertent reinforcement of strategic narratives. Verification and contextual integrity therefore become not merely technical standards, but conflict-sensitive imperatives. When journalists are citizens of countries directly affected by war, the emotional and psychological burden intensifies. Maintaining editorial balance and professional detachment requires heightened discipline. Q: What is the significance of post-conflict media engagement? The post-conflict phase is frequently underestimated from an informational perspective. Although active hostilities may cease, societal distrust, competing narratives, and unresolved grievances often remain. Media institutions play a critical role in rebuilding trust through structured reporting on transitional processes, accountability mechanisms, and governance reconstruction. Many media platforms now provide online spaces for moderated dialogue, expert interviews, and analytical discussion of conflict-related issues. When managed professionally, these platforms can contribute to social stabilization rather than fragmentation. Peacebuilding is not solely a diplomatic undertaking; it is also sustained through the quality, consistency, and credibility of public communication. Q: In today’s fragmented and high-risk information environment, what is the role of the contemporary journalist? The role of the contemporary journalist has become critically significant. Professional responsibility now extends beyond the transmission of events. It includes understanding the structural causes of conflict, identifying manipulative narratives, and recognizing how media processes influence political and societal dynamics. Journalists operate not only as information providers, but as analytical interpreters of complex realities. Verified sourcing, contextual rigor, and narrative scrutiny are essential components of professional integrity. In fragile environments, journalistic discipline can function as a stabilizing factor within the broader information ecosystem. Q: From the perspective of a media manager and editor-in-chief, what responsibilities emerge in conflict-sensitive environments? In conflict settings, editorial leadership expands well beyond content approval. It involves: * defining and safeguarding editorial policy,* preserving professional standards under pressure,* implementing internal review and verification mechanisms,* managing institutional risk,* and ensuring long-term credibility. A media organization operating in such environments requires structural discipline. Quantity cannot replace quality. Speed cannot replace accuracy. Editorial leadership becomes an institutional function: ensuring that journalistic output maintains analytical integrity over time and that reputational stability is protected across political cycles. Q: What conditions are essential for media to contribute effectively to conflict prevention and peacebuilding? Several interconnected conditions are fundamental: full editorial independence free from political interference and corruption; transparent governance and internal accountability structures; professional staffing supported by adequate technological capacity; strategic orientation toward quality rather than purely quantitative output; context-sensitive international support adapted to language, culture, and societal realities; trust-building frameworks connecting international actors, national institutions, civil society, and media stakeholders; coordinated engagement with civic networks; and effective use of diverse communication formats, including digital platforms, mobile technologies, documentary reporting, and long-form analytical content. Without these structural conditions, media becomes reactive. With them, it can assume a preventive and stabilizing function. Q: How is institutional credibility sustained in volatile environments? Professional standards in conflict contexts do not emerge spontaneously. They require sustained editorial experience, structured governance, clearly articulated ethical frameworks, and consistent organizational discipline. Media institutions engaged in long-term conflict analysis depend not only on individual journalistic competence, but on strategic editorial oversight. Content direction, terminology control, source diversification, and narrative framing must remain aligned with methodological rigor. In such settings, the editor-in-chief’s function extends beyond evaluating articles; it includes safeguarding institutional sustainability, risk management, and credibility continuity. This is what ultimately defines a responsible media institution within a contested information ecosystem.
UK sanctions Georgia’s Imedi and POSTV over ‘Russian disinformation’
The UK has sanctioned Georgian media outlets Imedi and POSTV for ‘involvement in Russian disinformation’. The UK imposed the same three sets of sanctions on both entities — ‘asset freeze, trust services sanctions, director disqualification sanctions’ — meaning that all assets or properties held by the companies in the UK will be frozen, it will become illegal for UK citizens to help create or manage trusts for the companies, and the individuals running the companies will be barred from running any other UK-based company. In total, the UK has now imposed sanctions on over 3,000 individuals, companies, and vessels under its Russia sanctions regime.
