The UK has scrapped its long-term arms restrictions on Armenia and Azerbaijan in light of improving diplomatic relations and peacebuilding measures.

Alla Pugacheva's recent interview has garnered widespread praise in Azerbaijan. Many Azerbaijani social media users lauded her anti-war stance, sincerity, and even her brief mention of Azerbaijani geologist Farman Salmanov in Surgut.

Kazakh authorities are courting Chinese companies to help build a futuristic city, dubbed #Alatau, just outside the nation’s current commercial hub, Almaty. Launched by President Tokayev in January 2024, AlatauCity aims to become Central Asia’s answer to Dubai and Singapore.

Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has been blocked by India, despite China’s support for the move.

Armenia and Pakistan have officially established diplomatic relations, ending more than three decades of non-recognition by Islamabad. Azerbaijani media reports that Islamabad consulted with Baku prior to taking this step.

Saw some posts claiming mountaineering is “safe.” Truth is, nearly 150,000+ people die in mountains every year. This includes climbers, hikers, skiers, and locals affected by avalanches, landslides, or altitude sickness.

Love is in the air: According to Azerbaijani media, the Armenian consul in Austria, Ashkhen Aleksanyan, was arrested for allegedly working for Azerbaijan, and Pashinyan's cabinet apparently tried to keep it quiet.

A golden moment for Central Asian football: Uzbekistan have secured their place at the World Cup, while Kazakhstan’s Kairat have reached the Champions League.

Azerbaijan is in early talks with Syrian authorities to relocate the grave of 14th-century poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi from Aleppo to Azerbaijan. State media report that preliminary discussions are already underway.

Azerbaijan sounds the alarm over shallowing of Caspian Sea reut.rs/41Mm7Q8

If Zelensky accepted today’s frontlines, with promises of no more Russian land grabs, a strong Western security package, and backup troops if Moscow strikes again then maybe that’s the deal that Trump often talks about. But Ukraine is nowhere close to that.

Short 🧵 Russian-Azerbaijani relations continue to deteriorate. * The Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation has shut down the company of popular blogger Huseyn Hasanov. * The FSB has arrested an Azerbaijani citizen in Dagestan, alleging he was working for Ukraine.

For the first time in 17 years, the US skipped a UN statement backing Georgia. The UN Security Council draft, signed by the EU and UK, reaffirms Georgia’s sovereignty and calls out Russia’s 2008 invasion as the start of its aggressive moves, now seen in Ukraine.

The Zangezur Corridor is moving full speed ahead. Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu says it’ll make the Beijing-London route smoother, boost freight on the Middle Corridor, expand Turkey’s logistics, and strengthen its role as a security hub on Asian trade routes.

Trump hasn’t said clearly how much the US would back Ukraine’s security. He’s ruled out NATO membership for Kyiv, which Ukraine sees as its best shield against Russia. And it looks unlikely the US would ever send troops for peacekeeping.

As of 19 August, Russia controls roughly 18.4% of Ukraine’s territory. 100% Crimea 99% Luhansk 76% Donetsk 73% Kherson 73% Zaporizhzhia 4% Kharkiv 1% Mykolaiv 1% Sumy <1% Dnipropetrovsk Source: DW

My interview to Hungarian media on Ferencváros v Qarabağ, Kady, Milos Kerkez, Hungarian football, and more.

Zelensky is under fire from all sides: Russia’s battlefield breakthrough, domestic discontent, and a critical Alaska summit on Friday that may trap him diplomatically.

Everyone’s roasting Trump for chasing a Nobel Peace Prize, but let's not forget Obama snagged one barely out of the gate with ongoing wars, drone strikes, and zero peace deals in hand. #SmoothTalk

When someone said, “Let’s put pineapple on pizza.”

I swear, if Trump doesn’t win the Nobel Peace Prize, Sweden’s about to get economically mugged at the border. #TariffWar

The choice of Alaska as the venue for the Putin-Trump meeting is highly symbolic. Once Russian territory, Alaska’s selection is likely to ignite nationalist fervor, with Russian nationalists expected to rally and call for its return to what they envision as new Russian Empire.

Both Armenia and Azerbaijan are likely to look abroad for validation, security guarantees, or financial incentives to bolster their post-conflict positions. Such moves might be aimed at gaining military backing, attracting foreign investment, or securing diplomatic support in international forums.

