Category: Azer News

Trump’s new tariff threat is a ‘major credibility test’ for the US dollar, which has ‘just blinked,’ warns the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organizations.

The warning from Nigel Green of deVere Group comes as the world’s primary reserve currency slides 0.3% against a basket of major peers, while gold rises 0.6% to $5,133 a troy ounce, after President Trump unveiled a new 15% flat-rate tariff following a Supreme Court ruling that his previous trade measures exceeded executive authority.

Futures tracking the S and P 500 point to a 0.5% decline and the Nasdaq 100 to a 0.7% fall.

‘The dollar’s move may look modest in percentage terms, but in currency markets 0.3% in a single session tied directly to a policy announcement is meaningful,’ says Nigel Green.

‘It signals that global capital is reassessing risk at the sovereign policy level.’

Trump is invoking the 1974 Trade Act to impose the new tariff for up to 150 days after the Supreme Court ruled that earlier emergency powers had been used beyond their lawful scope.

The legal confrontation adds a layer of institutional friction to an already sensitive trade backdrop.

‘The issue is not simply tariffs,’ explains the deVere CEO.

‘It’s predictability. Reserve currency status rests on deep capital markets, rule of law and policy coherence.

‘When there’s visible tension between branches of government over economic authority, investors price that into the currency.’

The timing is significant. The dollar’s dominance has already faced gradual erosion through ongoing dedollarization efforts.

Several emerging and major economies have expanded bilateral trade settlement in local currencies, increased gold reserves, and diversified foreign exchange holdings over recent years.

‘While the dollar remains dominant in global reserves and trade invoicing, incremental diversification has been underway.

‘As some central banks are already trimming marginal dollar exposure and increasing gold allocations, episodes like this accelerate conversations about dedollarization,’ says Nigel Green.

‘No single event dethrones a reserve currency. Credibility shifts through accumulation of doubt.’

Gold’s 0.6% rise to $5,133 underscores that dynamic. Central banks globally have been consistent net buyers of gold in recent years, and renewed trade escalation strengthens the case for hard-asset buffers.

A weaker dollar has direct and varied market consequences.

For US investors, currency depreciation can lift multinational earnings when overseas revenues are translated back into dollars, potentially supporting equity valuations in export-heavy sectors.

At the same time, it can increase import costs, adding to inflationary pressure domestically.

The CEO continues: ‘Dollar softness is a double-edged sword.

‘It can boost the overseas earnings of US corporates, but it also raises the cost of imported goods and commodities priced in dollars, which feeds into margins and consumer prices.’

For global investors, the implications are equally notable.

‘A falling dollar typically supports commodity prices, as most raw materials are priced in dollars. The rise in gold reflects that relationship immediately. Energy and industrial metals can be expected to follow if dollar weakness persists.

‘Emerging markets often benefit in the short term from a softer dollar, as dollar-denominated debt burdens become relatively lighter and capital flows can rotate into higher-yielding jurisdictions. However, volatility tied to trade disputes can offset that benefit.’

Tech stocks, which have driven record highs on AI and tech enthusiasm, were among the weakest segments in early trading. European technology shares fell 0.9%, and US Nasdaq futures indicated a 0.7% decline.

‘AI supply chains are globally integrated. Tariffs increase input costs, disrupt procurement channels and complicate cross-border collaboration. Equity markets are starting to reflect that,’ says Nigel Green.

The 150-day window under the 1974 Trade Act provides a defined timeframe, yet markets extend beyond legislative calendars.

‘Capital allocators operate on forward expectations. If investors conclude that trade policy can shift abruptly in response to legal setbacks, they demand a higher risk premium on US assets. The premium shows up first in currency markets.’

He concludes: ‘The dollar is showing vulnerability in a world where dedollarization is already a strategic objective for some economies, even a 0.3% move tied to credibility concerns is a reminder that confidence is the foundation of reserve currency power.’

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George Prior is Head of PR for the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech group.

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deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Following the release of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission report, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye (TBMM) Numan Kurtulmus has taken steps to move the so-called ‘process laws’ forward. Emphasizing that these legislative measures should come to the parliamentary agenda after Ramadan, Kurtulmus began a series of visits to political parties over the next two days.

