Russia's chocolate exports grew 18% year-over-year to $400 million in the first half of 2026, with Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Uzbekistan leading imports.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed that former Russian and German officials held a secret meeting in Baku in mid-July to discuss the Ukraine war, a development of which Azerbaijan was unaware until after the fact. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Putin continues to refuse negotiations.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev visited Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, signing a strategic partnership declaration. Discussions centered on increasing Azerbaijani gas supplies to Germany via the Southern Gas Corridor and developing the Middle Corridor trade route, as Europe seeks to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
Azerbaijan and Germany are deepening ties beyond energy, with bilateral trade reaching €1.7 billion in 2025. Over 250 German companies operate in Azerbaijan, driven by Europe's push to diversify supply chains from Russia and Azerbaijan's strategic role in the Middle Corridor.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev announced on Monday that the country is "unequivocally considering leaving" the Council of Europe, not just suspending membership. The decision follows the suspension of the Azerbaijani delegation's voting rights in PACE in 2024, which Aliyev called an "unjust decision" that must be reversed.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov announced that Azerbaijan and Armenia have delimited approximately 13 kilometers of their state border. Special commissions, headed by deputy prime ministers from both nations, are overseeing the process, which will continue from north to south.
Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's Omsk oil refinery, its largest, located 2,700km from Ukraine. The attack, confirmed by local authorities, occurred before a Nato summit. Russia claimed most drones were destroyed, with no casualties. President Zelenskyy hailed it as a significant achievement, extending Ukraine's strike capability to Siberia.
Ukraine is pursuing significant defense agreements with at least seven NATO nations by the end of the year, aiming to become a provider of military hardware and expertise. Having already signed "drone deals" with six countries, including Middle Eastern states, Azerbaijan, Latvia, and Lithuania, Kyiv is leveraging its experience in drone warfare and air defense.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, highlighting Azerbaijan's role as a reliable energy partner and discussing a new EU-Azerbaijan Connectivity Partnership. The visit underscores the EU's growing strategic interest in the South Caucasus for energy security and regional stability.
Israel's decision to recognize the Armenian Genocide marks a significant shift from decades of diplomatic silence, driven by deteriorating relations with Türkiye and a desire to influence US policy. This move, while appearing moral, is rooted in national interests, impacting ties with Azerbaijan and paradoxically, Armenia's own foreign policy agenda.
Ursula von der Leyen visits Azerbaijan and Armenia to advance the peace process, strengthen energy cooperation, and improve regional connectivity. The EU aims to deepen economic partnerships and support Armenia amid Russian economic pressure, focusing on the Middle Corridor and gas supplies.
Larissa Pimenta e Ronald Lima conquistaram medalhas de bronze no Grand Prix de Qingdao, na China, primeiro evento que conta pontos para o ranking olímpico dos Jogos de Los Angeles 2028. A competição reúne cerca de 500 atletas de 58 países.
FIFA has invited Russia to its inaugural Under-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, marking a potential step towards reintegration after over four years of exclusion following the invasion of Ukraine. While senior teams remain suspended, this invitation to youth competition is seen as a significant development.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Azerbaijan and Armenia next week to strengthen the EU's strategic engagement with both countries. Discussions will focus on energy supplies, regional infrastructure, and economic cooperation, particularly the Middle Corridor trade route.
FIFA has announced its inaugural U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan will be open to all member associations, potentially allowing Russian teams to participate for the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Russian U-17 teams had their suspension lifted previously, but remained absent from tournaments due to boycotts.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have signed a significant agreement to transit internet traffic through their territories. This move aims to diversify regional connectivity, enhance network reliability, and foster cooperation in telecommunications, potentially paving the way for further peace process developments.
Russia is actively working to repatriate 11 Russian citizens detained in Azerbaijan on charges of drug trafficking and cyber fraud. Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that their release would be a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations.
South Korea has requested Azerbaijan's support for increased participation of Korean companies in infrastructure and development projects in the Caucasus nation. The request was made by Vice Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae during a policy consultation meeting in Baku.
Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia dropped to $1.367 billion in January-May 2026, a 1.6-fold decrease from the previous year, according to Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee. Exports from Azerbaijan rose slightly, while imports from Russia saw a significant decline.
Armenia's Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan and Azerbaijani President's aide Hikmet Hajiyev held a working meeting in Yerevan to discuss the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace agenda. They emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue for regional peace and stability and exchanged views on trust-building measures between civil societies. The next meeting will be held in Azerbaijan.
Armenia's Public Services Regulatory Commission head, Mesrop Mesropyan, stated the country could theoretically import gas from Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, or Iran. This comes as Russia's Foreign Ministry warned Armenia that Moscow might suspend or cancel gas supply agreements if Yerevan continues its EU accession process.
4 Azerbaijani citizens killed, 4 injured in drone attack on vessels in Sea of Azov
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that relations between Russia and Azerbaijan are developing positively, highlighting cooperation in various fields and mutual understanding.
Russia would welcome closer ties between Azerbaijan and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), but the decision rests with Baku, stated Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
