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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.
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen to visit South-Caucasus
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, will visit Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia from 13 to 15 October for meetings with high-level government officials, as well as representatives of civil society and think tanks. The agenda includes, among other items, the progress in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, with particular attention to the conclusion of the OSCE Minsk Process and its related structures. In Georgia, meetings will focus on Georgia’s internal and external challenges, with a focus on the continued support of the OSCE to the Geneva International Discussions to address the consequences of the 2008 war. Finland, as Chair of the OSCE in 2025, places strong importance on safeguarding civic space and ensuring an enabling environment for civil society. This priority will be underlined throughout the visit.
Moldova's pro-EU party wins vote mired in claims of Russian interference
BBC The pro-European party of Moldovan President Maia Sandu has claimed victory and a new majority in parliament in Sunday's elections seen as critical for her country's future path to the EU. Sandu had warned of "massive Russian interference" after voting, saying the future of Moldova, flanked by Ukraine and Romania, was at stake. Igor Grosu, the leader of Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) which secured about 50% of the vote, said Russia had thrown "everything it had" at the election. Opposition leader Igor Dodon had claimed victory even before results came in and called for protests outside parliament in the capital Chisinau on Monday. Recent Moldovan votes have been far closer, but soon after polls closed it became clear that Sandu's party was on course for another majority in the 101-seat parliament. Four years ago, the president's party won 52.20% of the vote, and based on the latest results it is now set to clinch 55 seats. To form a government it will not need to rely on support from other parties, such as the Alternativa bloc or the populist Our Party.
Zelensky Says Russian Officials Should End War Or Find 'Bomb Shelters'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the Kremlin will become a target and Russian officials should check for bomb shelters if Moscow does not stop its invasion of his country, Axios reported Thursday. Zelensky said that Ukrainian policy would also now put previously off-limits targets in the crosshairs, Axios reported. "They have to know where their bomb shelters are," Zelensky told Axios in an interview. "They need it. If they will not stop the war, they will need it in any case." Answering criticism from US President Donald Trump and his right-wing government over the indefinite suspension of elections in wartime Ukraine, Zelensky also told Axios that he would not seek to remain in power once peace comes. "My goal is to finish the war," not to continue to run for office, he said. Zelensky said Ukraine would not target civilians in Russia because "we are not terrorists." However, he indicated that Ukraine hopes to obtain a more powerful US weapon, which he did not name, to threaten strikes deep inside Russia. Axios quoted Zelensky as saying he had told Trump during a meeting in New York this week "what we need -- one thing." "If we will have such long-distance weapons from the United States, we will use it," he said in a clip of the interview released by Axios.
Türkiye, US sign deal to deepen partnership in nuclear energy
Türkiye and the US signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to deepen their partnership in the nuclear energy field. As part of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the White House, the two countries initiated a process that will further deepen the two countries' deep-rooted and multidimensional partnership in the field of nuclear energy, the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal. "We signed the memorandum of understanding on Strategic Civilian Nuclear Cooperation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the presence of the leaders," the minister stated. He added: "I hope that the work to be carried out within the scope of the agreement will produce mutual benefits for both countries in the coming period."
Most Georgians support EU membership, according to latest opinion poll
Almost three-quarters of Georgians (74%) would vote for EU membership and only five per cent against if a referendum were held this week, according to the 2025 annual survey of opinion in Georgia, with 80% saying membership would bring more advantages than disadvantages to the country. This latest survey was conducted in May 2025 and involved face-to-face interviews with a representative sample of just over 1,000 people across the country. The opinion polls have been carried out annually by the EUNEIGHBOURS east Programme in Georgia and the five other countries of the Eastern Partnership since 2016. The EU continues to be the most trusted international actor among Georgians, trusted by 67% of respondents, though the number of those who think their country has good relations with the EU is down to 63% this year. Awareness of EU financial support to Georgia remains high at 70%, with almost half of those asked (48%) saying it was effective. Respondents felt the EU should play a greater role in education and lifelong learning (37%), economic development and trade (36%), and health (34%). Asked which factors could make Georgians more positively disposed towards the EU, respondents pointed to greater support for Georgia’s economic development (59%), security (39%), and education, exchanges, and local infrastructure (38%).
