Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 25-29 May, 2026

● A ceremonial military parade dedicated to Republic Day took place in Yerevan. New military hardware and weapons systems were showcased, including Armenian-made drones as well as the latest defense systems acquired in recent years. Attack aircraft and helicopters performed demonstration flights over the Armenian capital.

● Many of the weapons systems displayed during the military parade were produced in France, India, and other countries, but carried Armenian names such as “Aramazd,” “Mihr,” “Lusan,” and “Shant.” Andranik Kocharyan, chairman of the parliamentary defense and security committee and a lawmaker from the ruling party faction, told journalists that weapons for Armenia are now being produced in seven countries according to Yerevan’s specifications.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan: “Foreign countries are signing multi-million-dollar contracts with Armenia’s military-industrial enterprises.”

● There are no indications that the Russian military base in Armenia could be closed, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said.

● “Relations between Armenia and Russia are going through a stage of transformation. I consider this a positive transformation. Armenia’s strategy toward Russia remains unchanged: we will calmly, patiently, and without nerves work with our Russian colleagues and resolve all issues,” Nikol Pashinyan said, commenting on Moscow’s statements about a possible revision of agreements on gas and other resource supplies. “Over the past eight years we have received such letters several times. But we resolved the emerging issues in such a way that citizens did not even feel it,” the prime minister said. He stressed that Armenia’s economy faces no threats, that multi-billion-dollar investments are expected, and that the country will continue developing cooperation with various partners while seeking to diversify its foreign ties.

● Armenia has denied accreditation to several Russian observers for the parliamentary elections. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that “this causes deep regret, and Moscow will take it into account in its future relations with Yerevan.” According to Zakharova, accreditation was denied to three Russian State Duma deputies and a representative of the election commission of the Karachay-Cherkess autonomous republic.

● Nikol Pashinyan said he is preparing to file another lawsuit against Russian dollar billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who is under arrest in Yerevan on charges of calling for the overthrow of state power in Armenia. Karapetyan has been nominated as prime ministerial candidate in the event his party “Strong Armenia” wins the parliamentary elections. “In an interview with Armenia TV they claimed that I had supposedly confirmed that 300,000 Azerbaijanis would come and be settled in Armenia.”

● Another shipment from Russia to Armenia has been sent in transit through Azerbaijan — four railcars of wheat and four railcars of fertilizer. So far, more than 28,000 tons of grain, over 4,000 tons of fertilizer, 133 tons of aluminum, and 68 tons of buckwheat have been transported from Russia to Armenia via Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is also exporting petroleum products to Armenia. To date, 10,000 tons of Azerbaijani diesel fuel, 979 tons of AI-92 gasoline, and 2,955 tons of AI-95 gasoline have been delivered.

● Nikol Pashinyan: “It is important to increase science funding by 2.5 to 2.7 times and raise salaries in the scientific sector by 100–300 percent so that this field becomes attractive to young people.”

● The final ballot designs for the upcoming June 7 parliamentary elections have been approved. It was decided that ballots may contain only the official name of a political force as stated in its charter; no personal names or abbreviations will be allowed.

● Rovshan Najaf, president of the state oil company SOCAR, is in Italy, where he is holding talks with local energy companies and institutions on further developing bilateral cooperation in gas transportation infrastructure. Discussions are reportedly focused on strengthening Europe’s energy security, including the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor.

● An official presentation of SOCAR Italy took place in Rome during a reception organized by the Azerbaijani embassy on the occasion of Independence Day.

● The official opening ceremony of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway will take place on June 2 in Georgia at the railway station in Akhalkalaki. Officials from Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey are expected to attend. The first official opening ceremony for the railway was held in Azerbaijan nine years ago, in October 2017, when the departure of the first train was announced. Initially, the railway was expected to transport 5 million tons of cargo annually, with plans to increase this to 17 million tons in later years. However, expectations for the railway have so far not been met, and since 2017 it has operated in test mode. According to the state company Azerbaijan Railways, modernization work carried out in 2023–2024 increased the annual cargo capacity of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars line from 1 million to 5 million tons.

● The new framework cooperation program between Azerbaijan and the United Nations creates a strong foundation for deepening partnership, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed wrote on X following her visit to Baku and meeting with Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. Mohammed also “highly praised Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), building on the achievements of Azerbaijan’s COP29 presidency.”

● President Ilham Aliyev is visiting Karabakh, saying it has become a tradition to mark Independence Day in territories liberated from Armenian occupation. In Khankendi, he attended the opening of a restored Cultural Center and a new factory producing work gloves, which will provide jobs for 35 people. The project received state support.

● Ilham Aliyev also met with residents of the village of Boyuk Galadaryasi in the Shusha district, which Azerbaijan says was liberated in 2023. 17 houses in the village have already been restored, while reconstruction of another 20 is underway. Fourteen Azerbaijani families of former internally displaced persons have already returned to their homes. The president spoke about the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity following the second Karabakh war in autumn 2020 and the 2023 military operation. “You all know how difficult the terrain is here, there were seven lines of defense and mines. We broke through those lines, and in just 44 days we forced Armenia to sign an act of capitulation. […] Today every inch of Azerbaijan’s territory is under our control. And the peace that has been achieved was established on our terms,” Aliyev said.

● Another Russian cargo shipment — four railcars of wheat and four railcars of fertilizer — will today be sent to Armenia in transit through Azerbaijan by rail.

● The first passenger train from Tbilisi arrived in Baku after a six-year break. The Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route has once again become a daily service.

● Six police officers have been arrested on charges of abuse of power. They face between five and eight years in prison. The case was opened after a video surfaced showing them beating a man during his detention. More details here.

● Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze called the incident “regrettable.” He said the suspect had resisted arrest and physically attacked police officers. However, Darakhvelidze stressed that the ministry condemns any use of violence.

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the Georgian authorities have once again expressed readiness to restore relations with the United States. According to him, much “went wrong” under the previous US administration. Kobakhidze cited Armenia and Azerbaijan as examples where the US deepened partnerships without imposing any preconditions, such as the release in Baku of people included in international lists of political prisoners.

