Strategic Analysis Caucasus Brief

Review of July 2026

Tomáš Baranec 

Armenia

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Pashinyan and Putin met in Moscow to discuss regional security and bilateral ties

On July 7, Armenia’s acting Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for the first time since the parliamentary elections in Armenia. At the meeting, Putin finally congratulated Pashinyan on his party’s victory in the elections. Putin said that victory is important for anyone, and, first and foremost, for Armenia and its people, “considering that such complicated and sensitive issues can only be resolved if one has the opportunity to work effectively.”

Recalling that it was their third meeting this year in Moscow, Pashinyan said it reflects the good dynamics of relations between the two countries. “We have regretfully been discussing security issues very often and a lot in recent times due to regional instabilities. I must say that the situation has been stabilised ever since the deployment of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, though some hotbeds of instability arise from time to time. The situation on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is still not very stable, and we mentioned this on several occasions. Unfortunately, here too, we have had a hotbed of continued anxiety for the last two months. I hope that today we will be able to synchronise our watches on this issue,” Pashinyan was quoted.

The meeting in Moscow followed an earlier telephone conversation between Pashinyan and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on July 1.

Sources:
  • www.primeminister.am, “Nikol Pashinyan and Mikhail Mishustin hold telephone conversation”,
  • Caucasus Watch, “Pashinyan-Putin meeting in Moscow”, https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/pashinyan-putin-meeting-in-moscow.html
Under pressure from Russian sanctions, Armenian products begin to penetrate new markets

Russia’s agricultural safety agency announced on July 21 that it will suspend imports of dairy products from Armenia, citing health violations and failures in supply chain tracing. Rosselkhoznadzor’s decision follows a raft of Russian restrictions on the import and transit of Armenian food products this summer, which observers widely view as an economic pressure campaign targeting Yerevan as it pursues closer ties with the European Union.

“During the latest review, milk provided by infected livestock was discovered to be used in the production of dairy goods exported to Russia,” Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement following a weeklong inspection.

In a directive issued to its regional branches, the agency said that the dairy ban will take effect on July 27, and named five Armenian companies whose products will be temporarily barred from entering Russia.

Separately, Russia also banned imports of tomatoes and other produce from five Uzbekistan-based exporters, citing alleged pest contamination. At the end of July, the Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan announced Armenia has exported a batch of flowers to the UAE. Papoyan later clarified that throughout 2026, Armenia exported 204,500 flowers to the UAE, with 41 900 sent just in the last two months. The latest delivery followed a July 16 meeting between Armenian Deputy Economy Minister Arman Khojoyan and a business delegation from the UAE, which was attended by representatives of Armenian businesses. Aside from the greenhouse products, the Armenian side also “proposed exploring the possibility of exporting Armenian mineral water to the UAE”. The shipment to the UAE has come as Armenia seeks alternative markets following Russia’s restrictions on the import and transit of a wide range of Armenian agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, mineral water, and fish, OC Media reports.

As Radar Armenia stressed, Armenian flowers are already supplied to the markets of 26 countries, fruits – to 21, and vegetables – to 8. Meanwhile, Armenia’s trade with Russia fell sharply in the first five months of 2026, dropping 21.5% year-on-year, TASS reported, citing official data.

Figures from Armenia’s Statistical Committee put bilateral trade at 2.196 billion USD between January and May, down from 2.763 billion USD in the same period of 2025. Russia’s share of Armenia’s overall trade also contracted, down to 28% from 35.1% a year earlier.

Trade with the wider Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) followed a similar pattern, with its share slipping to 29.8% from 36.7%. Still, Armenia’s exchanges with individual EAEU members rose. Particularly, trade with Belarus increased by 8.3%, with Kazakhstan up 10%, and Kyrgyzstan surged by nearly 195%. Overall foreign trade stood at 7.865 billion USD in the five months, a marginal 0.1% decline from 7.870 billion USD last year.

Sources:
Armenian Parliamentary speaker Simonyan leaves office after losing ruling party’s backing

Outgoing National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan has announced that he will not take up a parliamentary mandate in the newly elected legislature, saying he plans to step away from active politics for a period of rest after five years as Speaker, Public Radio of Armenia reported.