Astronomers discover giant alien planet 35 times more massive than Earth hiding in a known star system
"It remains possible that there are other unseen planets in the system. The challenge is finding them!" Scientists have detected a hidden alien planet by examining the orbits of the known worlds in the star system, known as Kepler-139. The newfound exoplanet, called Kepler-139f, is a gigantic world roughly twice the mass of Neptune and 35 times the mass of Earth, and it takes 355 days to orbit its star, astronomers reported in a study published May 2 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Despite its giant size, Kepler-139f had evaded detection. That's because the initial yield of NASA's Kepler space telescope, which discovered nearly 3,000 planets in its nine years of operation, relied on worlds transiting — passing between their star and Earth. The resulting dimming of the star allowed astronomers to identify planets and calculate their size. But Kepler couldn't see planets traveling above or below the wedge of space between it and the star, so any outliers remained unseen. space.com
NATO launches “Eastern Sentry” to bolster posture along eastern flank
On Friday (12 September 2025), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus G. Grynkewich held a joint press conference to outline NATO’s response to the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones two days earlier. Rutte announced the launch of “Eastern Sentry,” a military activity aimed to bolster NATO’s posture along the eastern flank. Commencing in the coming days, Eastern Sentry will involve a range of Allied assets and feature both traditional capabilities and novel technologies, including elements designed to address challenges associated with drones. “Eastern Sentry will add flexibility and strength to our posture,” said the Secretary General. He thanked General Grynkewich for his responsive leadership both in the context of the incursions on 10 September and in guiding the design of this new activity, as well as Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, for his role in promoting innovative solutions to new challenges, including those posed by the use of drones. At a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Wednesday (10 September 2025), Allies discussed the situation in light of Poland’s request for Article 4 consultations. Rutte noted that while this was the largest concentration of violations of NATO airspace, “what happened on Wednesday was not an isolated incident. Russia’s recklessness in the air along our eastern flank is increasing in frequency.” The Secretary General highlighted that NATO’s core task to deter aggression and defend every Ally underlines the importance of safeguarding the eastern flank. “This is why we have forward land forces deployed in eight countries, with contributions from every Ally supporting these contingents, and plans in place to scale up our presence if and when required,” he said. He added that Allies across Europe and North America work together every day on strengthening air defences and protecting critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
Zelensky announces faster air defense deliveries after deadly Russian strikes
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 1 that the delivery of additional air defense systems would be accelerated to shield Ukraine from Russian missile and drone attacks. The announcement followed intensified Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure, including the Aug. 28 attack on Kyiv that killed 25 people. "We are accelerating the supply of additional air defense systems to enhance protection against missiles," Zelensky wrote on X, without naming any specific agreement. "We count on the maximum efforts of Ukrainian diplomats in their contacts with partners." Zelensky instructed National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov to coordinate with officials, regional authorities, and energy companies to procure more short- and medium-range systems and increase funding for drone manufacturers. The president also said Ukraine is preparing a Technological Staff meeting with domestic producers of missiles, drones, and air defense systems. "The priority is intercepting 'Shaheds,'" he wrote. "We also discussed the protection of networks and energy facilities in front-line and border communities, along with backup supply." Shahed-type drones, mass-produced in Russia from Iranian designs, have become central to Moscow's long-range strikes. Overnight on Aug. 31, Russia struck Odesa Oblast's energy grid with the drones, leaving more than 29,000 consumers without power. Ukraine has made countering Shaheds a core defense priority for 2025 as Russia scales up drone production.
Germany's Merz expects Ukraine war to last a long time
BERLIN, Aug 31 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday he was braced for the Ukraine war to last a long time given that wars usually end in military defeat or economic exhaustion, scenarios he does not see on the horizon for either Kyiv or Moscow. Merz's comments come a day before the expiry of a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine with a view to paving the way for peace talks. Trump has threatened "consequences" if the meeting does not take place.
EU head von der Leyen's plane landing on Sunday hit by suspected Russian GPS interference, FT says
A suspected Russian interference attack disabled GPS navigation services at a Bulgarian airport and forced a plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to land at Plovdiv on Sunday using paper maps, the Financial Times reported, citing three officials familiar with the matter.