Antonio Silva, congratulates Dimitri Abdushelishvili on being elected as the President of the Georgian Aquatics Sports National Federation
The President of European Aquatics, Antonio Silva, congratulates Dimitri Abdushelishvili on being elected as the President of the Georgian Aquatics Sports National Federation. The letter reads: Dear Mr. Abushelishvili, Dear Colleagues of Georgian Aquatics, On behalf of the President of European Aquatics, Mr António Silva, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations on your election as President of the Georgian Aquatic Sports National Federation. Your appointment marks an important moment for Georgian Aquatics, and we are confident that under your leadership the Federation will continue to grow and strengthen its position within the European aquatic community. We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank former President Aleksandre Nikolaishvili for the constructive cooperation and commitment demonstrated throughout his mandate. The collaboration between Georgian Aquatics and European Aquatics has been highly valued, and we look forward to building upon this positive foundation together with you.European Aquatics remains fully committed to supporting Georgian Aquatics across all disciplines, and we look forward to continued close cooperation in the years ahead." Dimitri Abdushelishvili is the new President of the Georgian Aquatics Sports Federation. ▪ For reference, Dimitri Abdushelishvili was born on June 18, 1973, in Tbilisi. ▪ He graduated from the Faculty of International Economics at Tbilisi State University. ▪ For a certain period, he worked at the National Bank of Georgia. ▪ He was one of the experienced and seasoned players of the 1973 generation of water polo, playing as a forward. He played in the national team. ▪ From the late 1990s, his career developed abroad. ▪ Dimitri Abdushelishvili is a patron, businessman, and veteran water polo player — he recently established a new water polo team, “Apollo,” which became the champion of Georgia in its very first year. He founded his own company in Central Asia and continues to work in the private sector to this day. His business activities cover the logistics field and include large-scale projects such as the Middle Corridor and the transit hub. He was one of the investors and a passionate supporter of the construction of Anaklia. After returning to Georgia, he laid the foundation for the construction of the Batumi port terminal, which became one of the key hubs in the direction of the Middle Corridor. He is the author of the idea and financial supporter of many nationally significant projects, such as the unique edition of The Knight in the Panther’s Skin, with the participation of the internationally renowned artist, Guji Amashumeli. The original version of this edition is preserved at the United Nations Headquarters. He is also a supporter of numerous patriotic and nationally important initiatives. ▪ He has a spouse and four children.
24 Countries Invoke OSCE Moscow Mechanism on Georgia
Twenty-four countries have invoked the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism on January 29, to launch an expert mission on the deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia, according to a statement published on the UK government’s website. The countries that backed invoking the mechanism include Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The Moscow Mechanism, part of the OSCE’s human dimension framework, allows participating countries to establish an expert mission to investigate serious human rights violations in any member country. It is administered by the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). This marks the 17th invocation of the mechanism since its establishment in 1991. The mechanism is meant “to establish a fact-finding mission to assess Georgia’s implementation of its OSCE commitments, with a particular focus on developments since spring 2024.” The move follows the earlier invocation of the Vienna Mechanism – another OSCE “Human Dimension” tool to monitor the implementation of human rights and democracy commitments by member states – against Georgia by 38 states in December 2024. At the time, the countries invited Georgia to provide concrete and substantive responses to a number of human rights concerns amid ongoing pro-EU protests. “We have followed closely and with increasing concern the human rights situation in Georgia. As an OSCE participating State, Georgia has undertaken to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms. It has also recognised that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is an essential factor for the peace, justice and well-being necessary to ensure the development of friendly relations and co-operation among States. In December 2024, 38 participating States invoked the OSCE Vienna Mechanism, in order to express concern about developments in Georgia and to request more information. Georgia’s response at the time left unanswered questions about accountability for police brutality against protestors in December 2024 and January 2025. Indeed those acts were at that time assessed as “unlawful violence against citizens…that may amount to torture.” To this day no official has been held accountable for such violence. Moreover, questions persist about respect for the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, association, and freedom of expression. Since the invocation of the Vienna Mechanism, dozens more Georgians have been detained on politicised charges, including journalists and opposition leaders. Our delegations as well as others have repeatedly raised our concerns in the Permanent Council, believing the Council is an important forum to promote dialogue and consultations among participating States. However our concerns about implementation of shared human dimension commitments and international human rights obligations by the Georgian authorities have only increased. On 28 October the Georgian Parliament announced a lawsuit to ban leading opposition parties. Nine opposition leaders have since been indicted and some face up to fifteen years in prison if found guilty. Such a step represents a major escalation in the erosion of democratic norms in Georgia and is incompatible with OSCE principles and commitments. Our concerns include, but are not limited to: legislative reforms designed to supress dissenting voices and restrict space for civil society and independent media to operate; legal actions designed to ban opposition parties; election integrity, especially in the light of the local elections; active spreading of disinformation by media outlets affiliated to the ruling