Eurasia / News
Russia’s war machine fed by free-flowing exports of Uzbek “guncotton” pulp, say reports
Shipments vital to nitrocellulose production used as explosive and propellant in shells, rockets and missiles.
Public outrage in Tbilisi mars judges' New Year celebrations, several arrests made
Demonstrators gathered outside the Babilo restaurant where a group of judges, including those overseeing the cases of arrested pro-EU protesters, were attending a festive party.
Opposition leaders and media outlet CEO arrested at tense weekend protests in Batumi
High-profile arrests were made during anti-government demonstrations in Georgia’s Batumi on the nights of January 11 and 12, in a renewed wave of police repression.
EBRD delivers 26% expansion in investments in 2024, commits record €16.6bn across economies
Lender notes strong momentum in green and gender financing, in parallel with steadfast support for Ukraine and its real economy.
Armenia approves EU membership bid further straining ties with Russia
PM Nikol Pashinyan has pledged to hold a national referendum on EU accession, leaving the final decision to the Armenian people.
Georgian Dream lashes out at “Global War Party” and “deep state” networks
Georgian ruling party's extensive statement doubles down on old conspiracy theories whilst also throwing up some alarming new ones.
Azerbaijan’s Aliyev sees potential alignment with Trump, criticises Biden administration
Azerbaijan’s president accused outgoing US President Joe Biden of favouring Armenia, and expressed hope for a renewed strategic dialogue after US president-elect Donald Trump returns to office.
Kazakhstan’s KazMunayGas reportedly bids for Lukoil’s Bulgarian asset
Lukoil aims to sell Bulgarian refinery and petrol stations after Sofia banned imports of Russian crude oil.
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway officially launched, but sidetracked at least until summer
Project moving forward under yellow signal.
Tajik “terrorist” reportedly appointed Syrian defence ministry operational HQ chief
Sayfiddin Tajibayev’s jihadist group fought in offensive that toppled Assad.
OSCE PA president cancels trip to Tbilisi amid huge backlash
Pia Kauma cancelled the planned visit following widespread criticism that such a display of diplomacy would only serve to legitimise Georgia's contested government.
Georgian workers to hold countrywide strike demanding new elections
Employees and employers across Georgia will participate in a warning strike on January 15, calling for a new round of parliamentary elections and the release of the hundreds detained in ongoing nationwide protests.
Georgia’s outgoing President Zourabichvili to leave presidency, join protesters
Zourabichvili addresses supporters during the inauguration of her successor, Georgian Dream nominee Mikheil Kavelashvili.
Georgians gather outside presidency ahead of Kavelashvili’s disputed inauguration
Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has refused to vacate the Orbeliani Palace, saying the election of her successor, ex-footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili, was illegitimate.
Georgian president refuses to leave office ahead of inauguration
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili announced she would remain in the presidential Orbeliani Palace overnight before her successor's inauguration, escalating tensions over the transfer of power.
Putin apologises for Azerbaijan Airlines disaster amid missile speculation
Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologised to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev for what he termed a "tragic incident."
US sanctions Georgian Dream founder Ivanishvili
Washington accuses Ivanishvili of undermining Georgia's democratic institutions and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Iran gains observer status in Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union
Iran was granted observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) during the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting held in St Petersburg on December 27.
Russian missiles blamed for downing of Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet
Thirty eight killed as Flight J2-8243 engulfed by fireball on crash-landing. Twenty nine survive after back of plane breaks off during impact.
Did Russia shoot down the Azal passenger plane that crashed in Kazakhstan?
Confusion reigns over what on December 25 brought down the Azal passenger plane, killing 38 of 72 people on board. Some evidence points to a bird strike, other evidence to a Russian missile.