Category: Azer News

The Kremlin may be looking to use its close integration with Belarus to help address ongoing manpower shortages in its military, according to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), AzerNEWS reports.

In a recent assessment, ISW suggested that Moscow could seek to leverage the Union State framework between Russia and Belarus to deepen Minsk’s involvement in the war and potentially gain access to Belarusian human resources.

According to the analysts, Russia may eventually attempt to recruit Belarusian citizens into the Russian Armed Forces or into joint military formations established under the Union State arrangement.

The assessment comes as Russia continues to face challenges in replenishing military personnel amid its prolonged war in Ukraine.

Separately, Belarus’ Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday that mobilization exercises are currently underway in the Grodno Region. According to the ministry, around 2,000 reservists and conscripts have been called up as part of activities aimed at verifying military records and conducting training exercises.

While Belarus has not directly entered the war in Ukraine, the country remains Russia’s closest military ally and has provided its territory for Russian military operations since the beginning of the conflict. ISW analysts argue that expanding military cooperation under the Union State framework could offer Moscow additional options for addressing personnel shortages in the future.

At the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, a clean-up campaign has been organized in the Dubandi residential area, AzerNEWS reports.

Within the framework of the campaign organized by the IDEA Public Union with the support of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, efforts continued to clean oil waste and oil-contaminated residues spread along the coastal area.

In order to ensure the health and safety of participants at a high level, detailed instructions were provided before the campaign on how to handle oil waste, the proper use of personal protective equipment, and measures to be taken in emergency situations.

As a result of the campaign, the collected oil waste was handed over in accordance with the relevant procedures for safe disposal.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, on June 24.

President Ilham Aliyev noted that the brotherly people of Iran had recently endured great suffering and once again extended his condolences to those who lost their lives during the war.

The head of state emphasized that the people and government of Azerbaijan stood by the people and government of Iran during the war. President Ilham Aliyev described his telephone conversations with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as contacts at various levels and other expressions of solidarity, as clear evidence of this support.

President Ilham Aliyev noted that the Azerbaijani side welcomed the cessation of the war and recalled that Azerbaijan had immediately issued an official statement in this regard.

“I hope there will be no wars in the region,” President Ilham Aliyev said, noting that both Azerbaijan and Iran have suffered from wars in the past.

Fondly recalling Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s previous visit to Azerbaijan, the head of state highlighted the importance of his participation in the 20th Session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that the event would contribute to strengthening Islamic solidarity and noted that Azerbaijan will host the OIC Summit next year, adding that preparations are already underway.

The Azerbaijani President also stressed that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s visit provided a good opportunity to discuss issues on the bilateral agenda and highlighted the successful development of Azerbaijan-Iran relations.

Expressing satisfaction with the meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf conveyed the greetings of President Masoud Pezeshkian to the Azerbaijani head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The Speaker expressed gratitude for the support demonstrated by President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani government, and the Azerbaijani people during Iran’s difficult days.

He also thanked the President of Azerbaijan for visiting the Iranian Embassy in Baku to express condolences over the deaths of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and numerous civilians, as well as for sending a congratulatory letter to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei on his election as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Describing war as a great sorrow and tragedy, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized that Azerbaijan remained committed to its good-neighborly relations with Iran throughout the conflict, provided humanitarian assistance, and that the people of Azerbaijan stood by Iran. He noted that this support would remain in the memory of the Iranian people.

The Speaker stated that Azerbaijan and Iran have always supported each other in difficult times and described this as another manifestation of the unity and solidarity between the two countries. He noted that the war had underscored the importance of relations with Muslim countries, adding that Iran had recognized its friends and enemies during the conflict. In this regard, he stressed that Azerbaijan, as a friendly country, stood by Iran.

During the conversation, the sides expressed confidence that Azerbaijan-Iran relations would continue to develop dynamically. They welcomed the completion of the Aghband-Kelaleh bridge and emphasized that the Araz Corridor passing through Iranian territory would contribute to expanding regional transport opportunities.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on the prospects for bilateral relations, including interparliamentary cooperation, and touched upon the activities of the intergovernmental commission.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Tuesday that his country can say no to United States President Donald Trump and his plans for the Middle East, claiming that Israel can make independent decisions, AzerNEWS reports.