Speaking at a press conference on July 2, Simonyan said the decision follows consultations with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the ruling Civil Contract party’s governing board. “I discussed it with the Prime Minister and also with the party board. I will not take the mandate and will not come to the National Assembly to continue working as an MP,” Simonyan said.

He said he accepted the party’s decision not to nominate him for another term as Speaker, despite believing his work should have continued. “I believe my work should have continued, but there is a party board, and I have always said that I will abide by its decision,” he said, adding that he harbours no resentment over the outcome. Simonyan noted that he had served a full five-year term, describing himself as the first Speaker in Armenia’s history to complete an entire term in office.

As OC Media writes, Simonyan, 46, is one of Civil Contract’s founding members. Before entering parliament in 2018, he served on the Yerevan City Council as a member of the Way Out alliance. Following the 2018 snap elections, he became deputy speaker before replacing Ararat Mirzoyan as parliamentary Speaker after the 2021 elections, when Mirzoyan was appointed foreign minister. His tenure coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in Armenia’s modern history.

Throughout his tenure, Simonyan became known for his sharp rhetoric, particularly in his responses to Russia, while also drawing criticism over restrictions imposed on journalists inside parliament that limited reporters’ access to MPs and senior officials. Simonyan also spearheaded legislation tripling financial compensation for defamation and insults.

His time as Speaker was also marked by several high-profile controversies. In April 2023, Simonyan spat at Garen Megerdichian, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, in central Yerevan, after Megerdichian called him a “traitor”. Megerdichian alleged that Simonyan’s bodyguards restrained him before the Speaker spat in his face.

Speaking to reporters in early July, Pashinyan in turn said he had not anticipated that Simonyan would leave parliament altogether. “Naturally, I did not plan in advance that Mr Simonyan would no longer be the Speaker of the National Assembly or a member of parliament. This is a new situation. We will discuss it and understand what comes next”, Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan had earlier denied any personal disagreements with Simonyan following the party board’s decision and stressed that it was important for Civil Contract to retain former officeholders within its ranks, describing them as “political assets”.

Sources:
  •  GHAZANCHYAN Siranush, “Public Radio of Armenia, Alen Simonyan says he will not take parliamentary seat after leaving Speaker’s post”, https://en.armradio.am/2026/07/02/alen-simonyan-says-he-will-not-take-parliamentary-seat-after-leaving-speakers-post/
  • BARSEGHYAN Arshaluys, OC Media, “Armenian Parliamentary speaker Simonyan leaves office after losing ruling party’s backing”, https://oc-media.org/armenian-parliamentary-speaker-simonyan-leaves-office-after-losing-ruling-partys-backing/

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Armenian authorities launch high-profile crackdown on wealthy tycoons and political opposition

In the morning on July 6, Armenian law enforcement authorities conducted simultaneous searches at more than 70 locations as part of over a dozen criminal proceedings led by the Investigative Committee. The sites included the residence of Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader and businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, companies belonging to his family’s Multi Group conglomerate, and the homes of company directors. While the Investigative Committee has not officially specified the allegations, Armenian media reported that the investigations concern suspected large-scale tax evasion and money laundering.

In the evening, following the searches, Tsarukyan was arrested by Armenian security forces, and according to independent media outlet CivilNet, his lawyer, Yerem Sargsyan, told media that he was charged with aiding and abetting fraud and money laundering. Armenia’s Investigative Committee (IC) claims that Tsarukyan and several Iranian businessmen jointly established companies and legal entities. They then imported fifty-two vehicles, equipment, fuel, and various other items from Iran to Armenia.

Tsarukyan has been under investigation since June 9, a mere two days after Armenians took to the polls for the parliamentary elections. He had apparently attempted to leave the country through Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport before being placed under investigation, but was barred from doing so. Tsarukyan is one of the wealthiest men in Armenian politics. Having begun his business career in food processing during the 1990s, he has, over three decades, amassed a stake in a wide variety of industries throughout Armenia, including alcohol and food production, casinos, hotels, mineral extraction, pharmaceuticals, and, most recently, bitcoin mining.

The eccentric tycoon has been charged with several crimes in the past. In 2020, the authorities accused him of electoral bribery allegedly committed in the 2017 elections. He was also under investigation for operating the Shangri La casino without a license. Armenia revoked the Shangri La’s license in late June.

