In Chechnya, Akhmad and Salakh Khaskhanov—brothers of Arbi Khaskhanov, who escaped from a military base in Khankala to avoid being sent to fight in the war against Ukraine—have been abducted. This was reported by the outlet *Kavkaz.Realii*, citing human rights defender Roza Dunaeva, who represents Ichkeria in Austria. According to her, the relatives are being held in an effort to force the young man himself to return to the republic.
Telecom operators AzerTelecom and Telecom Armenia have signed a partnership agreement that will allow Armenia to access international internet via Azerbaijani territory. Under the agreement, the Azerbaijani provider will expand its network to provide international traffic services and establish routing to Armenia.
This agreement marks a new stage in the normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan, following agreements reached in 2025. Last August, with the assistance of the United States, Armenia and Azerbaijan initialed an agreement on peace and the establishment of diplomatic relations, emphasizing the importance of opening regional transport corridors.
In January 2026, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared that relations between the countries had shifted from confrontation to constructive cooperation. He announced that Baku had lifted restrictions on cargo transportation to Armenia and had begun supplying petroleum products.
Furthermore, Russia supplies wheat to Armenia via Azerbaijan.