Eurasia / News
Georgia’s ruling party claims landslide win in partially boycotted local election
Georgian Dream took over 80% of the votes nationwide, as opposition marked election day with a mass protest in Tbilisi.
Afghanistan tightens control over Russian, Belarusian agents claims Ukrainian Intelligence
Afghanistan's Taliban-led government is intensifying efforts to monitor and restrict the activities of Russian and Belarusian operatives within its borders, according to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service.
Security forces repel attempt to storm Georgian presidential palace
Up to 100,000 people boycott Georgia's local elections and join mass demonstration in Tbilisi.
European leaders caught on video mocking Trump for confusing Albania with Armenia
Video shows Albania’s Edi Rama joking with French President Emmanuel Macron and Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev at EPC summit over US president’s repeated geographic blunders.
Kyrgyzstan’s president Japarov demands return of death penalty after brutal rape and murder of schoolgirl
Populist leader has taken personal control of investigation. Killing comes days after snap elections were announced.
Afghanistan grinds to a halt as Taliban cuts off internet
fghanistan telecom firms confirm nationwide internet shutdown ordered by leadership as UN warns blackout threatens earthquake relief efforts and pushes 43mn people offline indefinitely.
Armenia’s Pashinyan sets out EU membership goal in UN speech
Armenia now the most Western-leaning of the three South Caucasus states as region's geopolitical balance shifts.
China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran push back on Trump ambitions in or near Afghanistan
Trump’s administration has been exploring options for keeping a military footprint in Afghanistan - a move that Russia has already said would have catasrophic consequences.
Germany preparing to enter direct negotiations with Afghanistan’s Taliban government
It has also been speculated that Germany might be readying to accept a liaison presence on the part of the Afghan government, that stops short of full recognition.
Afghan deportations risk bolstering ISIS-K ranks
According to UN data, more than 2.6mn Afghans have returned since January, many of them after decades abroad. Analysts caution that the abrupt influx risks creating conditions that extremist groups can exploit.
Kyrgyzstan to hold early parliamentary elections
Leaders likely looking for more stability in already sedate political environment.
Uzbekistan on track for WTO membership in 2026
Trump says he is considering a Central Asia trip.
China-Iran rail link slashes transit time to 17 days, official says
A new rail route through Central Asia has reduced freight transit time between China and Iran to 17 days, with car parts following in record time.
Sanctions imposed on Kyrgyzstan are “interference” in internal affairs, Japarov protests at UN
Hits out at major powers for double standards. Also calls for an end to economic isolation of Afghanistan.
US moves to retake Bagram would have “catastrophic consequences”
The Taliban military chief said Afghans had “fought well to defend their independence” and should the US consider a military operation, would continue to do so in the face of any challenge to the country’s sovereignty.
Trump praises “man of his word” Mirziyoyev as Uzbekistan signs $8bn deal for Boeing Dreamliners
Announcement came day after Kazakhstan agreed $4.2bn order with US for 300 Wabtec freight locomotives.
Blaze sweeps through fuel market in northern Afghanistan
The blaze broke out at the Timorian Market, located at the entrance to the Mazar–Kabul highway and known as a centre for wholesale fuel storage. Local residents described flames spreading quickly through the densely packed depots.
Tajikistan heavily reliant on international financial institutions for infrastructure development – report
Dushanbe having trouble attracting foreign direct investment.
Georgian opposition pushes for “peaceful revolution” on local election day
Some pro-Western opposition politicians are calling for a huge demonstration to topple Georgia's government, but critics question whether it is wise to place such high expectations on a single protest.
Trump claims to have stopped war between Armenia and Cambodia
US president again struggles with names as he boasts of settling war between Armenia and Cambodia - weeks after historic Armenia-Azerbaijan peace summit.