On July 31, Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Court ordered the transfer of the Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory (producer of Noy brand), owned by Tsarukyan, to state management and ownership following a high-profile criminal investigation, raids, and the detention of the factory director, Arman Davtyan. The court ruled to place the historic brandy plant under state maintenance and control, mirroring actions taken against other properties in Tsarukyan’s Multi Group holding.

Already on July 9, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Tsarukyan’s Ararat Cement plant will soon be transferred to state ownership as well. “We will do everything to ensure that the rights of Ararat Cement employees are respected. Ararat Cement will very soon become state-owned. A manager will be appointed,” Pashinyan said. Pashinyan did not specify a timeframe for completing the transfer of the plant to state ownership, who will be appointed as the manager, or how the plant’s operations will be organised going forward.

Meanwhile, in late July Armenia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) stripped Strong Armenia Alliance leader Narek Karapetyan of his immunity, paving the way for prosecutors to place him under investigation. Reports have suggested that the investigation involves another member of his alliance, who is charged with money laundering and vote buying.

Lusine Martirosyan, a representative of the Prosecutor General’s Office, told the state-run media outlet Armenpress that her agency submitted two motions to the CEC — one seeking consent to initiate criminal proceedings against Narek Karapetyan, and another seeking consent to deprive him of his liberty. The CEC approved the first motion, and rejected the second.

In their response, Strong Armenia spokesperson Marianna Ghahramayan claimed that the CEC “has committed yet another illegal act”. “They are trying to isolate Narek Karapetyan. Strong Armenia is not one to break. You keep being afraid”, Ghahramayan said. The Prosecutor General’s Office declined to disclose details of the case, citing the interests of the ongoing investigation.

Sources:
UN experts raise concerns over Armenia’s use of terrorism charges against opposition

Six United Nations human rights experts have questioned Armenia’s use of terrorism charges against Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and members of the opposition Holy Struggle movement, raising concerns that the case may involve the misuse of counter-terrorism legislation and restrictions on fundamental rights.

The Armenian government has rejected those concerns, insisting that the investigation is based on evidence of preparations for violent acts and an attempted seizure of power, Civilnet.am reported.

The exchange became public after the UN released official correspondence between Armenia and six mandate holders of the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures. The documents include a May 11 communication from the UN experts outlining their concerns and a 31-page response submitted by Armenia’s Permanent Mission in Geneva on July 9.

The experts said that the information they had received raised concerns about the proportionality of the Armenian authorities’ actions and their compatibility with the country’s international human rights obligations. The letter also noted allegations that the measures against Holy Struggle formed part of “a broader campaign of repression and silencing of dissent” targeting opposition groups, public figures, political parties, and the Armenian Apostolic Church.

In its response, the Armenian government rejected the experts’ concerns. It argued that the June 12, 2024 events were not entirely peaceful demonstrations but included elements of mass disorder, attacks on police officers and an attempt to breach the National Assembly’s protected perimeter.

The Holy Struggle movement emerged in the spring of 2024 in opposition to Armenia’s border delimitation process with Azerbaijan. Led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Tavush Diocese, the movement initially sought to halt the border agreement before expanding its demands to include Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. Mass protests gradually subsided after clashes between demonstrators and police outside parliament in June 2024.

Sources:

  • ADAMYAN Siranush, Civilnet.am, “UN experts challenge Armenia over terrorism charges against archbishop and supporters”, https://civilnet.am/en/news/1013128

  • BARSEGHYAN Arshaluys, OC Media, “UN experts raise concerns over Armenia’s use of terrorism charges against opposition”, https://oc-media.org/un-experts-raise-concerns-over-armenias-use-of-terrorism-charges-against-opposition/

Azerbaijan

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Netanyahu blocks Armenian Genocide recognition bill after pressure from Azerbaijan, Haaretz reports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was pressured by Azerbaijan into blocking a bill already approved by the government to officially recognise the Armenian Genocide, the Israeli media outlet Haaretz has reported, citing an unnamed source. Benjamin Netanyahu blocked the Armenian Genocide recognition bill in mid-July 2026, pulling it from the legislative agenda shortly before the Knesset entered its summer recess.

Netanyahu’s decision followed a month of uncertainty about progress towards recognition after the Israeli government unanimously approved the proposal put forth by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in June. At the time, Sa’ar called the move to recognise the genocide “a moral duty.”