Today, Kurtulmus first met with Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, followed by Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Özgr Özel. He concluded his visits by meeting with the co-chairs of the Democracy and Equality Party (DEM Party), Tlay Hatimogullari and Tuncer Bakirhan. The closed-door meetings lasted approximately 35 minutes.

After meeting Hatimogullari and Bakirhan at their offices in the Parliament, Kurtulmus and Bakirhan spoke to the press. Kurtulmus expressed his gratitude to the DEM Party for its support during the commission process, noting that the party contributed to the orderly and effective progression of the work.

‘The commission has reached a historic milestone in addressing the most pressing challenge in the history of our Republic-the resolution of issues related to violence, weapons, and terrorism,’ Kurtulmus said.

Kurtulmus elaborated: ‘At every stage of the process, the party has openly shared its opinions and contributed to ensuring that the process runs smoothly. Let me emphasize this clearly: the resolution of the most severe issue in our Republic’s history-namely the matter of weapons, terror, and violence-marks a historic threshold. The parliamentary commission, with near-unanimous consensus, has produced a report, and the TBMM General Assembly will assume responsibility for its implementation. The resolution of this matter requires mutual goodwill, sincerity, and openness. Every step-from disarmament to the dissolution of the organization, and the reintegration of former members into society-must be carried out with meticulous care. Turkiye will leave this issue behind. There is no turning back. At this crucial moment, as we approach a solution, we as politicians will fulfill our duties. More valuable than each voice in its echo chamber is the collective voice speaking for the nation as a whole, which I believe this report achieves.’

Following Kurtulmus, DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakirhan addressed the media, stating: ‘There were points of consensus in the report as well as points of disagreement. As the Speaker mentioned, we openly shared these with the public and added them to the report. This does not mean the report is insignificant; on the contrary, for the first time in Parliament, five parties with group representation have reached agreement on various issues. We value this. Now is not the time to focus on disagreements in the report but rather to expand the common ground and, through it, open the path for Turkiye’s democracy while addressing a historic challenge that could define the next 100 years of our nation. Resolving the Kurdish issue is not just about today-it has the potential to shape Turkiye’s next century.’

International Mugham Center has hosted a commemorative concert titled “Memory #4”, AzerNEWS reports.

The event was organized at the initiative of the Baku Contemporary Music Society. The concert was dedicated to the memory of the Azerbaijan’s prominent composer Gara Garayev.

The evening immersed the audience in an atmosphere of spiritual reflection, where music spoke of what words cannot express. Works from different eras,embodying ideas and emotions captured in masterpieces of genius-resonated anew, finding a heartfelt response among listeners.

Gara Garayev’s Violin Sonata and String Quartet No. 2 were performed with profound inner drama and refined sensitivity, creating the sense of an intimate musical monologue by the composer himself. Like a quiet conversation about the eternal, Igor Stravinsky’s “Elegy” unfolded in a chamber, meditative manner. A special atmosphere was brought to the concert by the performance of “Ohne” (Without) by Khayyam Mirzazade, distinguished by its melodic richness and a renewed interpretation of national intonations within a contemporary musical language.

A poetic highlight of the evening was the piece “Secret” from the cycle “Lyric Pieces” by Edvard Grieg, presented in an orchestral arrangement by Azerbaijani composer Ayaz Gambarli. Preserving the northern restraint and tender intonations of the original, the Cadenza Orchestra’s performance added new timbral colors and emotional depth. Also striking and thought-provoking was Faraj Garayev’s “ast postlude-post.,” a work of innovative musical thinking in which silence speaks as powerfully as sound.

The emotions of the evening warm applause and the audience’s enthusiastic response served as proof that art born of true talent has the power to stir feelings, inspire, and unite the hearts of different generations.

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

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended an iftar dinner at the Bestepe Millet Exhibition Hall honoring members of the police, gendarmerie, coast guard and security guards, delivering a wide-ranging speech focused on national unity, counterterrorism efforts and Turkiye’s evolving global role.

Opening his remarks by greeting participants, Erdogan said he was pleased to host Sheyl Mahmud, Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, at the Ramadan table. He also thanked the Interior Ministry, the General Directorate of Security, the Gendarmerie General Command and the Coast Guard Command for bringing security personnel together for the gathering.

