Von der Leyen calls for new European security strategy at Munich Conference

Europe needs a new security strategy capable of responding to the realities of an emerging world order, AzerNEWS reports, citing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as she said at the Munich Security Conference.

Speaking at the high-level gathering, von der Leyen stressed the urgency of reassessing how Europe deploys its full range of policy tools in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.

‘I believe we urgently need to rethink how we use our entire policy arsenal – trade, finance, standards, data, critical infrastructure, technology platforms, and information,’ she noted. ‘Essentially, every policy we pursue in this new world order must have a clear security dimension.’

The European Commission chief emphasized that Europe must be prepared to act more decisively and proactively to defend its security interests. She argued that the continent should make stronger and more strategic use of its existing strengths.

‘We need a new doctrine with a simple objective: to ensure that Europe can always defend its territory, its economy, its democracy, and its way of life,’ von der Leyen added.

Her remarks come amid ongoing debates within the European Union over defense spending, strategic autonomy, and Europe’s role in an evolving global security landscape.

Ukraine, ASEAN discuss advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, deepening dialogue

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Saturday discussed advancing mutually beneficial cooperation between his country and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a meeting with the bloc’s chief, AzerNEWS reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

Following a meeting with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Sybiha said through US social media company X that they discussed advancing cooperation, as well as deepening dialogue and expanding practical engagement, particularly in food security, energy, and digitalization.

‘ASEAN is an important partner of Ukraine in today’s international architecture. Ukraine reiterates its intention to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner,’ Sybiha further said.

He added that he also invited the secretary-general to visit Ukraine.

‘Both sides discussed ways to promote cooperation between ASEAN and Ukraine, among others,’ the bloc said in a separate statement on X following the meeting.

Ukraine signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, one of ASEAN’s founding documents, in November 2022.

Last month, the Philippine News Agency quoted Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv as saying that Kyiv is seeking to become an official dialogue partner of ASEAN by the end of this year.

AI could replace most office workers within two years, Microsoft executive predicts

Artificial intelligence (AI) could replace the majority of office workers over the next two years, according to Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s Chief AI Officer, Azernews reports, citing an interview with the Financial Times.

Suleyman noted that so-called ‘professional AI’ will soon be capable of performing routine tasks for programmers, lawyers, accountants, managers, and marketing specialists. He emphasized that the automation of office functions is likely to happen faster than many anticipate, with algorithms handling a significant portion of intellectual work within 12 to 18 months.

The executive also highlighted that AI development and customization will become widespread and accessible. He believes creating new AI models will become as easy as producing a podcast or maintaining a blog, enabling both companies and individuals to develop solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Looking further ahead, Suleyman predicts that within two to three years, intelligent agents will be able to manage workflows in large organizations, independently analyze data, and make decisions. He also revealed Microsoft’s plans to actively advance its own AI technologies and gradually reduce reliance on OpenAI, aiming for greater independence in model development following contract renegotiations with other companies. The first results of this strategy are expected to emerge by early 2026.

Valentine’s Day in Baku: where love meets city’s most romantic spots

Baku in February is a city of contrasts: the Caspian’s cold breath mixes with the warm glow of street lamps, and the historic stone walls of the Old City stand beside modern towers of glass and steel.

For couples, this contrast creates a uniquely romantic setting, one where a Valentine’s dinner can be as intimate as a candlelit table and as dramatic as a night overlooking the sea.

The city’s leading hotels and restaurants get ready to present exclusive Valentine’s Day experiences, while Baku’s public spaces create the perfect setting for a romantic evening stroll.

Below are the most reliable and meaningful ways to celebrate love in Baku, based on confirmed events, hotel Valentine’s programs, and well-known dining venues:

Concert “For Lovers” at Heydar Aliyev Palace:

On Valentine’s Day evening, Azerbaijani singer Abbas Baghirov returns to one of Baku’s grandest stages with a special concert titled “For Lovers”.

The event will take place at Heydar Aliyev Palace after more than a decade since his last major solo show in Baku.

Baghirov is recognized as an Honored Artist of Azerbaijan and has a long career rooted in both popular and romantic repertoire.