The initial steps were met with widespread scepticism, including in Armenia, with many viewing the possible recognition as a geopolitical game that said more about Israeli tensions with Turkey than a genuine desire to recognise the genocide.

The Israeli government’s approval of the resolution drew intense criticism from Azerbaijan and Turkey, with the latter accusing Israel of seeking to ‘cover up its own crimes’ in Gaza.

Earlier, the Azerbaijan chief rabbi asked the Knesset to reconsider recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Rabbi Shneur Segal, Chief Rabbi of the Ashkenazi Jewish Community of Azerbaijan, sent the letter to Ofir Katz, Chairman of the Likud Faction, on Monday following the Israeli government’s vote.

Rabbis claimed that the recognition of the genocide might affect the Jewish community in Azerbaijan. “At a time when Jews in many countries around the world are afraid to walk openly with visible Jewish symbols, here we are able to walk through the streets of Baku wearing a kippah, safely and without fear,” he wrote. “This reality demonstrates more than anything the depth of friendship and respect that the Azerbaijani people have for the Jewish people,” reads the letter as cited by The Jerusalem Post.

Sources:

  • OSTILLER Nate, “The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, Netanyahu Blocks Armenian Genocide Recognition Bill after Pressure from Azerbaijan, Haaretz reports”, https://mirrorspectator.com/2026/07/21/netanyahu-blocks-armenian-genocide-recognition-bill-after-pressure-from-azerbaijan-haaretz-reports/

  • HELLER Mathilda, The Jerusalem Post, “Azerbaijan chief rabbi asks Knesset to reconsider recognition of Armenian Genocide – exclusive”, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-901092

Iqbal Abilov’s relatives reported his torture in the pre-trial detention center

Imprisoned Talysh researcher Igbal Abilov has reportedly been tortured while in solitary confinement, allegedly for wearing a T-shirt in court that featured words from a Talysh poem that read, “The day a nation loses its head, it deserves its country’s death sentence”.

Abilov, who was sentenced on charges of treason in 2024, was in court to sue several pro-government media outlets for violating his presumption of innocence. Abilov’s family has said that the researcher was tortured at the Baku Pre-Trial Detention Centre. His father, Shahin Abilov, told OC Media that he had worn the shirt to a court hearing on July 7. “His hands were tied to an iron bed, and he was beaten, resulting in bruises and serious injuries to various parts of his body”, Shahin Abilov said, adding he had learned about the torture from his son’s lawyer Fariz Namazli when they attempted to visit him on July 9. The family claims that the prison administration told them that Abilov had been placed in solitary confinement.

Shahin Abilov stated that his son spoke about the torture as he was being escorted into a court hearing on July 13. He claimed he had been beaten by the director of the prison, Javid Gulaliyev. In court, Igbal Abilov also said he had been subjected to X-ray examinations against his will on more than one occasion in prison, which included physical force.

Before his arrest, Abilov was the editor-in-chief of the News of the Talysh National Academy, a magazine dedicated to the study of Talysh history, language, and culture. 35-year-old Azerbaijani citizen Iqbal Abilov, who had lived in Belarus since childhood, came to Azerbaijan in 2024 for his cousin’s wedding and was detained on charges of collaborating with Armenian intelligence services. Under charges of treason and inciting national hatred, the scholar was sentenced to 18 years in prison, and the appellate court upheld the sentence. Abilov’s relatives believe the true reason for the prosecution is his research on Talysh culture. The charge of treason seems unconvincing and has become another episode in the practice of persecuting activists from national minorities in Azerbaijan, human rights defenders noted.

The Talysh are Azerbaijan’s largest minority, with estimates putting their population between 500,000 and one million. They have long struggled to secure their own ethnic autonomy and civil rights, including access to education in the Talysh language, OC Media writes.