● Leaders of the opposition “Coalition for Change” met with US State Department representatives Charles Yocum and Peter Andreoli, who are visiting Georgia. Zurab Japaridze, leader of the party “Girchi–More Freedom,” told journalists that normalization of relations with the authorities was not discussed during the meeting. He stressed that democracy and an independent judiciary are necessary for US interests in Georgia, pointing to the sharp tightening of US visa policy as an example of deteriorating relations.

● EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that the withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia and Moldova directly serves the EU’s security interests. According to her, this issue will become one of the EU’s key demands in any potential negotiations with Russia. Read more here

● Prosecutors have arrested two more people in connection with the murder of Tbilisi teacher Gigi Avaliani. According to investigators, the detainees — Irakli Sulaberidze and Demetre Kasradze — together with others also brutally abused other victims in February and July 2025 and recorded the attacks on their phones. Here is the story of Gigi Avaliani’s murder.

● Azerbaijan is celebrating Independence Day today. It has been 108 years since the establishment on May 28, 1918, of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic – the first secular and democratic state in the Muslim East – following the overthrow of the monarchy in Russia during the February Revolution of 1917. The republic existed for only 23 months before being overthrown by the Bolsheviks. Soviet Russia forcibly incorporated Azerbaijan into the USSR. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan once again declared its independence. Independence Day is a public holiday and is celebrated annually across the country.

● Monarchs, presidents, and senior officials from dozens of countries around the world are sending congratulations to the president of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Independence Day.

● Azerbaijan is a reliable strategic partner of Bulgaria, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Alexander Pulev said at an official reception in Sofia dedicated to Azerbaijan’s Independence Day. The event was attended by ministers, representatives of the presidential and prime ministerial administrations, members of parliament, mayors, university rectors, accredited ambassadors, public and political figures, business representatives, media executives, and members of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Bulgaria.

● There is significant potential for further development of cooperation between Ukraine and Azerbaijan in the fields of energy, logistics, transport connectivity, infrastructure, and security, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a congratulatory letter addressed to President Ilham Aliyev. Zelensky also thanked Azerbaijan for the humanitarian and energy assistance it has provided.

● The Azerbaijan–Netherlands Chamber of Commerce was officially opened in The Hague during a reception dedicated to Azerbaijan’s Independence Day. Erik Weststrate, Director for European Affairs at the Dutch Foreign Ministry, stressed that the economy is one of the key areas of cooperation between the two countries and highlighted the successful operations of Dutch companies in Azerbaijan.

● Employees of the Azerbaijani embassy in France visited the grave of Alimardan bey Topchubashov, one of the founders of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

● The health condition of journalist Nargiz Absalamova, who was sentenced to eight years in prison in the AbzasMedia case, is deteriorating. Absalamova suffers from chronic sinusitis and had received periodic treatment before her arrest. She is currently experiencing shortness of breath and severe headaches caused by the illness. Her relatives said that despite serious symptoms and her request for a tomography scan, she has not undergone a medical examination for four months. Other imprisoned journalists and public activists have also reported periodically facing health problems while being deprived of necessary and effective medical care, according to the Azerbaijani service of Radio Liberty.

In the AbzasMedia case, journalists Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova were sentenced to eight years in prison; outlet managers Ulvi Hasanli and Sevinj Vagifgizi, researcher Hafiz Babaly, and Radio Liberty employee and economist Farid Mehralizada received nine-year sentences; journalist Mahammad Kekalov was sentenced to seven and a half years. All of them were charged with smuggling and several other crimes. The journalists deny the accusations and say their arrests are directly connected to their journalistic work and critical reporting on the authorities. In recent years, around 30 journalists and activists have been imprisoned in Azerbaijan.

● Today, urea fertilizer and flour will be exported from Russia to Armenia in transit through Azerbaijani territory.

● More than 1,500 people have registered to participate in the 4th National Cybersecurity Forum, which will be held in Baku on June 4 and organized by the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Organizations Association in partnership with the cybersecurity center of the State Security Service. The association noted that such strong interest in the forum demonstrates that cybersecurity has become one of the most important topics in Azerbaijan. The program includes panel discussions, presentations by international experts, and a cybersecurity exhibition where local and foreign companies will showcase innovative products and solutions.

● Azercosmos plans to launch the Azerspace-3 telecommunications satellite by the end of 2029, as the operational lifespan of the Azerspace-1 satellite is nearing its end, AZCON Holding director Shahin Babayev said in an interview with the pro-government outlet Report. He added that work is continuing on the Azersky-2A Earth observation satellite project.

● Eleven countries will participate in the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Cup, which will take place in Baku on June 5–7.

● Armenia is celebrating Republic Day today. A military parade is taking place in Yerevan, featuring new military hardware. According to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the equipment on display consists mainly of weapons and armaments acquired after 2022. This year, festive events are being held only in the capital. No official event is planned in Sardarapat, although such ceremonies were held there in previous years.

● Direct threats from Russia: the Kremlin said it would suspend its agreement on preferential gas supplies if Armenia continues on its path toward joining the European Union. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the Russian embassy had delivered a letter from Russia’s energy minister to Armenia’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure. The letter warns that Russia may suspend or unilaterally terminate the December 2, 2013 agreement on cooperation in the supply of natural gas, petroleum products, and unprocessed natural diamonds.

● Armenia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that it had received the letter. “It will be studied, and the Armenian government will respond if necessary,” the statement said.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that “Armenia will have gas.” “We will not rely on one road, one ally, or one pipeline. We have a railway from West to East, the Akhalkalaki–Kars railway was previously opened, and before that the railway through the territory of Azerbaijan was opened. Soon the TRIPP transit route will open, a gas pipeline will pass through our territory, and through this transit we will have our own gas. We will be paid in gas for this transit. We will also develop alternative energy,” Pashinyan said.