For this event, his set list is expected to reflect the theme of love, with selections likely drawn from both classic and contemporary Azerbaijani songs that resonate with the holiday’s spirit

Valentine’s Special at Hayal Kahvesi

Also on 14 February, Baku’s popular night music venue Hayal Kahvesi will host Miri Yusif for a dedicated Valentine’s Day concert. This is a contemporary live music event aimed at a younger, passionate audience wanting a festive, high-energy celebration

Miri Yusif is a celebrated Azerbaijani artist known for blending genres like pop, soul, and folk into performances that engage audiences with both lyrical depth and dynamic stage presence.

His concerts often create an atmosphere that is simultaneously joyful and reflective, fitting for a celebration of love.

Candlelight Concert at Chamber and Organ Music Hall

One Baku’s most atmospheric musical experiences returns with its Valentine’s edition at the Chamber and Organ Music Hall. This performance is part of the internationally celebrated Candlelight concert series, a concept that brings live music to life under soft, warm candle-like lighting in intimate historic venues.

The concert program for the evening weaves together a selection of well-known local and international film melodies and romantic classical pieces, delivered by a live ensemble typically featuring strings and piano in delicate harmony.

The full performance runs for about 60 minutes, and on Valentine’s Day, there are two identical sessions you can choose from – the first around 18:30 – 19:30 and the second around 20:30 – 21:30, allowing visitors to plan their evening around the show.

The candle-lit setting creates an intimate atmosphere that enhances the emotional resonance of each piece played, making the event especially suited for couples seeking a refined Valentine’s experience.

Fuad Akhundov: Baku in Love Stories

Baku Music Academy’s Opera Studio will host a special creative musical evening by Fuah Akhundov, titled “Baku in Love Stories”. This show is scheduled as part of the city’s cultural program for Valentine’s Day and promises a unique blend of music and storytelling that centers on the theme of love as experienced through the city of Baku itself.

Unlike a traditional pop or classical concert that focuses on performance alone, Fuah Akhundov’s program is formatted as a thematic creative evening. The central idea of the event is to explore and express love through musical expression, personal narratives, and cultural reflections that are tied to the city, its history, people, and romantic motifs.

The creative evening is designed to include both musical segments and narrative elements, with live singing and thematic interludes that connect each piece to the idea of Baku’s historic and everyday love stories.

Valentine’s Day Festival in UNESCO Site

The Old City (Icherisheher) became the site of a special Valentine’s celebration that stretches from 7 February through 14 February with activities and public attractions dedicated to couples and visitors interested in marking Day of Love.

The central gathering point for this festival is Gosha Gala Square, one of the most picturesque public spaces inside the ancient citadel, surrounded by narrow cobblestone streets, fortification walls, and centuries-old architecture.

The square and parts of the Old City are adorned with Valentine’s motifs – heart-shaped lights, ornamental banners, and romantic design elements, creating a warm, visually memorable environment for couples and visitors.

Specially designed areas for photographs are set up throughout the festival zone, inviting couples to capture moments in thematic frames and against bespoke backdrops that celebrate love and the historic charm of Icherisheher.

Local artisans and vendors participate in small markets or pop-up stands, where visitors can find romantic souvenirs, handcrafted gifts, and themed keepsakes to commemorate the occasion.

Baku in February is a city of contrasts: the Caspian’s cold breath mixes with the warm glow of street lamps, and the historic stone walls of the Old City stand beside modern towers of glass and steel.

For couples, this contrast creates a uniquely romantic setting, one where a Valentine’s dinner can be as intimate as a candlelit table and as dramatic as a night overlooking the sea.

The city’s leading hotels and restaurants get ready to present exclusive Valentine’s Day experiences, while Baku’s public spaces create the perfect setting for a romantic evening stroll.

Below are the most reliable and meaningful ways to celebrate love in Baku, based on confirmed events, hotel Valentine’s programs, and well-known dining venues:

Concert “For Lovers” at Heydar Aliyev Palace:

On Valentine’s Day evening, Azerbaijani singer Abbas Baghirov returns to one of Baku’s grandest stages with a special concert titled “For Lovers”.

The event will take place at Heydar Aliyev Palace after more than a decade since his last major solo show in Baku.

Baghirov is recognized as an Honored Artist of Azerbaijan and has a long career rooted in both popular and romantic repertoire.