The minister stressed that there should be no ceasefire in Lebanon in the fighting with Hezbollah, “under no circumstances.”

Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Israel must “free itself from dependence” on Washington and develop its own defense industry.

While he stated that he “greatly appreciates” the support his country received from the United States over the years, he also acknowledged that Israel must “free itself from dependence” on Washington, AzerNEWS reports.

Netanyahu’s comments follow the recent cooling of relations between Israel and the US over the war in Iran, and especially his tense exchanges with US President Donald Trump.

While the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding last week seeking to establish long-term peace, Netanyahu insisted that “the matter is not over yet” and that Israel will continue to confront Iran.

On June 23, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov posed for a photo against the backdrop of Dashalti village in the Shusha district, AzerNEWS reports.

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula overnight into June 23, AzerNEWS reports, citing Russian and Ukrainian media outlets.

The media outlets informs one of the strikes targeted a thermal power plant located in the Arshintsevo district of Kerch.

According to available information, a major fire broke out at the facility, resulting in widespread power outages across parts of the peninsula. Reports indicated that nearly half of Crimea was left without electricity following the attack.

Satellite imagery also reportedly detected a smoke plume stretching approximately 47 kilometers from the affected area.

The Crimea-installed authorities attributed the power outages to what they described as ‘technological disruptions’ in the electricity grid. Officials said efforts were underway to restore power supplies within 24 hours.

In a separate incident, Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly sparked a fire at the Nasosnaya-2 substation in the Sovetsky district. Residents later reported that the TES-Terminal petroleum storage complex had also come under attack.

Sources further indicated that the Port Kavkaz facility was targeted, triggering a fire at a nearby oil storage site. Videos purportedly showing the aftermath of the strike quickly circulated on social media platforms.

The Crimean Wind monitoring group, citing satellite data, reported multiple fire outbreaks across the peninsula, particularly in the vicinity of Port Kavkaz.

Additional fires were reported near the entrance to Kerch, at the Yuzhnaya railway station, and close to the settlement of Bagerovo. Authorities temporarily suspended traffic on the Kerch Bridge and issued a drone threat alert as a precautionary measure.

The reports could not be independently verified, and no official Ukrainian statement regarding the operation was immediately available.c

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda accepted the resignation of Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene on Tuesday, dissolving the country’s government following the reshuffle of the ruling coalition. Ruginiene’s government will stay in office until the new government is formed, AzerNEWS reports.

Nauseda’s office stated that the president will nominate a candidate to replace Ruginiene within 15 days. Social Democratic leader Mindaugas Sinkevicius is the designated nominee for the role.

If the Lithuanian government’s legislative branch, the Seimas, approves the candidate, he or she will have up to 15 additional days to form the new government.

On June 23, the Baku Court of Appeal continued hearings on the appeals filed by citizens of the Republic of Armenia – Araik Harutyunyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, David Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, AzerNEWS reports.

They were convicted by the Baku Military Court of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes committed as a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, including the preparation and waging of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure of power, and numerous other crimes.

The court session, presided over by Judge Elmar Rahimov of the Baku Court of Appeal, with judges Emin Mehdiyev and Mehriban Garayeva participating (reserve judge – Ali Mammadov), provided each defendant with interpreters fluent in the languages they speak – Armenian and Russian – as well as lawyers to ensure their defense.

The session was also attended by representatives of the victims and state prosecutors – Abbas Abbasli, Head of the Department for Maintaining State Prosecution at the General Prosecutor’s Office, along with prosecutors Anar Alakbarov and Sevinj Gasimova from the same department.

The session began with Levon Mnatsakanyan continuing his defense speech, which he had started a week earlier. He asked the court to take into account the video materials and facts presented by the prosecution when making its decision. He stated that he does not plead guilty to the charges brought against him.

Next, the lawyer defending Erik Kazaryan spoke. The lawyer informed the court that his client had filed an appeal and fully supported it. Erik Kazaryan, who spoke afterward, stated that he does not consider himself guilty and confirmed the position presented by his defense counsel.

This was followed by the lawyer for Garik Martirosyan, who requested the mitigation of the charges against his client. Another defense lawyer for G. Martirosyan also asked the court to reduce the punishment and exclude certain articles from the charges.

Garik Martirosyan then addressed the court, stating that he does not plead guilty.