I hope peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia marks a new chapter — one of open borders, renewed trust, and a future where both nations thrive side by side. 🕊️

While global attention remains fixed on Armenia and Azerbaijan, Iran’s Lake Urmia is quietly shrinking to unprecedented lows so severe they can no longer be accurately measured (via Aftab News).

🧵 Peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan is just a step one. Both countries will require extensive post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts, especially when it comes to intercommunity dialogue and exchange programs.

Anna Kelly, White House deputy press secretary, said Trump will also sign agreements between the U.S. and Azerbaijan / Armenia that span “energy, technology, economic cooperation, border security, infrastructure and trade.”

Senior administration official from the US on Zangezur deal: “What this will do for American businesses, and frankly, for energy resources across Europe will be enormously powerful. The losers here are China, Russia and Iran. The winners here are the West."

Azerbaijan is exploring collaboration with SpaceX, focusing on advanced space technologies, AI integration, and structured partnerships to support knowledge transfer and capacity-building.

Armenian-Azerbaijani peace deal paves the way for football teams to face off once again. UEFA and FIFA have historically kept the two sides apart in tournament draws to avoid inflaming political sensitivities or triggering security concerns.

According to Azerbaijani media, Donald Trump is expected to sign a document tomorrow that would suspend the enforcement of Section 907 of the U.S. 'Freedom Support Act.'

Per Reuters, Trump has secured exclusive U.S. rights to develop the Zangezur Corridor — a vital route linking Turkey and Azerbaijan through Armenia.

Photo of the day: The hands on this pocket watch recovered from Nagasaki are frozen at 11:02 A.M...the moment the atomic bomb exploded on August 9, 1945. #NeverAgain

Good news. After four years of restoration and a €40 million investment, the iconic Constanța Casino — the crown jewel of Romania’s Black Sea coast has officially reopened to the public.

When MPs outsourcing their responsibilities to AI, it raises legitimate questions about the purpose of electing them in the first place. At least AI doesn't claim second homes, or disappear during a crisis.

Jennifer Lopez’s recent concert in Armenia has sparked public debate, with many questioning its cost and funding. The event drew 30,000 fans and, according to the Minister of Economy, brought in 15,000 tourists and generated $13.3 million.

Renowned Georgian filmmaker Eldar Shengelaia has passed away at the age of 92. I loved The Caucasus Trio (2015). Based on a script by Rustam Ibrahimbekov, Shengelaia used the film to promote peace and understanding among the peoples of the region.

Despite strained relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, President Vladimir Putin has posthumously awarded the "Order of Courage" to Vugar Huseynov, an Azerbaijani citizen who lost his life in the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow.

Alexander Pushkin was spot on: "There is no happiness in the world, but there is peace and freedom."

Although Yerevan has officially denied it, the idea of a “Trump Bridge” continues to be a topic of discussion among Armenian officials.

Very sad news about Arif Babayev's passing. Even thousands of miles away in the UK, his voice makes me feel homesick for Azerbaijan. A great musician. RIP.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry gave a warning on Friday, saying it might take steps against Russian state media for using the Armenian name for the capital of the former breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

UNICEF’s office in Azerbaijan is shutting down on September 3. Following suit, UNDP, UNFPA, and UNHCR offices are also expected to shut their doors.

Watching the news about the tsunami and earthquake is a stark reminder that even a moderate quake could prove devastating for the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

For the warmongers and conspiracy theorists alike: Nature always has a way of reminding us who's truly in charge. #tsunami

Thinking of everyone in the potential path of the tsunami and all those affected by the powerful 8.8 earthquake. Please take all warnings seriously. Stay safe, stay alert, and look out for one another.

Donald Trump broke with tradition by flying the Saltire upon arrival in Scotland. During the visit, First Minister John Swinney added a surprise of his own by unveiling an updated independence strategy focused on international outreach.

Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to propose additional restrictions on the use of software from unfriendly countries, including communication services like Whatsapp, by September 1.

Azerbaijani archaeologists have discovered a 3,800-year-old tomb of a giant warrior clutching a four-pronged spear. The burial site was uncovered in the remote Jeyranchol plains, near Azerbaijan’s borders with Georgia and Armenia.

Azerbaijani media outlets are actively reporting on the Circassian Genocide. To date, only Georgia and Ukraine have formally recognised the Circassian Genocide.