● Nikol Pashinyan: “As long as Armenia can simultaneously remain a member of the Russia-led EAEU economic union while continuing reforms according to European standards, we will continue along this path. Once the time comes to make a choice, the people of Armenia will make that choice. My great achievement is that the people now have an alternative, so that no one can say: ‘Who else needs Armenia, where can it go?’”

● Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk: “When Armenia joined the EAEU, it received a whole package of preferences. Losing them in the event of Yerevan’s transition to the EU would be fair. Simultaneous membership in the EU and the EAEU is impossible. It is absolutely fair on our part to raise the question: ‘If you do not want to be in an alliance with Russia, then why do you expect to continue receiving the preferences that this alliance gives you?’ Everything is completely fair.”

● “We are witnessing the emergence of remarkable new relations between the United States and Armenia, which had remained stagnant for a very long time,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said while briefing President Donald Trump during a cabinet meeting about his visit to Armenia. “The TRIPP transit project will become one of the key pillars of the final peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, ensuring infrastructure security and regional stability,” Rubio noted.

● During a meeting in Astana, the presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan will discuss Armenia’s aspirations to join the European Union, though whether they will make a statement on the issue is up to them, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

● Defence Minister Suren Papikyan presented a new emblem for the armed forces. “The previous emblem, approved in 2001, had a number of heraldic, morphological, and ideological shortcomings. Therefore, in the context of army transformation, a process of modernization and correction of the emblem was also initiated,” Papikyan said.

● Former president and candidate for prime minister from the pro-Russian “Armenia” bloc, Robert Kocharyan: “Nikol Pashinyan is very similar to Mikheil Saakashvili. Both politicians share similar traits: provoking tensions, getting involved in geopolitical games, damaging relations with Russia, and flirting with the Americans while trying to solve personal issues at the expense of the people’s interests.” Kocharyan also shared memories from nearly 20 years ago. “In 2007, I met him in Batumi. Saakashvili was boasting about the army and saying that the Russian army had collapsed and was supposedly full of alcoholics. I told him then: ‘You’ve lost your mind, you have no idea what kind of trouble you’re heading into.’”

● “The pace of implementation is unsatisfactory,” the interior minister said about efforts to combat drug trafficking.

● Armenia will attract another loan from the World Bank to replenish the state budget — this time in the amount of 170.3 million euros. The draft agreement was approved at a government meeting on May 27. The loan will be used for structural reforms aimed at improving the economy.

● The son of Gyumri mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, who was arrested on bribery charges, has been placed in pretrial detention for three months. Spartak Ghukasyan is involved in several criminal cases and had previously been under house arrest, but a new preventive measure of detention was imposed on charges of hooliganism committed using communication tools or information technologies.

● The visit to Georgia by U.S. State Department representatives Charles Yocis and Peter Andreoli is continuing. They held a meeting with Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili (pictured). According to reports, the main focus was on the “Middle Corridor” transit project and Georgia’s role as a transport and connectivity hub in the region, with emphasis placed on the importance of expanding cooperation in this direction. The State Department representatives expressed support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and their intention to continue working toward further strengthening bilateral cooperation. On May 25, Yocis and Andreoli also met with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

● The U.S. State Department representatives, together with acting U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Alan Purcell, were received by Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III. The delegation congratulated him on his enthronement and highlighted the role of the Church in the country’s history. Shared Christian values were discussed during the meeting. The Patriarch invited the guests to events dedicated to the 1,700th anniversary of the declaration of Christianity as Georgia’s state religion.

● The Prosecutor’s Office has launched a criminal investigation into alleged police violence during the arrest of suspects in the city of Gori. The investigation began after a video appeared on social media showing a group of police officers beating two men. The lawyer for one of the victims, who is a bank employee, said that around 10 police officers took part in the assault and argued that the case should be reclassified as torture charges. According to Georgian media reports, the head of the Shida Kartli regional police department was also present during the operation, though authorities have not commented on his role.

● The Washington Post published an editorial about Georgia claiming that the increasingly authoritarian government of Georgian Dream poses a threat to the strategic interests of Donald Trump’s administration in the South Caucasus. The authors write that Georgia, once considered one of Washington’s reliable partners, is now “drifting into Iran’s orbit.” Read more here

● The United Kingdom imposed sanctions on three companies operating from Georgia — Eafor, Arvix, and Rapira Group — as part of a new package of measures targeting Russian shadow financial systems. The National Bank of Georgia stated that it had no supervisory authority over these companies because they operated without registration. Irakli Kobakhidze said that Georgia is not the field of activity of these companies and that the issue “is not of interest to the government.”

● The Investigative Service stated that it had begun investigating these three shell companies even before they were placed under British sanctions. “It was established that Eafor and Arvix were fictitiously registered in the names of other individuals for payment, while in reality they operated in Moscow and had no assets or offices in Georgia. By a court ruling on April 28, 2026, three defendants were sentenced to fines of 30,000 lari (around $11,000) and suspended sentences. The organizer of the scheme, David Jincharadze, was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison. Regarding the illegal activities of Rapira Group, it was established that the company was registered through a power of attorney by a British citizen, served exclusively Russian citizens, and had no bank turnover, assets, or offices in Georgia. The Investigative Service of Georgia’s Finance Ministry, in coordination with international partners, continues active work to combat financial and cybercrime and to prevent and suppress any attempts to circumvent international sanctions,” the statement said.

● Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze commented on the protests that have been continuing for several months by parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who are demanding state assistance in purchasing expensive medications. Sarjveladze again stated that the effectiveness of these drugs is questionable and that the state is waiting for European countries to begin purchasing them. The minister said that “false expectations are immoral.” How children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Georgia are fighting for their lives – read here

● Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze instructed the audit service to investigate an incident involving water leaking into Avlabari metro station during rainfall. Kaladze called the incident “categorically unacceptable and irresponsible.” Reconstruction of the station, which was supposed to be completed within eight months, lasted from 2022 to 2024 — a total of 28 months — and within two years after completion, serious flaws in its infrastructure were identified. The mayor also ordered a study of problematic drainage systems on renovated streets.