For this event, his set list is expected to reflect the theme of love, with selections likely drawn from both classic and contemporary Azerbaijani songs that resonate with the holiday’s spirit

Valentine’s Special at Hayal Kahvesi

Also on 14 February, Baku’s popular night music venue Hayal Kahvesi will host Miri Yusif for a dedicated Valentine’s Day concert. This is a contemporary live music event aimed at a younger, passionate audience wanting a festive, high-energy celebration

Miri Yusif is a celebrated Azerbaijani artist known for blending genres like pop, soul, and folk into performances that engage audiences with both lyrical depth and dynamic stage presence.

His concerts often create an atmosphere that is simultaneously joyful and reflective, fitting for a celebration of love.

Candlelight Concert at Chamber and Organ Music Hall

One of Baku’s most atmospheric musical experiences returns with its Valentine’s edition at the Chamber and Organ Music Hall. This performance is part of the internationally celebrated Candlelight concert series, a concept that brings live music to life under soft, warm candle-like lighting in intimate historic venues.

The concert program for the evening weaves together a selection of well-known local and international film melodies and romantic classical pieces, delivered by a live ensemble typically featuring strings and piano in delicate harmony.

The full performance runs for about 60 minutes, and on Valentine’s Day, there are two identical sessions you can choose from – the first around 18:30 – 19:30 and the second around 20:30 – 21:30, allowing visitors to plan their evening around the show.

The candle-lit setting creates an intimate atmosphere that enhances the emotional resonance of each piece played, making the event especially suited for couples seeking a refined Valentine’s experience.

Fuad Akhundov: Baku in Love Stories

Baku Music Academy’s Opera Studio will host a special creative musical evening by Fuah Akhundov, titled “Baku in Love Stories”. This show is scheduled as part of the city’s cultural program for Valentine’s Day and promises a unique blend of music and storytelling that centers on the theme of love as experienced through the city of Baku itself.

Unlike a traditional pop or classical concert that focuses on performance alone, Fuah Akhundov’s program is formatted as a thematic creative evening. The central idea of the event is to explore and express love through musical expression, personal narratives, and cultural reflections that are tied to the city, its history, people, and romantic motifs.

The creative evening is designed to include both musical segments and narrative elements, with live singing and thematic interludes that connect each piece to the idea of Baku’s historic and everyday love stories.

Valentine’s Day Festival in UNESCO Site

The Old City (Icherisheher) became the site of a special Valentine’s celebration that stretches from 7 February through 14 February with activities and public attractions dedicated to couples and visitors interested in marking the Day of Love.

The central gathering point for this festival is Gosha Gala Square, one of the most picturesque public spaces inside the ancient citadel, surrounded by narrow cobblestone streets, fortification walls, and centuries-old architecture.

The square and parts of the Old City are adorned with Valentine’s motifs – heart-shaped lights, ornamental banners, and romantic design elements, creating a warm, visually memorable environment for couples and visitors.

Specially designed areas for photographs are set up throughout the festival zone, inviting couples to capture moments in thematic frames and against bespoke backdrops that celebrate love and the historic charm of Icherisheher.

Local artisans and vendors participate in small markets or pop-up stands, where visitors can find romantic souvenirs, handcrafted gifts, and themed keepsakes to commemorate the occasion.

Moulin Rouge: Musical Tale of Passion and Drama

On 14 February 2026, audiences in Baku will have the opportunity to witness a passionate theatrical production titled “Moulin Rouge Musical Show”, staged for Valentine’s Day at the JAM SS Theatre.

The performance presents anintense and emotionally charged narrative built around the themes of love, jealousy, passion, and betrayal. It draws inspiration from the legendary world of “Moulin Rouge”, the famed Parisian cabaret that has captured imaginations for over a century as a symbol of romance, glamour, and dramatic intensity.

Rather than being a simple revue or light entertainment, this musical production is described as a dramatic and immersive stage story: behind the glittering surface of luxury and spectacle lie shattered fates, dangerous desires, and love that can destroy as much as it enchants. The narrative explores how passion can both illuminate and devastate the human heart.

In this “Moulin Rouge” adaptation, audiences can expect vivid staging, emotive musical numbers, and scenes that capture both the allure and the darker edges of passionate love, making it a compelling choice for couples and theatre lovers, marking Valentine’s Day.

bp and TPAO sign MoU to explore new opportunities in Trkiye and beyond

bp and TPAO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly evaluate new opportunities in the oil and gas sector, reinforcing energy cooperation between the two companies, AzerNEWS reports, citing a LinkedIn post by Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bp’s Vice President for the Caspian Region.