party; campaigns against diplomatic representatives; constraints on freedom of association, expression and the media; politically motivated arrests and prosecutions; misuse of the judicial system to enforce a system of repression; allegations of mistreatment of persons deprived of liberty; excessive violence and arbitrary detentions; as well as harassment and intimidation of opposition politicians, human rights defenders and journalists. Recalling that all participating States have committed to co-operative review of implementation of commitments in the field of the human dimension and in particular participating States’ agreement at Astana that “commitments undertaken in the field of the human dimension are matters of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States”, we invoke paragraph 12 of the 1991 Document of the Moscow meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the then CSCE in order to establish a fact-finding mission to assess Georgia’s implementation of its OSCE commitments, with a particular focus on developments since spring[] 2024. We note Georgia’s response to questions raised in the 2024 Vienna Mechanism and urge Georgia to cooperate with and facilitate the work of the Mission, as per paragraph 6 of the Moscow Document. We recall that in accordance with paragraph 10 of the Moscow Document, one member of the Mission may be chosen by Georgia from the List of Experts for the Human Dimension Mechanism maintained by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The Mission should give an objective and unbiased report and recommendations, establishing the facts and providing recommendations and advice. It will be tasked, inter alia, to: Document recent developments in Georgia in respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms Assess the impact of these developments including for Georgian civil society, freedom of the media, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary, political pluralism and other structural components of a democratic society which underpin the OSCE’s comprehensive definition of security Provide recommendations on how to address matters of concern. Bearing in mind the ongoing Russian military presence in Georgia’s occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Mission will confine its report to areas of Georgian territory under Tbilisi control. We encourage the Mission to apply a gender-sensitive approach to its assessment. We look forward to working with the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on arrangements for the Mission,” the joint statement reads. Under the OSCE’s human-dimension mechanisms, Georgia has a set period, typically 10 days, to respond to the request about inviting an expert mission. If Georgia declines or does not formally invite the mission, a group of at least six OSCE participating States can instead appoint a mission of independent rapporteurs to visit Georgia and produce a report, without Tbilisi’s agreement on the composition of that group. Should Georgia accept the fact-finding mission, it can participate in appointing three human rights experts from the pre-established roster.
US Embassy: Georgia is one of 8 partner nations chosen to participate in prestigious exercise Phoenix Express 2026
Georgia is participating in the international maritime exercise Phoenix Express 2026, the US Embassy in Georgia announced on social media. “Georgia is one of 8 partner nations chosen to participate in this prestigious exercise,” the Embassy wrote. The Georgian Border Police reported that the exercise was held in Tunis, Republic of Tunisia, and lasted four days. During the training, personnel from the Coast Guard Department of the Georgian Border Police carried out their assigned tasks at the Training Management Center. Phoenix Express is an international maritime security exercise aimed at strengthening cooperation, interoperability, and maritime safety among partner nations.
The Trump administration indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing from 75 countries
The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, marking one of its most expansive efforts yet to restrict legal pathways to the United States. The freeze, which takes effect on 21 January, targets applicants officials deem likely to become a “public charge” – people who they believe may rely on government benefits for basic needs. According to a Wednesday state department cable obtained by the Guardian, the sweeping list cuts across every major region of the world, spanning countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and eastern Europe. According to the cable, exceptions include dual nationals with a valid passport for a country not on the list or if the applicant is able to demonstrate their travel would service an “America First” national interest. If a visa has already been approved but the visa has not been printed the consular officer “must refuse the case”. Here is the full list, which includes war-torn nations, US allies, and countries with long-standing migration ties to America: Afghanistan Albania Algeria Antigua and Barbuda Armenia Azerbaijan Bahamas Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belize Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Myanmar Cambodia Cameroon Cape Verde Colombia Côte d’Ivoire Cuba Democratic Republic of the Congo Dominica Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia Fiji The Gambia Georgia Ghana Grenada Guatemala Guinea Haiti Iran Iraq Jamaica Jordan Kazakhstan Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Liberia Libya North Macedonia Moldova Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Nepal Nicaragua Nigeria Pakistan Republic of the Congo Russia Rwanda St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Tanzania Thailand Togo Tunisia Uganda Uruguay Uzbekistan Yemen
NATO's Rutte warns allies they are Russia's next target
NATO chief Mark Rutte on Thursday urged allies to step up defence efforts to prevent a war waged by Russia, that could be "on the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured." In a speech in Berlin, Rutte said too many allies of the military alliance did not feel the urgency of Russia's threat in Europe and that they must rapidly increase defence spending and production to prevent a war on the scale of that seen by past generations. "We are Russia's next target. I fear that too many are quietly complacent. Too many don't feel the urgency. And too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now," Rutte said. "Conflict is at our door. Russia has brought war back to Europe. And we must be prepared," he added. Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years, Rutte said.