Sources:

  • Caucasian Knot, “Iqbal Abilov’s relatives reported his torture in the pre-trial detention center”, https://www.eng.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/76906

  • FAHRADOVA Aytan, OC Media, “Talysh researcher Igbal Abilov says he was tortured in Baku prison”, https://oc-media.org/talysh-researcher-igbal-abilov-says-he-was-tortured-in-baku-prison/

Iran brands Azerbaijan’s State Broadcaster “Enemy Media,” triggering swift reciprocal bans from Baku

In late July 2026, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence officially added Azerbaijan’s state broadcaster, AzTV, to its list of “enemy media organisations” and threatened anyone cooperating with the channel with criminal liability.Baku expressed deep concern and disappointment over Tehran’s actions, reiterating Azerbaijan’s commitment to protecting professional journalism and upholding international media ethics (LOL).

In a direct retaliatory move, Baku invoked the principle of reciprocity. Citing Article 11.4 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Media”—which permits restrictions against media outlets from foreign nations that discriminate against Azerbaijani media—the Media Development Agency declared the operations of two prominent Iranian state-affiliated media bodies within Azerbaijan illegal: Sahar TV and Mehr News Agency (including its representative offices and correspondents).

Sources:
  •  Caucasus Watch, “Baku Responds to Tehran: Azerbaijan Bans Iranian Outlets After State TV AzTV Listed as ‘Enemy Media’”, https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/baku-responds-to-tehran-azerbaijan-bans-iranian-outlets-after-state-tv-aztv-listed-as-enemy-media.html
Aliyev greenlights “involuntary psychiatric hospitalisation” law

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has approved legislative amendments allowing the authorities to refer people for psychiatric evaluations without their consent. Critics warn that the amendments could allow the authorities to “involuntarily hospitalise” and silence government critics.

The changes came as amendments to the law on psychiatric care, which Aliyev approved on July 23. According to the law, prosecutors can refer people subjected to administrative proceedings if delays in providing psychiatric care pose a “threat to that person’s life or health, or the life or health of others”.

Human rights defender Yalchin Imanov told OC Media that the law in question already provides for a system of involuntary hospitalisation. He noted that under current legislation, a person can be committed to a psychiatric facility “only if specific grounds exist and based on a psychiatrist’s assessment and a court order”. “The law states that even if a person with a severe mental disorder or illness has not committed a crime, they can — given specific grounds — be placed in a psychiatric facility for examination and treatment by court order, against their will”, Imanov said.

He emphasised that the law takes into account the immediate danger an individual poses to themself or others, “the inability to meet basic life needs independently due to a mental disorder”, and the risk of irreparable harm to health if medical care is not provided.

In his view, the main problem lies in the fact that the concept of “danger” and the criteria for defining a mental disorder are not clearly defined in the legislation:

“The legislation does not establish specific criteria or indicators for this. It merely states that a person with a mental disorder must pose an immediate danger to themselves or others. This is vague wording. Such ambiguity can create fertile ground for abuse by the Azerbaijani authorities”, Imanov stressed as cited by OC Media.

Sources:
  •  FARHADOVA Aytan, OC Media, “Aliyev greenlights ‘involuntary psychiatric hospitalisation’ law”, https://oc-media.org/aliyev-greenlights-involuntary-psychiatric-hospitalisation-law/

Georgia

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Washington’s cautious rapprochement with Tbilisi

In early July, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze returned to the US Embassy in Tbilisi for a ceremonial reception after a year-long hiatus. Shortly after the reception, the Georgian Foreign Minister received an invitation to a counter-terrorism summit in Washington. However, some experts say the Georgian government’s cautious rapprochement with the Trump administration has serious limits.

On July 1, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze spoke at a reception hosted by the US Embassy in Tbilisi dedicated to US Independence Day. During his speech, Kobakhidze again called for a “reboot” of the strategic partnership between the two countries, despite the “challenges” that have emerged in recent years. It should be noted that in 2025, the Georgian PM did not attend the event due to strained relations between the US and Georgia.

Among other things, Kobakhidze said that Tbilisi is proposing a strategic partnership with Washington „based on mutual respect, fairness, and a clear framework for cooperation“. „We stand ready to engage in direct dialogue to define shared priorities, establish practical mechanisms for implementation, and deliver measurable results for both nations“, he added.

On July 16, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on July 16 addressed a ministerial in Washington, D.C., hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on the “Resurgence of Political Terrorism,” an event focused on what the US State Department described as “far-left political terrorism” that brought together representatives from nearly 60 countries.

