VISUAL REPORTS
THE POWER VERTICAL: Will You Still Need Him When He's 130?
Putin at 130? The president’s mortality is prompting his courtiers to fantasize.
Jeenbekov Poised To Win Kyrgyz Presidential Election Outright
Kyrgyz election officials say preliminary results from Kyrgyzstan's presidential vote indicate that Sooronbai Jeenbekov, a political ally of incumbent President Almazbek Atambaev, has won more than 54 percent of the vote, appearing to negate the need for a second-round runoff.
Moldovans Killed, Wounded In Ivory Coast Plane Crash
Four Moldovans were killed and two were injured when a propeller-driven Russian-made Antonov cargo plane chartered by the French Army crashed in rough weather into the sea near the international airport in Ivory Coast's main city, Abidjan, on October 14.
Russian Man Sets Himself Alight In Narva, Estonia
A Russian man in the Estonian city of Narva set himself alight in an act of protest during municipal elections on October 15. Local police intervened, detaining the man, who sustained minor burns. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
OTHER NEWS
Russian Artist Pavlensky Sets Fire To Bank Of France Building In Paris
Russian performance artist Pyotr Pavlensky, who recently was granted political asylum in France, set fire to the Bank of France building in Paris shortly after midnight on October 16. Pavlensky, who has been detained by police, reportedly said the act was an attempt “to light the fire of revolution around the world.” (Russian Service)
Russia Fines Telegram App Over Encryption-Key Demand
A Russian court has imposed an 800,000 ruble ($14,000) fine on Telegram for refusing to provide the Federal Security Service (FSB) with encryption keys to the popular messaging app.
Russia's Governors Shake-Up: Fresh Ideas Or Illusions?
As President Vladimir Putin this week continued to sack governors in Russia's regions, state TV told the nation the Kremlin is grooming a new generation of leaders for top posts across the country.
Moscow To Reject European Court If It Can’t Help Select Judges
Russian State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has said Moscow will not consider itself bound by the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights if Russia is not allowed to participate in the selection of judges.
Endemic Corruption And Lack Of Opportunity Prompt Daghestanis To Leave
Data from Russia’s state statistics service shows “acute” rates of out-migration among Daghestanis. For the years 2014 - 2016, respectively, 57,962, 57,625, and 54,677 people left annually. Thirty thousand people left the republic in the first six months of 2017. (in Russian, Caucasus Realities)
Kyiv Bans Russian Banknote Featuring Crimean Images
The National Bank of Ukraine announced on October 13 that the new Russian 200 ruble ($3.50) bill depicting images of Crimea would be illegal in Ukraine beginning on October 17.
Russian Authorities In Crimea Detain Crimean Tatar Protesters
At least 34 people were detained in the Russia-occupied Ukrainian region of Crimea on October 14 for demonstrating in defense of Crimean Tatars, following more than 100 one-person protests staged across the peninsula during the day.
Ukraine To Build New Gas Pipeline Bypassing The ‘DNR’
Ukraine has begun construction of a gas pipeline to bypass the separatist-controlled Donetsk region, where infrastructure damaged by fighting has not yet been repaired. Acute water shortages in areas near the line of contact remain a problem. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
Armenian, Azerbaijani Presidents To Meet In Geneva Over Nagorno-Karabagh
The Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents are set to meet on October 16 to discuss a possible settlement of the conflict over Azerbaijan’s breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Despite Alleged Violations, Kyrgyz Candidate To Accept Official Results
The chief rival of the candidate whom election officials say won the presidency in Kyrgyzstan has alleged the voting was marred by violations but suggested he would not mount a challenge of the official result.
Uzbekistan’s National Airways Comments On President’s Use Of Usmanov Plane
In a response to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s use of a private plane belonging to Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov to travel to the UN General Assembly meeting in New York in September, the state airline said in an October 14 statement that the Airbus 340 M-IABU, for reasons of “comfort, safety and technical readiness,” is leased for use by the president for long-distance flights. (in Russian, Uzbek Service)
BLOGGING CENTRAL ASIA: How Close Is Turkmenistan To Instability?