● As part of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Armenia, the countries signed a Charter on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. “Trump’s route opens the road to peace for Armenia and the South Caucasus region,” Rubio said. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that Armenia and the United States had “raised their strategic partnership to a new level by transforming it into a comprehensive strategic partnership.” Read more here

● “The opening of the Armenian-Turkish and Armenian-Azerbaijani borders is expected within the framework of the regional transit project TRIPP,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said. “The opposition has begun claiming that this would supposedly have negative consequences for Armenia. But if you listen to them, it turns out that Azerbaijan and Turkey were doing us a favor by keeping the borders closed. Then why are some goods in Armenia more expensive than even in certain European countries? One of the main reasons is Armenia’s transport restrictions, which affect the cost of goods,” Pashinyan said.

● Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said that “Armenia, having taken a course toward joining the European Union, is seeking protection from the direct source of threats to Russia.” He expressed regret over Armenia’s actions while the country remains a member of the Russian-led CSTO military alliance. “In this way, new threats from European NATO member states are emerging within the CSTO’s area of responsibility,” Shoigu said during a meeting in Moscow of the security council chiefs of CSTO member states. “Yerevan should decide which ‘train’ it intends to ride going forward,” Shoigu added.

● Russian State Duma deputy Andrei Lugovoi called for restrictions on imports of Armenian brandy into Russia and for a review of gas subsidies for Armenia. “Russia could take a number of economic measures in response to Armenia’s unfriendly steps,” Lugovoi said during a roundtable in Moscow titled “Armenia without Russia and Russia without Armenia: causes, results, and consequences.” “The Armenian leadership must understand that it cannot live on Russian benefits while simultaneously turning the country into an anti-Russian foothold. Russia can respond systematically to unfriendly actions. In particular, a register of Yerevan’s anti-Russian steps should be compiled,” Lugovoi said.

● Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: “Russia is focused on the economic and humanitarian development of relations with Armenia. We are committed to resolving issues related to security challenges in this region on the basis of mutual respect.”

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory message to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on the occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day. The letter states that the further strengthening of brotherly relations with Georgia is one of the key goals of Armenia’s foreign policy, and that these relations have already acquired the character of a practical and institutionalized strategic partnership.

● A total of 86 people have already been detained in cases involving crimes and violations of the electoral code ahead of the June 7 parliamentary elections. More than 200 people have also been questioned, and searches have been conducted in several offices as part of a vote-buying investigation, according to the Anti-Corruption Committee’s press service.

● Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the opposition bloc “Strong Armenia,” has denied reports about assets he allegedly owns abroad and investigations into a supposed “Russian trace” in his political activities. Karapetyan described these publications as “products of pro-government propaganda aimed at distracting a society that is really tired of Pashinyan and demands his immediate resignation.”

Context: Samvel Karapetyan is a Russian-Armenian dollar billionaire currently under house arrest in Yerevan on charges of calling for the overthrow of state power in Armenia. He has been nominated as a candidate for prime minister if his party, “Strong Armenia,” wins the parliamentary elections. Karapetyan and his party are considered pro-Russian. Several days ago, The Insider published an investigation claiming that Karapetyan has ties to Russian intelligence services and is involved in plans to remove Armenia’s current authorities from power.

● All major roads and secondary streets in central Yerevan have been closed as preparations are in full swing for the military parade scheduled for tomorrow in honor of Republic Day. Military equipment is already moving through the capital as rehearsals continue.

● Armenia is actively expanding defense cooperation with India. According to the Times of India, Yerevan has signed arms contracts worth around $2 billion.

● The Administrative Court has satisfied a lawsuit filed by the Prosecutor General’s Office and declared invalid the ownership rights of the Republic of Artsakh over the building housing the Artsakh (Karabakh) representation office.

● Yerevan City Hall reported that 75 cubic meters of waste have been removed from the Hrazdan River over the course of one year using garbage-collecting nets.

● World leaders sent congratulations to Georgia on the 108th anniversary of the restoration of its independence. Details here

● Pope Leo XIV sent a congratulatory letter which stated, among other things: “May Almighty God, through the intercession of Saint Nino, grant the Georgian people the right to live in safety and peace.”

● U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Independence Day and wrote in his letter: “This year opens new opportunities to renew the friendly ties between the American and Georgian peoples and to promote the security and prosperity of our countries. The United States remains steadfast in its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”

● U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also wrote in his congratulatory message about “new opportunities for even deeper friendly ties between the American and Georgian peoples.”

● The European Union’s congratulatory message stressed the need for “progress in Georgia toward democratic reforms, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental freedoms in order to further advance the country along its European path.”

● Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko congratulated Georgia on Independence Day and wrote on X: “Our countries are united by deep historical ties and a shared commitment to sovereignty, freedom, and democratic values. The people of Georgia stood alongside Ukraine during the most difficult moments of our history, and we deeply appreciate your firm support as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s war of aggression.”

● Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Georgia on Independence Day. “Our two peoples are connected by longstanding ties and a shared understanding of the values of freedom and dignity. I wish Georgia peace, unity, strength, and prosperity. We hope for mutually beneficial relations, and Ukraine is ready to move forward in this direction,” Zelensky wrote on X.

● Tens of thousands of people took part in an evening march organized by an opposition alliance to mark Georgia’s Independence Day. Participants blocked central streets with slogans supporting the country’s European integration and marched from the state university to the parliament building carrying Georgian and European Union flags. A rally was later held outside parliament, where representatives of the united opposition also spoke.

▪️ Giorgi Vashadze said: “Independence Day is also a day of choosing the future. Georgia stands between two paths: isolation or united European development. Both the opposition and society must remain united.”

▪️ Irakli Pavlenishvili accused the government of embracing Russian influence and said the ruling Georgian Dream party does not represent the idea of independence. He stressed the importance of European integration for preserving Georgia’s national identity.