Congratulating attendees on the holy month of Ramadan – which he described as ‘a month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness and whose end is salvation from hellfire’ – Erdogan commemorated fallen heroes from Malazgirt to the War of Independence, from the Cyprus Peace Operation to the fight against terrorism and the resistance of July 15.

‘I pray that the souls of our martyrs rest in peace and that their place be in paradise,’ he said, also wishing long lives to veterans and expressing gratitude to parents who send their children off to duty with the prayer, ‘May you become either a martyr or a veteran.’

Addressing security personnel serving across the country – from border regions and mountainous terrain to the seas and overseas missions – Erdogan thanked them on behalf of the nation. ‘May God be your helper. I pray that He protects you from every threat and every attack,’ he said.

Quoting the proverb ‘Without unity there can be no solidarity,’ Erdogan stressed that Turkiye’s peace and stability rest on the sacrifices of its security forces. ‘If Turkiye has become an island of peace, security and stability admired in its region and beyond, the lion’s share of this success belongs to you,’ he stated.

He said Turkiye’s law enforcement agencies had endured extraordinarily difficult struggles in recent history, thwarting attacks on the state and safeguarding national independence despite what he described as repeated attempts to damage their reputation.

‘You are the ones who wrote epics in the fight against terrorist organizations without discrimination,’ Erdogan said. ‘You are the ones who give no breathing space to organized crime groups, drug traffickers and those who see themselves above the law.’

He credited security forces with preventing unrest during the 2013 Gezi protests and blocking the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, as well as combating human trafficking networks and rescuing thousands of lives in maritime emergencies. He also praised them for protecting Turkiye’s cultural heritage and aiding victims regardless of identity, belief or nationality.

‘As President of the Republic of Turkiye, I am proud of each and every one of you,’ Erdogan said. ‘Whoever seeks to disturb our nation’s peace, undermine our state’s security or attack our freedoms and democracy will continue to face the full force of the law.’

The president pledged that, as over the past 23 years, his government would continue to provide full support to security units so they can carry out their duties effectively.

Erdogan emphasized that Turkiye has historically refused to live under anyone else’s shadow. ‘The only shadow we recognize is that of our red flag with the crescent and star,’ he said, quoting poet Arif Nihat Asya to underline the emotional and symbolic importance of the national flag.

He said Turkiye carefully calculates every move in a region where new crises and tensions emerge almost daily. ‘Against every calculation, we have our own calculation. We are prepared to break every trap and thwart every conspiracy,’ Erdogan declared, adding that policies are implemented with the experience of 23 years and carefully crafted strategies.

‘Turkiye today is stronger, more vigilant, more capable and more determined than at any point in its recent history,’ he said.

Erdogan noted that Turkiye is consolidating its position as a regional pole in a reshaping global system. He expressed satisfaction that peace and security now prevail across the country.

‘Western Turkiye is as secure as the east; the north is as safe as the south,’ he said. Areas once inaccessible due to terrorism are now open to shepherds and tourists alike, he added, arguing that improved security has fueled investment, employment and economic growth.

Referring to energy exploration in Gabar, Erdogan said that oil and natural gas resources long left untapped are now contributing to national prosperity. As the terrorism threat – which he said cost Turkiye more than $2 trillion over nearly half a century – recedes, all citizens benefit regardless of ethnic or sectarian identity.

‘With God’s blessing, Turkiye is now playing in a different league,’ he said.

Erdogan stressed that the ‘Terror-Free Turkiye’ process is being advanced step by step through coordination between security forces, parliament and the ruling alliance. He expressed confidence that the country would achieve a future in which ‘mothers do not weep and young lives are not cut short.’

The current stage of progress, he said, is the product of the heroism of security forces, the courage of veterans and the sacrifices of martyrs. ‘Heroes exist to keep the homeland alive,’ Erdogan said, adding that the state will continue to stand strong through the strength of its heroes.

Concluding his remarks, Erdogan said Turkiye will reach its goal of a ‘strong and great Turkiye’ envisioned under the ‘Century of Turkiye’ vision. He thanked security personnel for their service and asked attendees to convey his greetings to colleagues on duty.

‘May God be your helper,’ he said.

The Embassy of the United States in Azerbaijan has issued a statement marking the anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy.

