Category: Azer News

The participation of Azerbaijani citizens and ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine raises deeply troubling ethical, legal, and humanitarian questions. While Moscow describes the conflict as a special military operation, the realities on the ground expose a system that increasingly relies on coercion, financial desperation, and manipulation of vulnerable communities. For Azerbaijanis drawn into this war, whether as Russian citizens, migrant workers, or former veterans of the forty-four-day Patriotic War, participation is neither justifiable nor defensible.

How Russia exploits Azerbaijani migrants and veterans for its war

Some Azerbaijanis fighting on the Russian side are formally Russian citizens. Their legal status, however, does not absolve the Russian state of responsibility for the conditions under which recruitment takes place. Many are mobilised through pressure rather than genuine consent, facing limited alternatives in an environment where refusal can lead to social or economic punishment. Citizenship in this context becomes less a matter of civic duty and more a tool of enforced compliance.

A second group consists of Azerbaijani migrants working in Russia. This is where the moral failure of Russia’s recruitment system becomes most apparent. Migrants often live under constant threat of deportation, police harassment, or loss of employment. Russian authorities and affiliated intermediaries exploit this vulnerability, presenting military service as a way to resolve residency problems, secure temporary protection, or earn quick money. The choice offered is false. It is not between service and opportunity, but between service and marginalisation.

Most disturbing of all is the involvement of Azerbaijani veterans of the Second Garabagh War. These individuals fought for their homeland, many carrying physical and psychological scars from that conflict. Their participation in a foreign war driven by imperial ambitions is unacceptable. Society and public figures must condemn this unequivocally. Veterans should be protected, rehabilitated, and honoured, not lured into another battlefield where their lives are treated as expendable.

Russia sells participation in the war as a financial transaction. Large signing bonuses, monthly payments, and promises of compensation are advertised aggressively. In reality, this is a system that puts a price on human life. For those struggling with debt or unemployment, the promise of money becomes a powerful lure. Russian banks and recruitment agencies reportedly use credit cards, instant loans, and deferred payments as incentives, effectively pushing individuals to mortgage their futures in exchange for frontline service. War becomes a consumer product, packaged and sold to the desperate.

The human cost of this system is evident in countless personal tragedies. One particularly stark case involved an Azerbaijani who lost both arms and legs while fighting in the special military operation. Despite his service, he was denied Russian citizenship for an extended period on the absurd pretext that fingerprints could not be taken. Only after sustained public pressure and media attention did authorities grant him citizenship in the spring of this year. This case exposes the hollowness of Russia’s promises. Loyalty and sacrifice are rewarded not with dignity, but with bureaucratic cruelty.

For Azerbaijan, the implications are serious. Participation of its citizens in foreign wars for money risks damaging the national reputation and undermining international legal norms. Mercenarism is prohibited under Azerbaijani law, yet enforcement remains inconsistent. Law enforcement agencies must tighten sanctions and policies related to mercenary activity. Clear legal consequences are necessary not only as punishment, but as deterrence. Silence or ambiguity only enables further exploitation.

There is also a broader societal responsibility. Community leaders, public intellectuals, and influential figures must speak clearly against involvement in this war. Moral neutrality is not an option when lives are being traded for cash. Condemnation does not mean stigmatising individuals who were coerced or misled. It means holding accountable those who design and profit from this system.

Russia’s war effort increasingly resembles a machine fuelled by human disposability. According to available statistical estimates, more than a thousand people are killed every day on the battlefield. This staggering figure underscores the scale of destruction and the indifference with which lives are consumed. In such a context, recruiting migrants and foreign nationals is not a sign of strength, but of desperation.

The war in Ukraine has become a test not only of military endurance but of moral boundaries. By drawing in vulnerable migrants, indebted workers, and war-scarred veterans, Russia crosses those boundaries repeatedly. Azerbaijanis must not become collateral in a conflict that serves no just cause and offers no real reward. Protecting human dignity requires clear legal action, public condemnation, and an unambiguous refusal to allow poverty and pressure to be weaponised.