▪️ Nika Gvaramia criticized the government and announced the launch of the campaign “Georgia Deserves Better,” aimed at achieving early parliamentary elections.

▪️ Tamar Chergoleishvili spoke about ensuring citizens’ security as the state’s main responsibility and said that the current regime itself has become a threat. She argued that Russia’s current weakening presents an opportunity for Georgia and that regime change in the country is necessary.

▪️ Levan Tsutskiridze said that protecting independence depends on social unity and active civic participation. He spoke about problems in the regions, as well as demands for change and readiness to fight for freedom.

● According to the press service of the opposition “Coalition for Change,” a driver transporting loudspeakers for the opposition alliance rally was fined 1,000 lari (around $400) and stripped of his driver’s license for one year. The coalition claims the driver has no connection to the opposition. The vehicle carrying the equipment was taken to a police station. Earlier, city authorities had officially refused to allow the opposition to install any structures or technical equipment during the Independence Day celebrations.

● The United Kingdom added three Georgian companies to its expanded sanctions list against Russia. According to a document published on the UK government’s website, sanctions were imposed on the Georgian companies Arvix LLC, Rapira Group LLC, and Iphori LLC. They were accused of helping circumvent sanctions against Russia. Read more here

● In response, the National Bank of Georgia stated that the three Georgian companies sanctioned by the UK are not entities regulated by the bank. According to the statement, all three companies operated without registration, and therefore the National Bank had no authority to supervise them.

● Georgia joined a total of 50 UN member states in a joint statement condemning Russia’s escalating attacks on civilians in Ukraine and threats directed at diplomatic institutions.

● The first Baku–Tbilisi passenger train after a six-year suspension arrived on the morning of Georgia’s Independence Day. It was welcomed at the central railway station by Deputy Economy Minister Tamar Ioseliani and Georgian Railway Director General Lasha Abashidze. Among the first passengers was Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Javid Gurbanov. “The resumption of the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route is an extremely important decision that will contribute to Georgia’s economic development, boost tourism, and strengthen ties between our peoples,” Ioseliani said.

Tbilisi. Tens of thousands of people are taking part in a pro-European march on today’s Independence Day in #Georgia. Throughout the week, social media and independent media outlets called on people to join the march to show the ruling elite how many citizens disagree with their… pic.twitter.com/EHDqBLWUzQ

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) May 26, 2026

● The Foreign Ministry congratulated the Azerbaijani people and the entire Islamic world on the occasion of Gurban Bayram.

● Monarchs, presidents, and senior officials from dozens of countries around the world have sent congratulations to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day, celebrated in the country on May 28.

● In a congratulatory letter to Ilham Aliyev, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote: “Following the historic peace summit held in Washington in August 2025, we worked together to intensify our relations, culminating in Vice President Vance signing the Charter on Strategic Partnership with Azerbaijan in Baku on February 10, 2026. We are deepening our partnership in regional transport connectivity, economic ties, and security cooperation, and we look forward to continuing our engagement in these and other areas.”

● Trump also emphasized that the United States continues to support lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia: “We are encouraged by Azerbaijan’s efforts to advance a peace agreement, including the ongoing border delimitation process, the release of four Armenian detainees in January 2026, fuel deliveries to Armenia, and the ‘Bridge of Peace’ initiative bringing together the civil societies of the two countries.”

● French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia in a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day. The letter also expressed hope that the two countries would overcome recent difficulties hindering the development of bilateral relations. “Following our meeting in Copenhagen on October 2 last year and our latest phone conversation on May 21 this year, I would once again like to reaffirm my intention to continue working toward the normalization of bilateral relations in order to realize their full potential in all areas – whether in our dialogue on regional issues or our cooperation in the fields of economy, culture, and education,” Macron wrote.

● President Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on the occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day. “I highly value the results of the state visit to your friendly country last month, as well as the hospitality and truly friendly attitude shown during the visit. […] I believe that through our joint efforts, the Azerbaijani-Georgian strategic partnership will continue to strengthen and expand in the interests of our two states,” the letter said.

● President Ilham Aliyev held a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. “Azerbaijan and Iran have always stood by each other both in joyful times and in difficult days,” Aliyev said. Pezeshkian once again expressed gratitude for the humanitarian assistance provided by Azerbaijan.

● Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York while attending the UN Security Council’s open debate on “Maintaining International Peace and Security.” They discussed the current agenda of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UN, as well as the situation and new realities in the region during the post-conflict period. Bayramov spoke about reconstruction efforts in territories retaken from Armenian control, the return of Azerbaijani internally displaced persons to their homes, the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the issue of landmine threats.

● During his visit to New York, Jeyhun Bayramov also held meetings with the foreign ministers of Portugal, Turkmenistan, China, Bahrain, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Cuba, and the Czech Republic. The talks focused on prospects for bilateral and multilateral cooperation in various fields.

● Prime Minister Ali Asadov discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in a phone call with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

● Russian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mikhail Yevdokimov proposed organizing a meeting of representatives of the parliaments of the two countries in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region in June. “Russian parliamentarians will be able to see the масштаб of work carried out in these territories,” the ambassador said.

● Newly appointed British Ambassador to Azerbaijan Duncan Norman has arrived in Baku.

● Azerbaijan has exported a shipment of locally produced construction materials to Armenia for the first time, worth around $6,000. The cargo, weighing 1,497 kilograms, was sent toward Armenia after customs procedures and included polystyrene insulation boards for buildings and structures.

● Hearings have begun at the Baku Court of Appeal on appeals filed against the sentences of convicted Armenian citizens. Among those appealing are former military-political leaders of the former unrecognized “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic” – Arayik Harutyunyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, David Ishkhanyan, and David Babayan – who were sentenced to life imprisonment. Also filing appeals are Arkady Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan, who were sentenced to 20 years in prison, along with others. They were convicted on charges including “war crimes, preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, violent seizure of power, and other crimes committed as a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.” Representatives of the victims, prosecutors, and the head of the Cabinet of Ministers’ office acting on behalf of the state as the injured party attended the hearing. The next court session is scheduled for June 2.