The agreement was signed in Istanbul and outlines the parties’ intention to collaborate both in Trkiye and internationally. Under the MoU, bp and TPAO will assess potential cooperation in areas including the development of discovered hydrocarbon resources, evaluation of exploration prospects, strengthening oil export capacity and expanding gas transportation infrastructure.

The move signals a strategic step toward deeper upstream and midstream collaboration, as both companies seek to enhance regional energy development and explore international growth opportunities. The partnership may also contribute to strengthening Trkiye’s role in regional energy transit and supply diversification.

Further details regarding specific projects or timelines have not yet been disclosed.

US to cut steel and aluminum tariffs

The White House is currently reviewing the list of goods subject to import duties and is considering reducing tariffs on certain products, particularly in the metals sector, AzerNEWS reports.

Last summer, US President Donald Trump signed a decree that doubled tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, raising them from 25% to 50%. According to reports, some government officials believe that these high duties have been negatively affecting consumers by driving up prices on a wide range of products, including packaged foods and beverages.

Officials also note that the current tariff system has become overly complex and difficult to manage, prompting calls for simplification. The proposed easing of tariffs could have significant implications for key US trading partners, including the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union.

Trade analysts suggest that reducing tariffs could not only ease consumer costs but also strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with allies. At the same time, critics warn that lowering duties may impact domestic metal producers who have benefited from protectionist measures, highlighting the delicate balance policymakers must navigate. Some experts also note that this potential adjustment could be an early sign of a broader shift toward more pragmatic trade policies in response to global economic pressures.

Russian forces suffer heavy losses as Ukraine updates battlefield toll [PHOTO]

Ukraine’s Armed Forces have released updated figures on Russian military losses since the start of the full-scale invasion, reporting continued heavy attrition across personnel, equipment, and weapons systems, AzerNEWS reports.

According to data published by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, from February 24, 2022, to February 13, 2026, Russian forces have suffered approximately 1,250,950 personnel losses, including about 800 over the past day.

The cumulative losses also include:

435 aircraft

347 helicopters

11,667 tanks

24,028 armored combat vehicles

37,254 artillery systems

1,642 multiple launch rocket systems

1,300 air defense systems

133,392 operational-tactical unmanned aerial vehicles

4,286 cruise missiles

28 ships and boats

2 submarines

78,268 vehicles and fuel tanks

4,070 units of special equipment

In addition, the Ukrainian military reported significant Russian equipment losses over the past 24 hours alone. According to the General Staff, Ukrainian forces destroyed:

5 tanks

3 armored combat vehicles

41 artillery systems

1 air defense missile system

1 heavy machine gun system

1,239 unmanned aerial vehicles

16 cruise missiles

127 trucks and fuel vehicles

The General Staff noted that the figures are being (clarified) as combat operations continue and stressed that the data reflects confirmed losses based on operational reports from the battlefield.

The latest update underscores the sustained intensity of fighting and the growing toll on Russian military capabilities as the war enters its fourth year.

Google launches Gemini 3 AI for research

Google has unveiled an updated version of its Gemini 3 Deep Think, an AI platform designed to tackle complex problems in science, engineering, and advanced research, AzerNEWS reports.

Developed in collaboration with scientists, the system is optimized for research challenges where data may be incomplete, contradictory, or where no single ‘correct’ answer exists.

The Deep Think mode is now available in the Gemini app, but full access is limited to Google AI Ultra subscribers. For the first time, the platform can also be accessed via the Gemini API, allowing engineers, researchers, and companies to integrate its capabilities into their own workflows after applying for permission.

According to Google, Gemini 3 Deep Think has achieved impressive results across multiple benchmarks. In the Humanity’s Last Exam, the system scored 48.4% without external tools. On the ARC-AGI-2 benchmark, it achieved 84.6%. In programming tests on Codeforces, the model earned an Elo rating of 3455. In the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad tasks, it performed at a gold medal level, with similar high marks in chemistry and physics Olympiads. On the CMT-Benchmark for theoretical physics, the system scored 50.5%.

Based on Gemini 3 Deep Think, Google DeepMind developed an AI agent called Aletheia. Aletheia is capable of analyzing scientific hypotheses, identifying flaws in reasoning, and suggesting refined solutions. Notably, the agent can recognize when a problem is beyond its capabilities and indicate that no answer can be provided.