AzerNEWS presents the full text of the statement:

‘Today, we join the people of Azerbaijan in honoring with deep respect the memory of those who lost their lives in Khojaly in 1992. On behalf of the U.S. Embassy, we extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. As we commemorate their memory, we are reminded of the importance of protecting human dignity, showing compassion, and building lasting peace for future generations.’

Today marks 34 years since the massacre in Khojaly was committed by Armenian armed forces.

The Khojaly genocide is regarded as one of the bloodiest tragedies in Armenia’s occupation policy and campaign of violence against Azerbaijan.

On the night of February 25-26, 1992, Armenian armed forces launched an assault on Khojaly, which had been under blockade since October 1991, with its road and energy connections cut off. During the attack, mass atrocities were committed against Azerbaijani civilians.

The massacre was carried out with the assistance of the 366th Motor Rifle Regiment of the former USSR. As a result, 613 residents of Khojaly were killed, including 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly people. A total of 487 people were seriously injured, 1,275 civilians were taken hostage and subjected to torture, and the fate of many remains unknown. Eight families were completely wiped out, 130 children lost one parent, and 25 children lost both parents.

These acts were not merely military operations but part of a broader policy driven by ethnic hatred and discrimination. The targeted killings of Azerbaijanis in other settlements, including Baghanis Ayrim, Jamilli, Karkijahan, Meshali, Malibeyli, Garadaghli, Tugh, and Salakatin further demonstrate the systematic and premeditated nature of the Khojaly genocide.

Faith in the future was the only force strong enough to sustain the Azerbaijani people through decades of displacement and suffering. That faith carried the conviction that the painful days would eventually end, and justice would be restored. Thirty-four years after the Khojaly massacre, remembrance is marked by both grief and the joy of return. The Azerbaijani people have reclaimed their homeland, transforming sorrow into resilience and victory.

In the lands liberated at great cost, life is being reborn. Today, the leadership of Azerbaijan meets with residents who have returned to their homes. As President Ilham Aliyev emphasized, the hardships of displacement were endured with dignity, and the unwavering belief in liberation has finally been fulfilled. Remembrance is accompanied by sorrow and grief, as well as a sense of justice restored. Experiencing these two emotions simultaneously is not easy, yet the day has finally arrived when the Azerbaijani people have returned to the lands from which they were displaced.

Looking back on those tragic days, it becomes evident that the Azerbaijani people were profoundly defenseless that night. The horrific events began on February 26, 1992, when Armenian armed forces, supported by the 366th Motor Rifle Regiment, carried out a genocide against the civilian population of Khojaly.

The massacre claimed the lives of 613 people in a single night, including 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly individuals. Another 487 were seriously injured, 1,275 were taken prisoner and tortured, and the fate of 150 remains unknown to this day. Eight families were completely annihilated, and 56 individuals were killed under special torture. These figures reveal the sheer scale of the atrocity and underscore its violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions.

Justice, however, was eventually reclaimed. On September 19-20, 2023, Azerbaijani forces conducted anti-terrorist measures that cleared Khojaly of Armenian armed formations and illegal separatist groups. On October 15, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev raised the National Flag of Azerbaijan in Khojaly, a symbolic act marking the restoration of sovereignty and dignity.

After decades of displacement, families are returning to their ancestral homeland. Modern housing has been provided, and reconstruction is underway. What was once a land soaked in blood is now being revived step by step with state support. By January 19, 2026, a total of 881 families, 3,602 people had resettled in Khojaly and its surrounding villages, including Ballica, Khanyurdu, Tazabina, Shusakend, Badara, Seyidbeyli, and Dashbulag.

The state policy, designed to make these lands even more beautiful than before, is now bearing fruit. The revival of Khojaly is part of a broader strategy of investment in the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions. In January alone, 2.27 billion manats were invested in fixed capital in the Karabakh economic region, with 2.2 billion manats allocated to construction and installation works. Of this, 183 million manats were directed specifically to the Khojaly region.

This economic commitment demonstrates that the liberation of Khojaly is not only a matter of historical justice but also a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s future development. The reconstruction of infrastructure, housing, and cultural heritage sites reflects a vision of sustainable peace and prosperity.