The lawyer for Levon Balayan requested an acquittal for his client. Levon Balayan expressed agreement with his lawyer’s statement.

The lawyer defending Gurgen Stepanyan asked the court to overturn the conviction and issue an acquittal. G. Stepanyan agreed with his lawyer’s position and stated that he does not consider himself guilty.

The next court session is scheduled for June 30.

According to the verdict of the Baku Military Court dated February 5, 2026, Araik Harutyunyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, David Ishkhanyan, and David Babayan were sentenced to life imprisonment. Arkady Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan were sentenced to 20 years, Madat Babayan and Melikset Pashayan to 19 years, Garik Martirosyan to 18 years, David Alaverdyan and Levon Balayan to 16 years, and Vasily Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Erik Kazaryan to 15 years each.

Caspian Waves 2026 International Watercolor Festival has been held in Baku, remembered for its rich program and large-scale participation of artists from different countries, AzerNEWS reports.

The main goals of the festival were the development of watercolor art, the expansion of international cultural cooperation, and the strengthening of creative ties among artists.

The Caspian Waves 2026 festival concluded successfully, presenting Baku as one of the important centers of international watercolor art.

The festival opened at the Khatai Arts Center with a solemn ceremony. A musical program was held, along with artistic performances by local and foreign artists. Representatives of different countries worked together in a single creative space, demonstrating the unifying power of watercolor art.

Later, the Azerbaijan National Art Museum hosted the international exhibition. The exposition featured 165 watercolor works by more than 80 artists from 30 countries around the world.

Participants included festival curator and representative of the International Watercolor Society in Azerbaijan Samira Iskandar, president of the International Watercolor Society Atanur Dogan, Ambassador of India to Azerbaijan Abhay Kumar, member of the Azerbaijani Parliament and chair of the Union of Artists of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Ulviyya Hamzayeva, and director of the Khatai Arts Center Zahid Avazov.

In their speeches, they stressed the importance of the festival for international cultural dialogue.

The second day of the festival was marked by a creative trip to the Guba region and an international plein air session with about 30 local and foreign artists. The third day began with an open-air plein air in the historic center of Baku – Icherisheher. Artists worked among architectural monuments, capturing the atmosphere of the Old City in watercolor works.

The festival concluded at the Khazar Media Center with a closing ceremony and final exhibition.

Host Khadija Hamidli welcomed the guests. Speeches were delivered by festival curator Samira Iskandar, Atanur Dogan, Zahid Avazov, and other participants, who noted the high level of organization and significance of the event.

Special thanks were expressed to X?z?r TV director Murad Dadashov for his support and for providing the venue for the closing ceremony.

The event ended with a video presentation reflecting the three-day festival program.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.

Development finance conferences mostly provide two pieces of news: the figure that is released in the press release itself, and the transactions behind it. The 51st Annual Meeting of the Islamic Development Bank Group, which has ended in Baku after four days of conference, did so too.

While the figure – $4.7 billion worth of agreements and memoranda signed at the Private Sector Forum, compared to $3.6 billion of last year’s corresponding conference, is actual and amounts to a rise of 30%, the transactions behind it say more than the total itself: Karabagh irrigation canal, SOCAR private equity partnership, SME financing facility for Azerbaijani commercial bank, sovereign debt capacity building and ten-year country strategy framework which did not exist before.

Signed agreements sector-by-sector

AGREEMENTPARTIESVALUESIGNIFICANCE

Reconstruction of Karabakh Irrigation CanalIsDB + Government of AzerbaijanUndisclosed loan + grant componentsFirst IsDB-financed project in the liberated territories; canal to supply ~200,000 hectares of agricultural land once completed alongside Shirvan Canal

Country Partnership Strategy MoUMinistry of Economy + IsDBMulti-year strategic frameworkAzerbaijan’s first formal partnership strategy with IsDB since joining in 1992; governs pipeline of water, railway, road and agricultural projects including in Alat FEZ and liberated territories

SOCAR – ICD PPP Financing MoUSOCAR + Islamic Corp. for the Development of the Private SectorShariah-compliant PPP framework, 2026-2027Brings Islamic finance structures to Azerbaijani energy and infrastructure sector PPPs for first time at this scale; ICD provides financing for SOCAR joint venture project companies

