The holy month of Ramadan has begun across the Muslim-populated republics of the North Caucasus. In each of these regions, local administrations and official Muslim spiritual boards have taken an active role in organising events and public initiatives connected to the observance of the fast. As in previous years, however, the start of Ramadan has coincided with a noticeable rise in the prices of groceries and essential goods, particularly in Chechnya.
On 23 February, Chechnya, Ingushetia, and Ingush and Chechen communities residing in parts of North Ossetia and Dagestan, commemorated the anniversary of the 1944 deportation of the Chechen and Ingush peoples to Central Asia under Stalin. The date remains one of the most tragic in the historical memory of both nations.
Below are the main developments that took place in the North Caucasus over the last two weeks.
Adyghea
On 26 February, a UAV forum entitled “Unmanned Systems: Dual-Purpose Technologies” was held in Maykop. The event was organised by Maykop State Technological University in cooperation with the Military Educational Centre. It brought together 19 delegations from major Russian cities and the occupied territories of Luhansk and Donetsk.
The programme included an academic conference, coding masterclasses, UAV launch demonstrations, and drone piloting competitions. Participants comprised students, academic staff, and military representatives. The forum is designed as an annual event and was launched for the first time last year.
The development of UAV technologies has become one of Russia’s strategic priorities since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The widespread deployment of drones has significantly altered the nature of modern warfare, prompting a substantial reorientation of Russia’s defence industry towards mass UAV production. In this context, the federal authorities have actively promoted UAV technologies across the country, both in the military and civilian spheres. The Republic of Adygea is no exception. Local authorities have demonstrated particular enthusiasm towards hosting such forums and initiatives, as they hope to attract federal investment and secure funding for the establishment of new UAV production facilities in the region.
Karachaevo-Cherkesia
The case of Rustem Aybazov, a resident of Karachaevo-Cherkessia and father of five, has been referred to the Southern Military Court. Aybazov is charged with financing terrorism, allegedly for transferring money to Syria. His relatives contend that the actual reason for his arrest lies in his active involvement in fundraising initiatives in support of Palestine. The criminal case against him was opened on 20 September 2025. According to available information, the prosecution relies on testimony from anonymous witnesses, as well as on his correspondence with a resident of Syria. Prior to his arrest, Aybazov was employed as a driver.
The war in Gaza has had a significant impact on the Muslim population of the North Caucasus. Muslims in the region, both Russian loyalists and opponents of the authorities, have expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people. Developments in Palestine also triggered a series of anti-Israeli protests across the region, including the riots at the airport in Makhachkala. As a result, activities framed as charitable initiatives or expressions of solidarity are now more frequently viewed by security services as potential sources of instability, and are treated as possible security risks.
Kabardino-Balkaria
The number of hotels in Kabardino-Balkaria has increased significantly, and now stands at 627 establishments. At present, the republic is capable of accommodating up to 22,000 visitors at any given time. This expansion in capacity is expected to enable the region to host up to two million tourists annually, particularly during the winter season.
The mountainous ski resorts of Kabardino-Balkaria have gained popularity in recent years, attracting primarily tourists from across Russia. This growing interest is largely driven by international sanctions and visa restrictions imposed on Russian citizens following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which have significantly limited access to many foreign travel destinations. As a result, domestic tourism, particularly to the North Caucasus, has emerged as one of the few accessible alternatives.
Compared to international destinations, the mountainous resorts of the North Caucasus remain considerably more affordable for the average Russian traveller. However, despite the steady rise in visitor numbers, the infrastructure in Kabardino-Balkaria remains underdeveloped. Multiple incidents involving cable cars have raised concerns about safety standards and maintenance practices. These structural shortcomings continue to hinder the region’s ability to become a major international tourist destination.
North Ossetia
On 23 February, marking Defender of the Fatherland Day, the Mamison ski resort organised a special programme for visitors. Over the extended holiday weekend, guests were offered a range of entertainment activities, including sports competitions, interactive shows, and evening skating sessions. The programme also featured an educational initiative entitled “Course of the Young Mountain Skier,” aimed at introducing younger participants to skiing and mountain culture. In the evenings, the resort administration organised discos and other nightlife events for visitors.