This is not merely a question of geopolitics. It is a question of values.

The ‘Jirtdan Mega Show,’ organized once again this year at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Association, was traditionally held for children in need of special care.

As reported by Azernews that the show, presented under the title ‘Jirtdan: Journey Through Time,’ was staged at the Baku Congress Center. The first performance was organized for children living in orphanages, boarding schools, and special boarding institutions. In total, 948 children from 17 childcare institutions attended the show. In addition, IDEA volunteers presented gifts to the children. Held on the eve of the New Year, the colorful and engaging performance created unforgettable moments for young viewers and filled them with a festive spirit.

It is worth noting that at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, large-scale projects covering humanitarian, educational, healthcare, social, environmental, and other fields are regularly implemented both across Azerbaijan and in several countries around the world. The organization of festive events for children in orphanages, boarding institutions, as well as those in need of medical care and special attention-especially during holidays-remains one of the key focus areas of these initiatives. Such events are held on a regular basis to bring joy to children deprived of parental care and those requiring greater attention, and to help them experience the holiday atmosphere.

Another Children’s Art Festival, jointly organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Science and Education, and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation wrapped up with the awarding ceremony on December 26, Azernews reports.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Alena Aliyeva attended the ceremony.

The event participants were first briefed on the festival.

Having been held since 2023, at the initiative of Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, the festival aims to instill national and spiritual values in the youth, preserve and perpetuate traditional art forms, and cultivate young people loyal to their state and Motherland.

The Children’s Art Festival serves not only as a competition, but also as a broad creative platform aiming at developing children, contributing to the formation of their teamwork, stage culture, creative approach, and self-expression skills.

Kicking off this March, the 2025 edition saw over 27,000 applications, highlighting the growing interest in art among children.

A total of 512 winners were selected across 19 individual and 5 collective nominations.

Addressing the event, Adil Karimli, Azerbaijani Minister of Culture, noted that providing a state support for revealing the young personnel and young talents is one of the key directions of the cultural policy implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. According to him, under the leadership of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation is implementing numerous projects aimed at unearthing young talents, supporting their education, and their personal development.

Afterwards, Leyla Aliyeva congratulated the winners, wishing them success.

The event proceeded with the concert program performed by the winners of the festival.

This regulation is outlined in a decision by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health governing the sale and distribution of energy drinks in the country. The measure is part of a broader strategy aimed at protecting public health and minimizing the risks linked to excessive consumption of these beverages, Azernews reports.

According to the decision, the maximum recommended daily intake is limited to two cans per person, and the caffeine content in a single can must not exceed 80 milligrams.

Furthermore, the sale and distribution of energy drinks are prohibited in restaurants, cafés, retail shops, mobile food outlets, self-service kiosks, and through delivery services.

Energy drinks may only be sold through cooperative societies and informal markets, and only with official permission and under strict supervision by the relevant authorities. Interestingly, Kuwait is among a growing number of countries taking a firm stance on energy drink consumption, reflecting increasing global concern over their impact on young people’s health.

Thailand and Cambodia have signed a joint document to restore a ceasefire along their shared border following 20 days of intense fighting, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

According to Thailand’s state broadcaster Thai PBS, the agreement was signed by Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Nakphanit and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seyha. The ceasefire is set to take effect from December 27.

Earlier, authorities from both countries announced that they had reached an understanding on the terms of a temporary ceasefire, expected to initially last 72 hours starting Saturday. Any extension of the ceasefire will require approval from Thailand’s National Security Council.

Clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces resumed on December 8. Several days later, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the two sides had agreed to halt military operations and return to the peace agreement signed in October. Negotiations on restoring the ceasefire formally began on December 24.

The latest agreement is seen as a key step toward de-escalating tensions and stabilizing the situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border.

Members of Azerbaijan’s women’s national football team paid a visit to the Children’s Shelter and Reintegration Center operated by the Azerbaijan Children Public Union ahead of the New Year.