TuranBank SME Line of FinanceTuranBank OJSC + ICD$15 million Shariah-compliant facilityDeepens decade-long relationship; total ICD commitments to TuranBank now exceed $33 million across four transactions; funds deployed to eligible SMEs through TuranBank’s existing infrastructure

ITFC – IFC Confirming Bank AgreementITFC + International Finance CorporationRisk-sharing frameworkExpands ITFC trade finance operations across OIC member countries using IFC guarantees; cross-border trade facilitation for importers and exporters including in Caspian region

IsDB Board – $2.8bn single-session approvalsIsDB Board of Executive Directors$2.8bn across multiple member statesLargest single-session approval round at this meeting; includes pound 650.75mn for Uganda Standard Gauge Railway; reflects IsDB’s stated delivery target of $16bn annually

Alongside the formal agenda for June 18th was a meeting that merits special focus in its own right. President Ilham Aliyev met with a delegation that consisted of heads of all the member institutions of the Arab Coordination Group, an organization made up of development funds of the Arab world, as well as the finance ministers of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The ACG has loaned to more than 13,000 development projects across 160 countries since 1975. Seven heads of development institutions and two finance ministers of the Gulf states at one bilateral meeting of Azerbaijan is a conglomeration of development capital from Arab sources not usually found except in the margins of the G20. Economy Minister Jabbarov stated that “Azerbaijan and ACG are working on ‘multi-billion dollar pipeline of projects in water, railways, and roads’ – a direct correlation to the infrastructural requirements of the agricultural initiative and of Karabakh reconstruction program.” The discussion ended with the presentation of the Dostlug Order of Azerbaijan to Al Jasser by President Ilham Aliyev, for his having traveled to the liberated regions twice, which is an unusual gesture for a head of a multilateral organization.

The logic and the potential

President Ilham Aliyev gave the most straightforward rationale for Azerbaijan’s return to borrowing through multilateral agencies despite the fact that it is a nation endowed with $85 billion in sovereign reserves and boasts the lowest ratio of foreign debt in the world (6%) of its GDP. “When we realized we were able to start borrowing once more,” he said, “the very first financial institution we turned to was the Islamic Development Bank, owing to our close relationship, our common history.” The move to start borrowing, though in moderation, and choosing the organization with which it shares the longest ties, is an acknowledgment that borrowing for development projects not only provides money but also a range of other advantages.

The most immediate example of the above point is the Karabakh irrigation canal agreement. Azerbaijan has already made a commitment of over $17 billion for the reconstruction of Karabakh from all sources, out of which $15 billion comes only from the national budget. While the inclusion of the funding from IsDB in the canal construction project is not necessarily about the money, it is about the institution, the visibility of the institution at an international level, and the message that is being sent to other potential partners that multilateral institutions are participating in a reconstruction program that has been opposed by many Western governments.

These agreements reached this week, according to the description provided by Jabbarov himself, mark perhaps, the big start. By signing the Country Partnership Strategy MoU, which represents the first-of-its-kind MoU signed by Azerbaijan within 34 years of IsDB membership, Azerbaijan opens up the institutional channel for the development and approval of a project pipeline. As stated by Jabbarov, the “multi-billion dollar pipeline in water, railways, and roads” has not been agreed upon; this is an ambition to see signed agreements within the framework of future Annual Meetings. According to the acceleration seen in IsDB, which marks the $1.8 billion total approvals in 84 projects since 1992 for Azerbaijan but with tenfold growth in the Azerbaijani shareholding meaning faster rate of work, Azerbaijan will most probably see much higher rates of project approvals per year within 2026-2030.

Both the Alat Free Economic Zone and the economic regions of Karabakh and East Zangezur were specifically mentioned as potential sites for IsDB/ACG investment by Jabbarov. Both represent new ground – the Alat FEZ as an industrial and logistical platform, the liberated lands as agricultural and renewable energy land – where the tools of IsDB’s development finance (concessional loans, PPPs, trade finance, investment insurance through ICIEC) can be used to bring in private capital on a scale that public money cannot. Azerbaijan became a member of ICIEC in 2023 and has already insured $164 million in business within three years. The telecommunications sector insurance provided by ICIEC is an example of a risk mitigation instrument that helps private investment enter frontier economic zones. There is a lot more work to do here.