Major General Eray Üngüder Conducted Official Visit to Georgia
From 8 to 11 December 2025, Major General Eray Üngüder, Director of the Cooperative Security Division of NATO's International Military Staff, conducted an official visit to Georgia. During the visit, Major General Üngüder, who was appointed to his current position in August 2025, received comprehensive briefings on the ongoing and planned activities of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia. The discussions highlighted cooperation across the full range of available partnership tools. Major General Üngüder visited the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) Office, where he met with the NATO Core Team to exchange views on current initiatives implemented under the SNGP. He also paid a courtesy call on Paata Patiashvili, Deputy Minister of Defence, and senior military leadership of the Georgian Defence Forces and visited the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC), and the Defence Institution Building School (DIBS). Concluding his visit, Major General Üngüder officially opened the NATO-Georgia Military Staff Talks, held for the fourth time in 2025.
Russia has been ordered to pay more than 253 million euros in compensation to Georgia relating to the case of the continued occupation
On October 14, 2025, the Strasbourg Court announced its decision on compensation in the case of Georgia v. Russia (IV) for the so-called continued occupation, the Ministry of Justice report. According to the agency, the court shared the complex legal position and evidence presented by the Georgian government and, as a result, imposed an obligation on the Russian Federation to pay 253,018,000 euros in favor of more than 29,000 affected citizens of Georgia. “As is known to the public, a decision was made on this case on April 9, 2024, which held Russia fully responsible for the mass harassment, detention, attacks, murders of the Georgian population in the occupied territories and along the occupation line, which is taking place against the background of the occupation of the territories of Georgia and the so-called borderization. Today’s decision is a logical continuation of the historical cases won against Russia. In the so-called deportation case “Georgia v. Russia (I)”, which was related to the mass expulsion of Georgians from Russia, the Strasbourg Court imposed an obligation on the Russian Federation to pay up to 10 million euros for the mass deportation of ethnic Georgians and gross violations of their human rights. The public is also aware of the decision “Georgia v. Russia (II)” in the case of the August War of 2008, the Russian Federation was ordered to pay up to 130 million euros for mass violations committed against Georgian citizens during the August War and the subsequent period. Although the Russian Federation is no longer a member of the Council of Europe, it remains legally obligated to enforce the decisions and is subject to appropriate fines for every day that passes. Work on the enforcement of the aforementioned decisions is underway within the framework of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe with the active involvement of Georgia. The Ministry of Justice of Georgia expresses its gratitude to the state agencies involved in collecting evidence and congratulates all of Georgia on this historic victory,” reads the information released by the Ministry of Justice.
EU Hands Visa Liberalization Plan To Armenia
More than a year after launching official talks on visa liberalization with the European Union, Armenia has received from Brussels an action plan outlining the steps the country must take to qualify for visa-free travel. Armenia’s Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsian met on Wednesday with Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, who visited Yerevan to present the plan to the Armenian side. According to Sargsian, the action plan serves as a strategic framework for reforms in citizen mobility and public security and represents a “key stage in strengthening trust and cooperation” between Armenia and the EU. During the meeting, the main directions of the action plan were reportedly discussed, with the EU official praising Armenia’s steps toward visa liberalization. The delivery of the action plan follows the launch of official visa liberalization talks between Armenia and the EU in September 2024. At that time, Armenian and EU officials outlined a process that focuses on crucial areas for eventual visa-free travel, including document security, border and migration management, the fight against corruption and organized crime as well as upholding fundamental rights. EU representatives have emphasized that all benchmarks must be fully met before the Council of the EU and the European Parliament can make a final decision. In March, the Armenian parliament passed a bill calling on the government to begin the process of applying for European Union membership. The bill, known as the EU Integration Act, was signed into law by the country’s president the following month, making it formally part of Armenia’s legislation.