The Khojaly genocide remains one of the most tragic chapters in Azerbaijan’s history, symbolizing the vulnerability of civilians in armed conflict and the devastating consequences of ethnic hatred. Yet, the return of displaced families and the reconstruction of Khojaly highlight a powerful narrative: resilience, justice, and renewal.

This duality, tragedy and triumph, positions Khojaly as both a site of mourning and a beacon of national revival. The liberation and resettlement of Khojaly serve as a moral victory that transcends military achievement, reaffirming the principle that justice, though delayed, can ultimately prevail.

Moreover, Azerbaijan’s investments in Karabakh and East Zangazur illustrate how post-conflict reconstruction can transform regions of suffering into engines of growth. The revival of Khojaly is about restoring homes, as well as rebuilding identity, dignity, and collective memory.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told lawmakers in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday that India stands with Israel “firmly with full conviction”, AzerNEWS reports.

Modi to Israel: ‘We feel your pain, we share your grief’

Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Israel, said he carries “the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7.”

The October 7 terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian groups on Israel killed some 1,200 people, with 251 people taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military operation that has lasted over two years in Gaza, with Israeli media reporting that Israel accepted the estimate from the Gaza Health Ministry that over 70,000 Palestinians were killed in the war.

“We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly with full conviction in this moment and beyond,” Modi said.

The Indian leader did not mention the loss of Palestinian life in the war during his Knesset address. A UN special committee and a commission of inquiry as well as outside academic experts have labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza a “genocide.” Israel denies this characterization.

At the Knesset, Modi said “countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action,” and added that India “supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.”

“Israel is our fatherland and India their motherland”

In discussing migration between India and Israel, the Indian Prime Minister mentioned that, historically, there was migration from India to Israel. This was particularly evident in the mid-twentieth century when many Indian Jews relocated to Israel. Today, there is a vibrant community of Indian-origin Jews living in Israel.They have contributed to the building of modern Israel, in laboratories and hospitals, in classrooms, and also on the battlefield. They hold firmly that Israel is their fatherland and India their motherland. We are proud of them.

Modi expressed support for the Israel’s normalization of relations with other Arab countries in the region, known as the Abraham Accords. He also affirmed his backing of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

In addition to security, Modi’s speech also touched on the close economic relationship between India and Israel.

“For the last few years, India has been the fastest growing major economy in the world,” Modi said. “At the same time, Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership. This creates a natural foundation for our forward-looking partnership.”

A report from the State Bank of India released Tuesday said India’s gross domestic product will likely grow at a rate of 8.1% during the October to December 2025 fiscal quarter. India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Israel, meanwhile, is a hub for tech startups, with a high rate of unicorn companies per capita. A unicorn is a privately held company valued at more than $1 billion (about pound 850 million).

“We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows and promoting joint infrastructure development,” Modi said. “I see a lot of synergies in areas such as quantum technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. We are also working with Israel on creating cross-border financial linkages using our digital public infrastructure.”

On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, the Azerbaijan National Library has presented a series of virtual exhibitions dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Khojaly tragedy, AzerNEWS reports.

Titled “26 February – Khojaly Genocide,” “Khojaly Genocide,” and “Khojaly Tragedy – Photo Exhibition,” the online displays are now available to users.

The virtual exhibition “26 February – Khojaly Genocide” features materials highlighting the genocide policy carried out against Azerbaijanis, mass graves discovered in territories liberated from occupation, and horrific atrocities committed with unimaginable cruelty. The exhibition showcases articles published in periodicals, books in Azerbaijani and other languages, as well as a collection of photographs documenting the tragedy.

To inform international audiences about the events of Khojaly, the English-language virtual exhibition “Khojaly Genocide” presents books in English reflecting the tragedy, along with captioned photographs.

Another English-language online exhibition, “Khojaly Tragedy – Photo Exhibition,” aims to raise global awareness about the crimes committed by Armenian aggressors.

The display includes statements by prominent Azerbaijani figures regarding the Khojaly genocide, materials on Armenian vandalism, and photographs capturing the enduring pain of Khojaly.

All three virtual exhibitions are accessible online through the Azerbaijan National Library’s official website.

Turkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, has unveiled details of an ambitious high-speed rail project that will connect six provinces from Samsun to Artvin, fundamentally reshaping travel patterns across the Black Sea region.