To tackle complex research, Aletheia leverages Google search tools and web navigation. When reviewing scientific literature, it minimizes errors and avoids citing nonexistent sources – a frequent problem for AI in academic contexts.

Developers evaluated the agent’s performance across five levels of autonomy. In fully autonomous mode, Aletheia proposed potential solutions to three open problems posed by renowned mathematician Paul Erdos, though these were classified as ‘minor novelties.’ Among 700 unresolved Erdos problems analyzed, it suggested solutions for 13; nine of these had already been solved, leaving only four genuinely new contributions. Of 212 proposed solutions overall, only 6.5% were considered ‘meaningfully correct,’ with the remainder containing errors or misinterpreted problem statements.

Developers acknowledge that the system still tends to simplify problem formulations to increase the likelihood of finding an answer, and it remains more error-prone than human experts.

Despite these limitations, Gemini 3 Deep Think and Aletheia are being hailed as promising tools for accelerating scientific research. Experts believe that while AI is not yet capable of replacing professional scientists or mathematicians, it can serve as a powerful assistant – helping researchers explore hypotheses, test ideas, and sift through massive amounts of data far more efficiently than before.

Some futurists even speculate that, over time, agents like Aletheia could become collaborators in frontier research, helping humans tackle problems once considered too complex or computationally intensive to approach.

China unveils Moon ship and reusable rocket

China’s space program, aiming to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030, conducted a test flight of a new reusable booster and crew capsule late Tuesday (US time), yielding spectacular results, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) described the demonstration as ‘a significant breakthrough in the development of China’s manned lunar exploration program.’ China and the United States are effectively racing to achieve the next human Moon landing, a contest fueled by both national prestige and interest in lunar resources. The Long March 10 rocket and the Mengzhou spacecraft, both tested on Tuesday, are central to China’s lunar architecture.

A subscale version of the Long March 10 rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island at 10 p.m. EST Tuesday (11 a.m. Beijing time Wednesday). The launch allowed engineers to verify critical systems in the new Mengzhou capsule. Flying without a crew, the spacecraft ascended on the booster before activating its abort motors just over a minute into flight, simulating an in-flight escape at maximum aerodynamic pressure (Max-Q). The capsule then deployed parachutes and splashed down safely offshore from Hainan Island.

Unlike NASA and SpaceX abort tests-where boosters are typically expended-the Long March 10 first stage continued ascending after the capsule separated. Powered by its kerosene-fueled YF-100 engines, it reached space, reentered the atmosphere, reignited its engines, and made a precise propulsive landing in the South China Sea next to a recovery barge. CMSA confirmed that both the booster and capsule landed safely in designated areas.

A recap video from Chinese state media highlights the successful test. CMSA said it verified ‘the functional performance of the rocket’s first-stage ascent and recovery, as well as maximum dynamic pressure escape and spacecraft recovery,’ while also collecting valuable data for future manned lunar missions.

The Mengzhou capsule, whose name means ‘dream vessel,’ will ferry astronauts from Earth to lunar orbit, where they will transfer into a lander for Moon missions. It is also expected to service China’s space station in low-Earth orbit, gradually replacing the Shenzhou capsule used since the 1990s. The spacecraft is designed for multiple reuses and can carry up to seven astronauts in low-Earth orbit missions, with smaller crews for lunar flights. Its first orbital test flight is scheduled later this year, when it will dock with the Tiangong space station.

The Long March 10 rocket, capable of placing payloads up to 70 metric tons into low-Earth orbit, will eventually transport the 26-metric-ton Mengzhou spacecraft to the Moon. CASC, China’s leading state-owned aerospace contractor, said the recovery of the booster sets the stage for ‘subsequent full-profile flight tests’ and marks a ‘significant step’ in mastering reusable rocket technology.

China’s progress comes amid a surge in domestic reusable rocket initiatives, with at least ten companies developing rockets at various stages of maturity, aiming to rival SpaceX’s successes. In December, Chinese launch providers tested the Zhuque-3 and Long March 12A rockets with partially reusable boosters, and several companies have carried out high-altitude vertical takeoff and landing tests.

These advancements coincide with NASA’s preparations to send a crew of four astronauts on a loop around the far side of the Moon next month. While China demonstrates rapid progress in reusable rockets and lunar exploration, US lunar lander technology for crewed Moon missions is still several years from readiness.