● The European Court of Human Rights announced its ruling on the complaint filed by Azerbaijani blogger Abdul Abilov, who was sentenced in 2013 to five and a half years in prison on drug trafficking charges but consistently stated the accusations were fabricated. He was released under a presidential amnesty in March 2017. The European Court found a violation of Article 6 – the right to a fair trial – and ordered the Azerbaijani government to pay the blogger €3,600 in compensation for material damages and €500 in legal costs. Before his arrest, Abilov ran a Facebook page called “Stop Sycophancy” and says he was punished for his critical posts.

According to the latest lists prepared by local human rights organizations, there are currently 328 political prisoners in Azerbaijani prisons, including journalists and bloggers. Azerbaijani authorities insist that freedom of speech is generally guaranteed in the country and that no one has been arrested because of professional activities or political views.

● Azerbaijan has completed the ratification process for the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs and became the 16th country to join the convention. Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe Bjørn Berge thanked Azerbaijan’s representative to the Council of Europe for the country’s commitment to strengthening human rights and international cooperation.

● Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, a representative of Azerbaijan Railways, reported strong demand for tickets on the Baku–Tbilisi train route, which resumed operations after a six-year suspension: more than 70% of the 8,400 tickets released for sale have already been sold. Passenger demand is so high that additional carriages have been attached to some services. The rail journey from Baku to Tbilisi takes around 9 hours and 30 minutes, including about 2 hours for border and customs procedures — roughly one hour at each border crossing.

Photo: Hailstones up to 4 mm in diameter fell in Baku and on the Absheron Peninsula.

● Georgia is celebrating Independence Day today. This year, the authorities have given the date a religious emphasis: instead of the Georgian and EU flags that were displayed on the Parliament building in previous years, a banner has been hung featuring the late Patriarch Ilia II along with religious slogans — “Georgian Christian State” and “1,700 years since the Christianization of Georgia.” Here is an analytical overview: why has the official message of Independence Day shifted from statehood to religious identity? And what is the state trying to signal in this way to those citizens who belong to other religious denominations?

● One of the leaders of the opposition coalition, Nika Gvaramia, accused the government of restricting citizens’ rights after authorities did not allow the installation of stages and other structures for a protest action planned for today. Gvaramia said the opposition will not change its planned route. Read more here

● Representatives of the U.S. State Department — Special Assistant to the Secretary of State Charles Yoke and Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs representative Peter Andreoli — are holding meetings in Tbilisi. After their meeting with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, his press office said the discussions focused on the importance of resetting relations and strategic partnership based on a concrete roadmap. Kobakhidze “confirmed readiness to restart relations with the U.S. from a clean slate.”

● The State Department representatives are also meeting leaders and representatives of various opposition groups.

● Following a meeting, Tina Bokuchava, chair of the United National Movement, said: “We discussed regional projects — the U.S. remains interested in our region.” In her view, “the restoration of Georgian–American relations and implementation of regional projects will not be possible if the current Georgian government continues to violate fundamental values.”

● Pro-Russian organizations in Georgia have established a “Russianophobia Monitoring Council.” According to the organizers, the platform aims to identify and analyze cases of “anti-Russian rhetoric,” discrimination, and hate speech in public discourse. Georgian experts warn this should be seen in the context of a recent law signed by Putin claiming Russia has the right to annex any country to “protect” Russians there. Read more here

● Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the opposition party “For Georgia,” will submit a parliamentary draft resolution protesting the agreement signed in Moscow on deepening ties between Russia and occupied Tskhinvali. The proposal calls for countermeasures against Russia’s annexation policy.

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze commented on growing public calls to pardon all arrested protesters. He said: “We have publicly stated that when there is acknowledgment and regret, there will also be corresponding actions. We have shared this position several times with representatives of the Patriarchate and stated it publicly. This is our firm and clear position. Legally, regret is not required for a pardon, but it is necessary to prevent future crimes.”

● The Chair of the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee, Gela Samkharadze, announced the creation of a working group to grant intangible cultural heritage status to Georgian mountain beer.

● U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Armenia today. Several bilateral agreements are expected to be signed. He is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, followed by a joint press conference.

● “The missing section of the Gyumri–Kars railway (from Armenia to Turkey) must be built,” Ararat Mirzoyan told journalists. He said he is currently in dialogue with Russian partners, as Armenia’s railway has been transferred to Russia under a concession from 2008 for 30 years, with the right to extend it for another 10 years. “If we manage to jointly complete this section, then we will follow this path; if not, we will find another solution. But this issue must be resolved. Armenia has gained a historic opportunity to become an alternative link in the new West–East movement of goods. This movement will happen one way or another. We have a historic opportunity to become a key hub. We will not miss this opportunity,” said the Foreign Minister.

● Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev: “Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has taken a course toward breaking away from Russia; this must be stated directly. He seems to find it advantageous, slipping between various political currents, to build himself an inflated reputation in the West, while risking ties with Russia.” Medvedev had previously said that “Pashinyan may land painfully between two chairs – the EAEU (a Russian-led economic union) and the European Union – when he tries to pull Yerevan into the EU while also trying to preserve the benefits of EAEU membership.”

● Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov: “Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told President Vladimir Putin that Armenia remains a full member of the EAEU, while at the same time developing other directions of its foreign policy, in particular relations with Europe. We have also heard statements that Armenia will not engage in anti-Russian rhetoric.”

● Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee reported information that some Russian-linked businessmen are allegedly exploiting financially vulnerable Armenian migrant workers abroad to bring them back and pressure them to vote for a specific opposition party in the June 7 parliamentary elections. Authorities warned citizens to comply strictly with election law and face legal consequences for violations.