In her address, published by Georgia’s Foreign Ministry, Botchorishvili spoke about “political terrorism,” which she said is manifested, among other ways, “in the name of democracy.” She also criticised international institutions that she said “exert political pressure” on sovereign states.

As civil.ge wrote, Botchorishvili’s participation at the event follows intensifying exchanges between Tbilisi and Washington amid the Georgian Dream government’s stated efforts to reset relations with the United States “from a clean slate” and resume the strategic partnership “with a specific roadmap.”

According to security expert Giorgi Shaishmelashvili, Georgia was heading into the summit from a weak starting position due to its close ties to Russia and China. “In my view, the very theme of the summit fundamentally contradicts the domestic and foreign policy positioning of Georgian Dream. For Donald Trump and his administration, strengthening coordination against left-wing extremism has become a priority. They often see countries such as China and Russia behind it. We should not forget Georgia’s ties with Iran either,” Shaishmelashvili said as cited by JAM News. The expert added that the “United States is still trying to maintain working relations with Georgia’s de facto authorities to protect its own interests”.

Sources:
  •  GVADZABIA Mikheil, OC Media, “Kobakhidze calls for ‘reboot’ in Georgia–US ties at US Embassy reception”, https://oc-media.org/kobakhidze-calls-for-reboot-in-georgia-us-ties-at-us-embassy-reception/
  • Civil.ge, “Botchorishvili Addresses Rubio-Hosted Ministerial on ‘Far-Left Political Terrorism’”, https://civil.ge/archives/744863
  • JAM News, “Opinion: ‘Georgia heads to Washington from weak starting position. Its ties with Russia, China and Iran are major liability’”, https://jam-news.net/opinion-georgia-heads-to-washington-from-weak-starting-position-its-ties-with-russia-china-and-iran-are-a-major-liability/
EU imposes transaction ban on Georgian refinery over Russian oil processing

The EU has imposed sanctions on Georgia’s Kulevi oil refinery for processing Russian crude, marking the first action against a major Georgian company as Brussels broadens efforts to target entities outside Russia that help sustain its oil revenue, Reuters reported. The European Union levied a transaction ban on Kulevi on July 23 in its 21st package of sanctions against Russia over ​its war in Ukraine. The ban will take effect in six months.

“The package creates the possibility to prohibit transactions with listed refineries in Russia and in third countries which process or refine Russian crude oil and petroleum products. In that framework, the EU is imposing a transaction ban – entering into force in six months – on a Georgian refinery trading and processing Russian oil in Kulevi,” the Council of the EU said in its press release.

The inclusion of the refinery comes weeks after Black Sea Petroleum announced that it will begin refining “crude oil of entirely non-Russian origin” starting in August-September, saying the shift will “open doors to high-margin markets” for its products.

The Kulevi refinery, a project inaugurated in 2024 by Georgian officials as the largest private investment project in Georgia’s post-independence history, is operated by Black Sea Petroleum, a company owned by Georgian businesswoman Maka Asatiani.

Kulevi first drew controversy in October 2025, when Russian oil company Russneft supplied its first oil cargo to the facility. The facility has since attracted scrutiny over its potential to serve as a channel for re-exporting Russian oil under a Georgian designation, with questions mounting amid journalistic investigations suggesting that Russian oil products may be reaching European countries through Georgia, particularly in light of the recorded spike in Georgia’s oil exports.

The controversy also extended to Kulevi port, which is owned and operated by Azerbaijan’s SOCAR. In March 2026, the European Union considered including the port in its proposed 20th sanctions package against Russia, but ultimately dropped the measure, citing “positive commitments” made by the Georgian authorities and the port operator.

Georgia’s Foreign Ministry has expressed “regret” over the EU’s decision to conditionally include the Kulevi oil refinery in its 21st Russia sanctions package, saying there were “no factual or legal grounds” for the move and hoping the bloc will review the decision before it takes effect in six months.

Sources:
TV Formula and its employees under increasing pressure

TV Formula faced multiple fines in July at a time when it had to start laying off employees due to financial problems. In early July, the Georgian opposition-leaning TV Formula decided to discontinue its early-morning live programming and lay off some of its staff. The broadcaster cited major financial problems it blamed on the authorities, describing the process as painful but necessary for the channel to survive.