US hits top Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil with sanctions
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia for the first time in his second term, targeting oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft as his frustration grows with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war. The U.S. Treasury Department said it was prepared to take further action as it called on Moscow to agree immediately to a ceasefire in Russia's war in Ukraine, which began in February. Trump's measure on Wednesday followed Britain's sanctioning of Rosneft and Lukoil last week. Analysts said the measures were a big step but long overdue. "This can't just be one and done," said Edward Fishman, a former U.S. official who is now a senior research scholar at Columbia University. He said the question will be whether the U.S. now threatens sanctions on anyone doing business with Rosneft and Lukoil. "Given President Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war, Treasury is sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies that fund the Kremlin’s war machine," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. "We encourage our allies to join us in and adhere to these sanctions." The sanctions are a major policy shift for Trump, who had not put sanctions on Russia over the war and instead relied on trade measures. Trump imposed additional 25% tariffs on goods from India in retaliation for it purchasing discounted Russian oil. The U.S. has not imposed the tariffs on China, another major buyer of Russian oil. A $60 price cap on Russian oil imposed by Western countries after Russia's invasion has shifted Russia's oil customers in recent years from Europe to Asia.
UK sanctions Russia's oil giants over Ukraine war
Britain is targeting Russia's largest oil companies and the country's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers in a bid to cut off Vladimir Putin's ability to fund the war in Ukraine. The UK government is also pursuing a major Indian oil refinery and four Chinese oil terminals in a package of 90 new sanctions. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the move was expected to have a significant impact on Russia's economy and its ability to sustain military operations in Ukraine. "We are sending a clear signal: Russian oil is off the market," she said ahead of a meeting in Washington DC with global counterparts to discuss Russian sanctions. The announcement comes as the G7, a grouping of some of the world's most advanced economies, prepares to consider a plan to effectively seize hundreds of billions from the proceeds of Russian investments, frozen since the invasion of Ukraine. A vast bulk of Russia's assets are held as cash at the European Central Bank, after its underlying bond investments matured. The European Union (EU), where the bulk of funds are held, had been reluctant to pursue the wider plan, but appears to be developing a way round legal concerns. It will be considered at an EU summit next week. Ukraine has significant funding needs as the war continues, both in arms and reconstruction. Earlier this year, the UK joined the US in directly sanctioning energy companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas. At the time the then Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, had said it would "drain Russia's war chest – and every ruble we take from Putin's hands helps save Ukrainian lives". The US separately has discussed putting additional tariffs on goods from China, up to 500%, tied to Beijing's purchases of Russian oil. But Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that the US would not take that step unless Europe agreed to do something similar. "We will respond if our European partners will join us," he said.
Germany Recalls Ambassador for Consultations
Berlin has recalled German Ambassador to Georgia Peter Fischer for consultations, citing what the Foreign Office described as Georgian leaders “agitating” against the EU, Germany, and the ambassador personally. “For many months, the Georgian leadership has been agitating against the EU, Germany, also German Ambassador Fischer personally,” the German Foreign Office announced on X on October 19, adding that Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul therefore decided to recall Ambassador Fischer “for consultations on how to proceed.” “Tomorrow, the EU Foreign Affairs Council will address Georgia,” the Foreign Office added.
Mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey sign with Trump document on Gaza ceasefire deal
Mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey signed on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump a document on the Gaza ceasefire deal. The document was signed during the international summit hosted by Egypt in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on the deal. "This took 3,000 years to get to this point. Can you believe it? And it's going to hold up too. It's going to hold up,” Trump said in the middle of signing the document. Trump also delivered remarks in which touted the breakthrough as a turning point for the region. "This is the day that people across this region and around the world have been working, striving, hoping, and praying for. They have done things over the last month that I think were really unthinkable. Nobody thought this could happen. With the historic agreement we have just signed, those prayers of millions have finally been answered," Trump said.