● “We must hold early elections to the Gyumri Council of Elders and establish people’s power in Gyumri so that the city can prosper like other parts of the country,” Nikol Pashinyan said at a meeting with voters in Armenia’s second-largest city. The city’s mayor was previously arrested on corruption charges. A local clergyman has also been arrested on accusations of calling for the overthrow of the government. “Many said that after the June 7 parliamentary elections in Armenia, a ‘Gyumri-2’ scenario would unfold. But I said months ago that there would be no ‘Gyumri-2,’ but rather a ‘Revolution-2’ (referring to Pashinyan’s rise to power in 2018) and ‘Gyumri-1.’ What does ‘Gyumri-1’ mean? After the elections, a democratic, non-violent revolution should reach the building of the local city hall,” Pashinyan said.

● During a rally of the ruling party, Civil Contract, in Gyumri, an incident occurred after the national anthem was performed, when pyrotechnics malfunctioned, sending smoke and debris into the crowd. No serious injuries were reported, but the incident caused panic among those present.

● The opposition party Alliance has officially requested to withdraw from participation in the June 7 parliamentary elections.

● Former president and opposition candidate for prime minister Robert Kocharyan (who is considered pro-Russian): “Ideally, the guarantors of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan could be the United States, China, and Russia together.”

● Russian-Armenian dollar billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who is currently under house arrest in Yerevan on charges of calling for the overthrow of state power in Armenia: “We will adopt a law banning citizens of Azerbaijan from buying land and real estate in Armenia.” Karapetyan has been nominated as a prime ministerial candidate if his party, “Strong Armenia,” wins the parliamentary elections. He and his party are considered pro-Russian.

A ban on foreigners buying land in Armenia already exists and is stipulated in Article 60 of the Constitution.

● Armenia’s Central Bank reported that the real estate market has stabilized in 2025, with slower price growth, which may reduce the sector’s attractiveness for investors.

● Armenia will host “European Archaeology Days” from June 12–14, including access to excavation sites, exhibitions, lectures, and meetings with archaeologists and restorers.

● The Interior Ministry said there has been a recent increase in reports of domestic violence.

● Former President Robert Kocharyan has denied a report by Public Television claiming that he owns an apartment in the town of Stepanavan. The head of his office called the report “a brazen lie” and said that Kocharyan does not have an apartment in Stepanavan, but rather in Stepanakert (referring to Karabakh – JAMnews). “The Public Television, funded by taxpayers, is presenting lies […] and engaging in cheap misconduct,” the statement from Kocharyan’s office said.

Photo by Naira Babayan

● Romanian President Nicușor Dan congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Independence Day, celebrated on May 28, and invited him to visit Romania. Leaders and senior officials from dozens of countries around the world have sent congratulations on the occasion.

● An official reception was held in Tbilisi to mark the 108th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day. The event was attended by the Azerbaijani ambassador, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, members of the Georgian government, MPs, diplomats, and members of the public.

● The Court of Appeal has upheld a 12-year prison sentence for political scientist Azer Gasimli, director of the Institute of Political Management. He was found guilty of extortion through threats. It is alleged that Gasimli threatened a man named Gurbanali Yusibov with kidnapping his son, killing his father, and demanding money. Before the verdict was announced, Gasimli once again stated that he has been in prison for a year and a half on false charges, that he committed no crime, and that he was arrested on a political order due to his criticism of the authorities.

● A state program for 2026–2030 has been approved to develop the production and processing of agricultural products, as well as fisheries and aquaculture.

● President Ilham Aliyev declared it a priority goal for Azerbaijan to achieve 100% self-sufficiency in meat, milk, and poultry products. He noted that the current level is around 80–90% and instructed that the necessary state funding be allocated for the program. According to the president, more than 2 billion manats (around $1.2 billion) will be required from the state budget, while the private sector’s contribution is expected to exceed 3 billion manats. “This is a very large figure. Considering that we need to implement this within just four and a half years, we must begin work immediately after the program is approved,” he said at a meeting on agricultural issues.

● President Ilham Aliyev said: “In Azerbaijan, a project is being implemented to reconstruct 10 reservoirs. At the same time, 25% of the country’s water resources are formed in Karabakh and East Zangezur. Reconstruction of the Shirvan and Karabakh canals has begun. Once they are operational, an additional 200–300 thousand hectares of land will be irrigated. A modern irrigation system must be created on these lands. It currently operates on 130 thousand hectares; our goal is to increase this to 300 thousand hectares.”

● President Ilham Aliyev said: “If we exclude the liberated territories, Azerbaijan’s gasification level is 96%. There are no electricity supply problems anywhere. We are not only self-sufficient, but have also created significant export potential.”

● The first Baku–Tbilisi passenger train departed from Azerbaijan to Georgia after a five-year pause. Among the passengers was Minister of Digital Development and Transport Javid Gurbanov. He said the service would make travel easier for citizens of both countries and noted that Georgia is a friendly country with around 400,000 Azerbaijanis living there.

● Azerbaijan Railways will explore the possibility of offering lower fares on the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku passenger route. It is reported that tickets currently start at 81 manats (around $48) for certain classes if purchased 20–35 days in advance.

● “The Akhalkalaki–Kars railway, like Azerbaijan’s railway network, is now open for exports from Armenia and imports to Armenia,” Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on social media. “This is a major event in our country’s economic life. I thank our partners in Turkey and Georgia. Armenia now has railway access to Russia through the territories of Georgia and Azerbaijan, and then through Russia and Kazakhstan to China. And now, through Georgia and Turkey, also to the European Union,” he wrote.

● The issue of visa liberalization between Armenia and the EU will be resolved within two years at the latest, Nikol Pashinyan said. “Right now I am focused on the election campaign. If I receive your vote of confidence, I will resolve all issues within the framework of four principles: goods and services, labor force, financial resources, and free movement and transit. There is not a single issue among these four that I cannot solve,” Pashinyan said.