The channel’s director and key shareholder Misha Mshvildadze addressed the ongoing changes in July, saying the modified programming was a response to the financial difficulties Formula had faced “as a result of the authorities’ determination”. “With these changes, we want to prevent a much greater drama — finding ourselves unable to meet our ongoing obligations and ultimately having to shut down. We should not allow that to happen”, he said, expressing hope that “this painful path” will lead to “a new period of sustainability” for the channel.

On July 6, Formula host Irakli Kiknavelidze welcomed viewers to a new midday live programme, Hello, Georgia, replacing the 09:00 show Wake Up, Georgia, which he had previously hosted. Under the new schedule, the channel will begin its live broadcast three hours later than before, with a noon news programme, followed by Kiknavelidze’s new show.

Soon after, on July 14, Tbilisi City Court upheld a lawsuit filed by film director Goga Khaindrava against the Georgian TV channel Formula, ordering the broadcaster to pay him 10.000 GEL (3.810 USD) in compensation for moral damages. The case concerns an investigative report aired by the programme Saturday Formula, which alleged a corruption scheme and the possible illegal entry of foreign nationals into Georgia. Khaindrava described the report as a false and defamatory accusation and took the case to court. The judge ruled entirely in Khaindrava’s favour. The court ordered Formula to retract the disputed claims and pay compensation for moral damages.

Formula’s lawyer, Eto Katamadze, described the court’s ruling as unfounded. She said the broadcaster would exhaust all available domestic legal remedies before potentially taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights. Formula’s representatives argue that the court issued its ruling before the competent authorities had concluded the disputed facts.

On July 17, Georgia’s Communications Commission once again penalised the opposition-leaning TV Formula, this time imposing a 5.000 GEL (1.900 USD) fine, accusing it of breaching the broadcasting law in its news coverage. In its statement, the commission said that the “identified violations” included “evaluative remarks made by journalists and presenters in news programmes, which amounted to coverage of current political and public issues based on the broadcaster’s personal views”.

According to the independent online media platform MediaChecker, the fine was based on phrases used in Formula’s news coverage between 15 and 17 June, including “[Georgian] Dream government”, “Georgian Dream president”, “repressive laws”, and “the repressions of the [Georgian] Dream regime”.

As OC Media reported, Formula has already been penalised for the terminology it used in its news coverage, with the commission fining the channel 2.500 GEL (950 USD) in May and issuing a verbal warning in April.

While announcing its latest decision, the commission emphasised that, in this instance, it had the authority to impose a fine of up to 1% of Formula’s annual revenue, but instead opted for what it described as the “minimum” amount.

Meanwhile, Vakho Sanaia, a journalist and anchor at Formula TV, was sent to 14 days of administrative detention over a Facebook post concerning Georgian Dream Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and MP Vladimer Bozhadze. The journalist was previously fined 6.000 GEL (approximately 2.300 USD) on July 10 by Judge Tornike Kochkiani in a separate but similar case brought by the same “hate speech” division over his Facebook posts concerning Papuashvili and Bozhadze.

Following the fine, Sanaia wrote, “I wrote a status saying, ‘Don’t call Papuashvili and Bozhadze d***s,’ and I was fined 6.000 GEL for it. Well, I don’t know then — I guess call them that.” The detention was ordered over this post, as an MIA official told media that the request for a harsher penalty was filed because Sanaia “disregarded the court decision” and expressed “readiness to continue unlawful conduct” after receiving the fine.

Sources:
  •  GVADZABIA Mikheil, OC Media, “Georgia’s opposition-leaning Formula TV cuts staff and live airtime amid financial crisis”, https://oc-media.org/georgias-opposition-leaning-formula-tv-cuts-staff-and-live-airtime-amid-financial-crisis/
  • JAM News, “Georgian TV channel Formula fined $3,810 over defamation”, https://jam-news.net/georgian-tv-channel-formula-fined-3810-over-defamation/
  • GVADZABIA Mikheil, OC Media, “Georgian opposition-leaning TV Formula fined again”, https://oc-media.org/georgian-opposition-leaning-tv-formula-fined-again/
  • Civil.ge, “Formula TV Anchor Vakho Sanaia Sent to 14-Day Detention over Facebook Post on GD MPs”, https://civil.ge/archives/745382

Photo: Shutterstock.com

China pulls out of Anaklia Port, Georgia to take over development

Georgia has said that China officially exited the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project, in favour of direct state development and “partnership with several countries”, Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said. Many experts and critics expected the move, as rumours of China’s exit had been circulating for months, OC Media reported.

