Olesya Vartanyan
@olesyavart.bsky.social
Conflicts and security issues in the South Caucasus. Former senior analyst at Crisis Group and journalist at the New York Times & Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. King's College London/War Studies alumna. Contact me at olesya.vartanyan@gmail.com
One of today’s stunning moments from local elections: Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of ruling Georgian Dream, froze when a journalist shouted a question about possible new UK sanctions. U.S. sanctions have already cost him a good part of his fortune.
October 4, 2025 at 1:37 PM
One of today’s stunning moments from local elections: Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of ruling Georgian Dream, froze when a journalist shouted a question about possible new UK sanctions. U.S. sanctions have already cost him a good part of his fortune.
Georgians are still showing they’re able and willing to protest. Even as the regime jails dozens and imposes huge fines just for appearing in the street. #GeorgiaProtests
October 4, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Georgians are still showing they’re able and willing to protest. Even as the regime jails dozens and imposes huge fines just for appearing in the street. #GeorgiaProtests
2/ The meeting had been the subject of speculation for days. Only now, as Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan’s motorcade heads to the airport - shown by Russian state media - is the visit being confirmed by officials in Yerevan.
August 6, 2025 at 7:26 AM
2/ The meeting had been the subject of speculation for days. Only now, as Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan’s motorcade heads to the airport - shown by Russian state media - is the visit being confirmed by officials in Yerevan.
3/ Election day was tense, especially in Armenian-populated areas where Gunba had strong support. Despite some shootings, Russia’s Investigative Committee quickly threatened punishment, swiftly cooling tensions.
March 3, 2025 at 7:31 AM
3/ Election day was tense, especially in Armenian-populated areas where Gunba had strong support. Despite some shootings, Russia’s Investigative Committee quickly threatened punishment, swiftly cooling tensions.