● Andranik Tevanyan, leader of the “Mother Armenia” party and number two on the list of the pro-Russian “Prosperous Armenia” party, has been arrested for two months. He is charged with treason and espionage and denies the accusations. On May 20, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during the election campaign that the National Security Service would ask investigators to open a criminal case against Tevanyan on treason charges. Tevanyan responded by saying that “it is Pashinyan himself who is the traitor and will one day be held accountable for his actions.”

● Former president and prime ministerial candidate Robert Kocharyan promised to “give the ruling party a political enema.” He recalled what he called the formula for peace and security: a competitive army, a strong leader, and a powerful ally. “But what do we have today? The army has become a guard service, we have not heard about military exercises for a long time. A strong leader? He is on his knees, disgracing the country, a drunkard. A strong ally? Every day he deliberately damages relations with the ally [meaning Russia — JAMnews] in order to create a situation where they can claim we were abandoned, that nobody is beside us, and that there is no way out except submitting to all demands [likely referring to Azerbaijan — JAMnews]. Only an enemy could govern the country this way. We reject this,” Kocharyan said.

● Prime ministerial candidate and oligarch Gagik Tsarukyan commented on Nikol Pashinyan’s statement that by 2031 he would “take away all of Tsarukyan’s houses.” “I have a better proposal for the prime minister. Let him donate the government mansion — his residence — to our boys wounded in the war, the heroes who need treatment. Let us pay attention to them, they defended the honor of our nation. And whatever is needed, for example equipment, I will personally provide. They deserve it,” Tsarukyan said.

● The “I Am Against Everyone” party held an action called “Put Everyone in Their Place.” Party members wearing red T-shirts and Spider-Man masks pasted photos of political figures they apparently wanted to “put in their place.”

● Armenia’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, Zhirayr Ananyan, took part in an open debate of the UN Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. Ananyan spoke about ethnic Armenians imprisoned in Azerbaijan, saying there are known cases of inhuman and degrading treatment. “The denial of international humanitarian access to them, including for the International Committee of the Red Cross, the reduction of the international presence in Azerbaijan, and the suppression of free press and independent civil society voices complicate efforts aimed at addressing their protection needs,” Ananyan said. He added that Armenia, in cooperation with the UN and Red Cross structures, continues to address the humanitarian consequences faced by more than 100,000 Armenians displaced from Karabakh.

● Investigators have seized the phone of former president of the former unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Samvel Shahramanyan. His lawyer said: “The military investigative department’s interest is related to the explosion at a gas station on September 24, 2023, but the phone itself was manufactured in 2025.”

● A 100-hour online charity marathon to help children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy ended successfully, raising 1,670,938 lari (about $628,000). The marathon was organized by a foundation created specifically for this purpose by students of Ilia State University. The foundation plans to continue its work supporting children.

● Changes have been introduced to the social welfare database. Under a new government decree, families whose monthly taxable income over the past three months amounts to 1,250 GEL (about $450) or more per family member will be automatically removed from the database of socially vulnerable persons.

● A court sentenced former deputy head of the State Security Service, Levan Akhobadze, to prison on charges of accepting a particularly large bribe. He denies the accusations.

● Tbilisi City Hall and the Interior Ministry did not allow an opposition group to install a stage or any other structures during the rally planned for Georgia Independence Day on May 26. The authorities cited official holiday events and related changes to the transport system as the reason.

● Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili called the transport and energy agreements signed between Georgia and Azerbaijan “historic.” She stressed that this became possible following the recent meeting in Tbilisi between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, who is widely considered Georgia’s shadow ruler. More details about the agreements here

● Well-known presenter of the pro-government TV channel Imedi TV, Naniko Khazaradze, announced that she is ending cooperation with the channel and with the company Globalcell, but gave no details. Imedi is under tough UK sanctions over accusations of spreading Russian propaganda and anti-European rhetoric while Georgia is an EU candidate country.

● Prosecutors have launched an investigation into the death of an employee of the anti-corruption department of the State Security Service, who was found dead in his own car. One person has been charged with incitement to suicide.

● Georgian company Setanta Sports has acquired the rights to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Georgia. All matches will be streamed free of charge on the platform.

● The building of Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ukraine in Kyiv was again damaged during a massive Russian missile attack on the night of May 24. Civilian infrastructure across Kyiv was heavily damaged during the strike, with reports of two people killed and 87 injured. Damage was recorded at 49 locations. The Azerbaijani embassy has already been damaged several times as a result of Russian airstrikes on Kyiv. A previous similar incident took place in November 2025, after which the Russian ambassador to Azerbaijan was summoned to the Foreign Ministry and handed a note of protest.

● Another hearing in the “Meydan TV case” ended in disruption. Journalists were making free statements, but judges repeatedly interrupted them, demanding that they “speak to the substance of the case.” The journalists then began banging on tables and the glass partition behind which they were seated, chanting “Cowards!” The panel of judges left the courtroom. It is not yet known when the postponed hearing will resume. Eleven journalists have been arrested in connection with the “Meydan TV case” and are accused of smuggling and other serious crimes. All of them reject the charges and say they are being prosecuted for critical reporting about the authorities. More details about the hearing and the case here.

● Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with the Diaspora, Fuad Muradov, is visiting Ireland, where he held meetings with officials. Discussions focused on the role of the diaspora in further developing ties between the two countries and opportunities for joint projects.

● Azerbaijan’s consul in Tabriz, Ramil Rza oglu Imranov, died in a traffic accident on the Julfa–Tabriz highway while driving on official duty, the Foreign Ministry said, expressing deep condolences to his family.

● Azerbaijani karate athlete Madina Sadigova won a gold medal at the European Championship in Frankfurt, Germany. Sadigova thus became the first Azerbaijani female karate athlete in history to win the senior European championship title.

● The “Force of Love” 2026 festival, organized by NARGIS Magazine, will take place in Baku from June 5 to 7. The program includes theater performances, a book fair, a photo exhibition, stands selling vinyl records, vintage jewelry and bags, home and beauty products, clothes by local brands, and food corners.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 18-22 May, 2026