Kvrivishvili announced on July 6 that the Anaklia Deep Sea Port will be developed and owned by the Georgian state under a “landlord model,”. “The ‘landlord model’ will allow the state to develop the Anaklia Port not with one partner, as had been planned until now, but simultaneously in partnership with several states and companies, which will create the best conditions for attracting cargo to the port and, consequently, for its most efficient operation,” she said.

“Alongside the creation of port infrastructure,” Kvrivishvili added, “The state will ensure the construction of the road and railway access to Anaklia, while international investors and private operators will carry out the investments required for the construction of container and bulk cargo terminals.” Kvrivishvili added that the Georgian government “particularly welcomes” investments from Middle Corridor countries, including China, Central Asian republics, and Azerbaijan.

In 2024, the majority state-owned China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and its Singapore-registered subsidiary China Harbour Investment received 49% of the port’s shares. The project was revived as Georgia’s “Middle Corridor” transit potential regained prominence amid Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine. Also in 2024, Belgian company Jan De Nul was awarded the tender to carry out the maritime infrastructure work for the port.

As early as November 2025, rumours began circulating that China had quietly withdrawn from the Anaklia deal. Despite repeated attempts by OC Media to obtain confirmation from officials at the time, including Chinese officials, the reports were never verified, and the government continued to insist that construction was proceeding as planned.

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Akhalaia and Elisashvili sentenced to long prison sentences

Bacho Akhalaia, former defence minister under the United National Movement government, has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison after being found guilty of “public incitement to overthrow the government” over courtroom statements in which he said Bidzina Ivanishvili and the ruling Georgian Dream government “must be overthrown by all possible means.”

Tbilisi City Court Judge Romeo Tkeshelashvili announced the verdict on July 6, finding Akhalaia, who has already been in pre-trial detention since December 2025 over his alleged role in the October 4 unrest, guilty under Article 317 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which criminalises “public incitement to change the constitutional order of Georgia through violence, or to overthrow of state power.”

Akhalaia still awaits a verdict in the October 4 case, in which authorities accuse him of leading election-day unrest in Tbilisi, when a group of protesters, responding to calls by rally organisers, attempted to occupy the Atoneli Presidential Palace but were repelled by police. Authorities cite records of Akhalaia’s alleged phone and internet communications with other organisers of the rally as evidence.

A controversial figure during the United National Movement’s time in power, Akhalaia has been convicted in multiple cases related to his conduct while in office since Georgian Dream came to power in 2012. He was arrested that year and released in 2022 after serving sentences in separate cases involving abuse of power, organising torture, and sexual abuse. Altogether, Akhalaia has spent 9 years in prison.

In a separate case, a judge of the Tbilisi City Court, Georgy Gelashvili, sentenced one of the leaders of the opposition coalition “Lelo-Strong Georgia”, Alexander (Aleko) Elisashvili, to 13 years in prison, recognising his attempt to set fire to the court’s office as a terrorist act.

An emotional scene in the courtroom preceded the verdict, according to Caucasian Knot. During his final statement, Elisashvili said that for him, the most important thing is “for his father and children to be proud of him,” after which he made obscene remarks about Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Vice Prime Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze. The judge removed the politician from the courtroom, reported the Pirveli TV channel.

As he was leaving, Elisashvili continued to shout remarks, including: “Long live Ukraine and Georgia!” as well as obscene words directed at Russia. The audience greeted his words with applause. After that, the judge closed the session and ordered the courtroom to be vacated.

On November 29, 2025, law enforcement detained Elisashvili in connection with the attempt to set fire to the Tbilisi City Court office. Elisashvili was charged under Article 19-323 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (attempted terrorism, up to 15 years in prison).

Sources:
  •  Civil.ge, “Ex-UNM Minister Bacho Akhalaia Sentenced to 2.5 Years Over Calling For ‘Overthrowing Government’”, https://civil.ge/archives/743549
  • Caucasian Knot, “Aleko Elisashvili has been sentenced to 13 years for terrorism”, https://www.eng.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/76828

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