Under the project, travel time between Samsun and Trabzon will be reduced to just two hours. Uraloglu stated that construction has already begun on the Kirikkale-Çorum section of the line, while tenders for the Black Sea stages of the railway will be launched later this year. In addition, he emphasized that a new sea airport to be built north of Trabzon, with an annual capacity of 10 million passengers, will elevate the city’s global profile.

The minister made the remarks at the Trabzon Politicians, Bureaucrats and Businesspeople Iftar Meeting held at the Iller Bank Social Facilities in Ankara, where numerous senior officials and members of the business community were in attendance.

In his speech following the iftar, Uraloglu said more than 260 billion Turkish lira has been invested in Trabzon’s transportation and communications infrastructure since 2002. ‘We increased the length of divided highways from 56 kilometers in 2002 to 266 kilometers, and expanded the bituminous hot mix asphalt road network from 89 kilometers to 559 kilometers,’ he said.

He noted that the Black Sea Coastal Road has been completed, alongside key projects such as the Uzungöl Tourism Center Road and the Tangent Road. ‘We constructed the Zigana Tunnel, the longest twin-tube highway tunnel in Europe. Most recently, with the participation of our President, we opened the Boztepe Tunnels,’ he added.

Uraloglu said that as of today, 23 highway projects are ongoing, including Kanuni Boulevard, the Trabzon-Maçka Road, and the Trabzon Southern Ring Road. ‘We are nearing completion on Kanuni Boulevard, which will significantly ease urban traffic. The Trabzon Southern Ring Road is being implemented in two phases, with work on the first stage continuing at full speed,’ he explained.

He stressed that the Southern Ring Road project will separate urban traffic from heavy transit traffic-particularly freight vehicles heading toward the Sarp Border Gate-along the busy Akçaabat-Arsin stretch of the Black Sea Coastal Road.

Turning to rail infrastructure, Uraloglu said the Samsun-Trabzon-Sarp high-speed railway will connect Samsun with Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize and Artvin, integrating the entire eastern Black Sea coastline. ‘We have begun construction between Kirikkale and Çorum, and this year we will tender the remaining sections,’ he said.

The minister also underlined that Trabzon Airport is no longer sufficient for a city that continues to grow rapidly. ‘Our President recognized this reality and, during his most recent visit, shared the good news of a new airport with the people of Trabzon,’ Uraloglu stated.

The new airport project envisions a 10-million-passenger-capacity terminal and a 3,000-meter runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. Unlike the existing facility, the new airport will be constructed on a 3 million square meter reclaimed area in the sea, slightly north of the current runway.

‘We have included it in the investment program, completed the tender process, and finalized the site handover. We will soon lay the foundation and begin construction,’ he said.

According to Uraloglu, the new airport will not only boost the local economy but also position Trabzon as an aviation hub with global reach. ‘It will strengthen the city’s role in international connectivity and economic development. I wish it to be beneficial and auspicious for our country and our city,’ he concluded.

Russia is losing more troops than it can recruit for the first time since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to Western officials, AzerNEWS reports via The Times.

They report that President Vladimir Putin’s forces have been suffering nearly 40,000 casualties per month since November, while managing to recruit up to 35,000 troops over the same period in an effort to sustain the war effort.

Ukrainian counter-attacks have significantly intensified in recent months, pushing Russia’s total casualties to more than 1.25 million, Western assessments indicate. The figure reportedly exceeds the total losses sustained by the United States during the Second World War.

Al Carns, the UK’s Armed Forces minister, said Russia’s capacity to train and deploy fresh recruits was ‘becoming more and more difficult,’ noting that financial incentives offered by the Kremlin were increasingly failing to attract volunteers.

‘People are realising that it’s a one-way ticket,’ he said.

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have recently stalled, despite pressure from the United States to reach a negotiated settlement.

Russian casualties in the Ukraine war till 26.02.2026

Tanks – 11704 (+3)

Armored fighting vehicle – 24091

Artillery systems – 37614 (+25)

MLRS – 1659 (+4)

Anti-aircraft warfare – 1305

Planes – 435

Helicopters – 348

UAV – 147138 (+681)

Cruise missiles – 4347

Ships (boats) – 29

Submarines – 2

Cars and cisterns – 80064 (+93)

Special equipment – 4075

Military personnel – aprx. 1263850 people (+1360)