Armenia, UK agree to upgrade ties to Strategic Partnership
On 26 August 2025, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Vahan Kostanyan, and the Minister of State for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom, the Rt Hon Stephen Doughty MP, held the second round of the Armenia-UK Strategic Dialogue in Yerevan. Building on the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Dialogue held in London in 2023, the two parties reviewed the progress achieved and reaffirmed the importance of regular high-level exchanges to further strengthen and expand the bilateral partnership between Armenia and the United Kingdom, the parties said in a joint communiqué. The parties reiterated their unwavering commitment to democracy, rule of law, and the protection of fundamental human rights both regionally and globally, based on shared values, respect for international law, democratic principles, and a rules-based international order. The Armenian side briefed on the country’s ongoing democratic transformation, including efforts in strengthening democracy, advancing the rule of law and protection of human rights, enhancing anti-corruption measures. The United Kingdom commended Armenia’s progress and reiterated its support for the continuation of these reforms. The parties agreed to upgrade the relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Both parties discussed expanding cooperation in the areas of security and defence, including future high-level engagements, the exchange of defence attachés, and closer cooperation in the fields of cyber security and countering hybrid threats. In the context of upgrading the relationship, the importance of continuing to deepen economic ties was underscored by both parties. The parties looked forward to furthering business relations and to drive growth through collaboration, including support for Armenia’s inclusive economic development, reform and diversification in partnership with International Financial Institutions. The parties discussed the Armenia/UK Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Armenia recognised the potential of United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) to further boost trade and investment. The parties also welcomed the growth of people-to-people contacts and emphasised the significance of further cooperation in education, culture, and professional exchange. Turning to regional and international issues, the parties exchanged views on key developments, including the situation in the Middle East. Special attention was given to the South Caucasus. The United Kingdom welcomed the recent agreements reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington D.C., emphasizing that these represent a decisive step towards full normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, based on mutual recognition of each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognised borders in line with the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. The parties reaffirmed the importance of the opening of communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan for the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and in its neighborhood on the basis of reciprocity and respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction of the States. The parties also discussed the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative as a platform for enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation. Looking ahead, the parties discussed Armenia's hosting of two major international events in 2026: The European Political Community Summit and the 17th Conference of the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). The United Kingdom expressed its readiness to support Armenia in the successful organisation of COP17, ensuring that the conference delivers concrete and meaningful outcomes. The Dialogue concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of the shared commitment to deepen bilateral relations and expand close collaboration by establishing a Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Armenia and the United Kingdom
Ukraine to mass produce long-range Flamingo missile in winter, Zelensky says
Ukraine is planning to begin mass production of its domestically developed long-range Flamingo cruise missile this winter, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a meeting with journalists on Aug. 20. Having its own long-range missile capabilities could be a game changer for Ukraine in its efforts to undermine Russia's war machine deep behind enemy lines. Zelensky said that Flamingo had undergone successful tests, describing it as "the most successful" missile Ukraine currently has. The Flamingo missile is capable of flying up to 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), he claimed. "By December, we’ll have more of them. And by the end of December or in January–February, mass production should begin," the president said. The Flamingo missile was first publicly revealed on Aug. 17, when Associated Press (AP) photojournalist Efrem Lukatsky published a photo of it.
US will give Ukraine 'very good protection', Trump says
As Trump greeted Zelensky at the door, reporters asked questions at the US president. What is your message to the Ukrainian people?, he is asked. "We love them," Trump says briefly as he posed for photos with Zelensky before the two walked inside. Trump and Zelensky are now seated together in the Oval Office, where they are addressing reporters. Trump thanks Zelensky for being in the US today and said "progress is being made" to put an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine. He says he had a "very good" meeting with Putin and there is "a good possibility that something could come out of it". Trump notes that seven world leaders are also in the US capital and he will speak with them after his talk with Zelensky. Trump is asked about giving Ukraine security guarantees and Nato-like protection as part of a peace settlement. The US president says that hasn't been discussed yet but "we will give them very good protection, very good security" to Kyiv. Trump is asked if the US will send "American peacekeepers" to Ukraine to secure a peace deal. "We're gonna work with Ukraine, we're gonna work with everybody" to make sure the peace is "very long term". The US will work with both Russia and Ukraine to "make sure it works", he adds. "If we can get to peace I know it's going to work. I have no doubt about it." Zelensky says he supports Trump's plans for 'diplomatic solution.' Zelensky is asked whether he would consider ceding territory. The Ukrainian leader says that "we need to stop the war, to stop Russia". Zelensky says Ukrainians are strong and that they support Trump's plans to end the war in a "diplomatic way". He says he wants to have a trilateral meeting with the US president and Russia's Vladimir Putin.
US halts worker visas for commercial truck drivers, Rubio says
The United States is immediately pausing the issuance of all worker visas for commercial truck drivers, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday. "The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers," Rubio said in a post on X. The administration of President Donald Trump has taken a series of steps to address concerns about foreign truck drivers who do not speak English. Trump in April signed an executive order directing enforcement of a rule requiring commercial drivers in the U.S. to meet English-proficiency standards.