As reported by Azernews, citing the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), the visit was attended by Head of the Women’s Football Department Zumrud Aghayeva, national team head coach Siyasat Asgarov, founder of the children’s shelter Kamala Aghazade, and the national team players.

The main aim of the event was to show care and attention to children, while also highlighting the active involvement of women footballers in social responsibility and charitable initiatives.

A festive event was held at the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijani Cultural Center in Uzbekistan, under the motto ‘Our Strength is Culture – Our Unity is Solidarity’, to mark World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year, Azernews reports.

The celebration began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Huseyn Guliyev, congratulated attendees on the occasion, highlighting the role of humanitarian and cultural initiatives in strengthening mutual understanding between peoples. He noted that the idea of Azerbaijani unity was founded by National Leader Heydar Aliyev and is successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev. The ambassador also noted the Azerbaijani diaspora in Uzbekistan as an integral part of this solidarity.

Akif Marifli, director of the Cultural Center, described World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day as a clear expression of national unity and solidarity. He highlighted that the collaboration between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, built on mutual respect and trust between the two countries’ presidents, has reached an allied level, providing a strong foundation for expanding humanitarian and cultural ties.

The concert program featured performances by renowned Azerbaijani singer Ravan Qachayev and young vocalist Ulker Abdullayeva, who performed songs celebrating patriotism, national identity, friendship, and solidarity.

Theater performances were presented by the Cultural Center’s ‘Khari Bulbul’ Theater Troupe, showcasing scenes from Azerbaijani classical drama and musical theater, as well as traditional folk songs.

In the choreography segment, the ‘Garabagh Victory’ dance ensemble, operating under the Cultural Center, performed national dances reflecting the Azerbaijani people’s historical memory, pride, and spirit of unity.

The event concluded with the awarding of creative teams and public activists who actively promote Azerbaijani culture in Uzbekistan. Honorees represented the fields of theater, national dance, visual arts, television, and media.

Azerbaijan is taking concrete steps to advance the redevelopment project of the Bahar and Gum-Deniz oil and gas fields under the Initial Development Plan.

As reported by Azernews, citing Bahar Energy Operating Company Limited (BEOC), the project is being implemented in line with SOCAR’s corporate strategy pursued in recent years, which focuses on reassessing the potential and operational efficiency of existing oil and gas fields.

Within this framework, a contract has been signed between BEOC and SLB for the redevelopment of the Bahar and Gum-Deniz fields under the Initial Development Plan. By January 2026, the parties plan to prepare static and dynamic models for the Bahar field, as well as a comprehensive field development plan that includes drilling and well-completion programs. The work will also involve identifying optimal areas for field development.

In addition, the agreement covers the selection of initial development wells, the preparation of conceptual engineering designs for drilling and well completion, and the finalization of the scope of work, timelines, and budget for the project’s “define” and “execute” phases.

As part of the project, modern infrastructure compliant with advanced technological standards will be established, new production and exploration wells will be drilled, and production and transportation systems will be modernized. These measures are expected to enable the first oil production by late 2027 or early 2028.

It is worth noting that changes have been made to the ownership structure of the Bahar and Gum-Deniz fields. As of August 15, 2025, SOCAR acquired 100 percent of the shares in Bahar Energy Operating Company Ltd (BEOC). Consequently, the project is now managed by SOCAR under a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

SOCAR has also developed a strategic roadmap for the partial transfer of shares (60-70 per cent) in the Bahar field and is continuing efforts to attract investors in the first quarter of 2026.

If a country is chosen to host global sports events and international competitions, it reflects the trust and confidence the international community places in it. Azerbaijan’s recent achievements in sports demonstrate not only the country’s growing athletic capabilities but also its increasing standing on the global stage. Hosting major competitions, from Formula 1 to the third CIS Games, signals that Azerbaijan has established itself as a reliable and attractive destination for world-class sporting events.