The Mamison ski resort is one of the key winter tourist destinations in North Ossetia. However, beyond its economic significance, it also carries strategic importance. The resort is located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, near the border with Georgia. More specifically, it lies close to Georgia’s Oni municipality and the territory of occupied South Ossetia. Notably, part of South Ossetia is situated on the Georgian side of the Mamison Pass, which historically connects the North and South Caucasus, and a Russian checkpoint is located on what is internationally recognised as Georgian territory. The Mamison road has long been discussed as a potential new communication route between Russia and Georgia, as well as a possible shortcut to the Black Sea. Given that the Georgian Military Road is frequently overloaded and often disrupted by adverse weather conditions during the winter, the Mamison route is viewed by Russian planners as a viable alternative corridor.
Ingushetia
On 23 February, residents of Chechnya and Ingushetia commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the deportation of the Chechen and Ingush peoples to Central Asia. In Ingushetia, approximately 500 people gathered in front of the memorial complex in Nazran, carrying the flags of the Republic of Ingushetia. The event concluded with a collective prayer for those who died during the deportation, followed by a performance by the national folk ensemble Nazym. The Head of Ingushetia, Makhmud-Ali Kalimatov, published a statement on his official Telegram channel, emphasising the tragic suffering endured by the Ingush people.
Commemorative events were likewise held in neighbouring Chechnya. However, unlike in Ingushetia, the gatherings there were attended primarily by local officials and members of the security services, rather than by large numbers of ordinary residents.
23 February remains a tragic date for the Chechen and Ingush peoples. In 1944, during the Second World War, on the orders of Joseph Stalin and Lavrentiy Beria, the entire Chechen and Ingush populations were forcibly deported to Central Asia. Thousands perished during the journey, and many more died due to the harsh climatic conditions and deprivation in exile. Following Stalin’s death and the subsequent rehabilitation of deported peoples, Chechens and Ingush were permitted to return to their homeland. Nevertheless, the deportation left a profound and lasting imprint on the historical memory of both nations. Yet the Russian state has tended to marginalise or overshadow this date. Across Russia, 23 February is officially celebrated as Defender of the Fatherland Day. The limited and highly controlled nature of commemorative events in Chechnya suggests that the local authorities are cautious not to revive historical grievances that could potentially stimulate anti-Russian sentiment.
Chechnya
The beginning of the Ramadan fast in Chechnya has been accompanied by a sharp rise in food prices across the republic. The increase has primarily affected socially vulnerable groups, including pensioners and teachers. Urban residents appear to be facing particular difficulties, as, unlike those in rural areas, they are unable to rely on their own agricultural produce or livestock to offset rising costs. Despite attempts by the local authorities to regulate prices and stabilise the market, the cost of essential goods continues to climb.
Despite receiving substantial annual transfers from the federal budget, Chechnya remains one of the poorest subjects of the Russian Federation. Unemployment levels are persistently high, while both the manufacturing and agricultural sectors remain underdeveloped. The republic is heavily dependent on federal subsidies, and is not economically self-sufficient. A significant proportion of consumer goods and food products are imported from other regions of Russia, which contributes to higher prices within the republic and makes it particularly vulnerable to inflationary pressures.
Dagestan
On 27 February, the organisation Marem, which works on women’s rights issues in the North Caucasus, announced the successful completion of an online fundraising campaign in support of a young woman who had fled Dagestan. According to the organisation, they raised 73,072 rubles, an amount sufficient to cover Leyla’s (name changed) basic living expenses for two months while she searches for new employment. Leyla reportedly left the North Caucasus due to domestic violence. She was also a friend of Ayshat Baymuradova, who was killed in Armenia. Prior to the incident, Leyla had contacted the police after unidentified individuals allegedly attempted to abduct Baymuradova from a shopping centre.
The number of cases involving young women from the North Caucasus fleeing their families and seeking shelter elsewhere in Russia has increased significantly in recent years. In most instances, they are escaping domestic violence or attempts to force them into arranged marriages.
While women from some republics are able to relocate relatively quietly, the situation appears markedly different in the case of Chechnya. Security structures linked to the administration of Ramzan Kadyrov have on multiple occasions reportedly traced and returned women who were hiding in other regions of Russia. Moreover, the case of Ayshat Baymuradova has been widely cited by activists as an example suggesting that informal networks connected to Chechnya can reach women even outside the Russian Federation.
Human rights organisations continue to provide assistance, including fundraising for temporary accommodation in shelters. However, their resources remain limited, and demand for support continues to grow.