Crossword Genius

First month in this Russian region — captivating (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inaugural

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'first' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'month in this russian region captivating' is the wordplay.
'month' becomes 'Aug' (abbreviation for August).
'this russian region' becomes 'ural' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'captivating' indicates putting letters inside (captivate could historically mean to hold captive).
'in'+'ural'='inural'
'aug' put within 'inural' is 'INAUGURAL'.

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(Other definitions for inaugural that I've seen before include "Relating to start of job or course" , "It may be delivered" , "Marking the beginning of, eg, an institution" , "Maiden" , "Of a speech made on taking office" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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