Sport is a universal language that unites people, and Azerbaijan has leveraged this principle to strengthen its international image. As President Ilham Aliyev noted during the 2025 Sports Awards Ceremony, ‘Every time our athletes raise the National Flag at international competitions, each of us feels a sense of pride. Over the past five years, our flag has been raised in international arenas as the flag of a victorious country.’ This highlights how sporting success contributes to national pride and enhances Azerbaijan’s global reputation.

A key aspect of Azerbaijan’s approach is the decentralization of sporting events. Competitions are not limited to the capital, Baku, but are held across regional cities such as Ganja, Yevlakh, and Khankendi. By hosting events in multiple regions, Azerbaijan demonstrates its nationwide infrastructure capabilities. The completion of two new Olympic Sports Centers in Ganja and Yevlakh in 2025, bringing the total to 46 across the regions, ensures that young people have access to high-quality training environments outside the capital.

This nationwide approach strengthens grassroots sports development, cultivates talent, and promotes inclusivity.

Sporting events also serve as a catalyst for economic development, particularly in tourism and the service sector. The 2025 Formula 1 race in Baku, for example, attracted 20,000 spectators on-site and a global television audience of half a billion, showcasing Azerbaijan’s urban beauty and infrastructure. Similarly, hosting the CIS Games in regional cities introduced thousands of foreign guests to local culture and hospitality, generating immediate economic benefits. As the president emphasized, ‘While any sports competition can be held in Baku, organizing the CIS Games in the regions with the participation of thousands of foreign guests clearly demonstrated our potential.’

Azerbaijan has hosted hundreds of international sports competitions, and even more are expected in the coming years. A major upcoming event is the Ski World Cup, which Azerbaijan will host for the first time in Gusar at the Shahdagh Ski Resort. This will be the first World Cup-level event held at Shahdagh since its establishment, placing Azerbaijan and the resort on the international ski calendar. The development of the resort, including new tracks, slopes, and hotels, not only elevates Azerbaijan’s sporting profile but also stimulates tourism and creates thousands of local jobs.

Azerbaijan’s strategic investment in sports infrastructure reflects a broader vision of sustainable national development. Promoting sports among the youth is not only about winning medals but also about fostering a healthy, patriotic, and socially responsible generation. By embedding physical education and sporting excellence into public policy, Azerbaijan ensures that sports contribute to long-term human capital development, essential for the country’s overall growth.

Moreover, hosting international events such as UFC tournaments, Formula 1 races, and regional games positions Azerbaijan as a center of global attention. Recognition as the ‘Sports Capital of the World’ further validates these achievements, highlighting the country’s growing influence in global sports governance and event management.

In a nutshell, Azerbaijan’s sports policy is more than a program to support athletes; it is a comprehensive national strategy that fosters youth development, boosts tourism, stimulates economic growth, and enhances the country’s global image. By investing in sports infrastructure, hosting world-class events, and promoting regional engagement, Azerbaijan shows that a thriving sports culture can be a powerful driver of national progress and international recognition.

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has issued an appeal to citizens planning to travel to the liberated territories during the holiday period.

As reported by Azernews, citing the MIA Press Service, free and unobstructed movement will be ensured only for individuals who have obtained the required official permits.

The ministry emphasized that travelers must follow the instructions provided at temporary police checkpoints and move strictly along pre-designated routes. Citizens were urged not to carry any explosive or suspicious items, to visit only areas designated for recreation, and to avoid actions that could cause public concern or disrupt stability in the region.

The MIA stressed that strict adherence to these rules is essential to protect citizens’ lives and health, as well as to ensure overall security in the area.

‘Khankendi, Shusha, Lachin, Kalbajar, Zangilan, Khojaly-every corner of Garabagh is a symbol of solidarity and prosperity. Let us remain faithful to the traditions of these lands and act with greater responsibility and unity, creating memories filled with love, happiness, and safety,’ the appeal stated.

The ministry also noted that celebrating the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year in these sacred lands-native Garabagh-adds special meaning to the holidays. In this regard, police officers are operating under an enhanced service regime to ensure public order and security, taking all necessary measures so that citizens can spend their holidays in peace and safety in the liberated territories.