Ali Karimli, Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), offered a critical assessment of the current economic situation in Azerbaijan. Citing official data, he stated that in the first quarter of 2026, economic growth in Georgia was 8.4%, while in Armenia it was 7.4%. In contrast, Azerbaijan's economy showed negative dynamics, contracting by 0.3%.
Austrian authorities have deported two Chechens to Russia. The latter had previously applied for asylum after receiving summonses to Russia. The deportation was justified by Austrian officials' arguments that their presence there threatens national security, based on a police investigation into terrorism and religious extremism.
Austrian authorities also stated that the Chechens could "avoid mobilization... by settling in Moscow." In addition, according to officials, they are "too old to be subject to conscription, which applies to men aged 18 to 30." Human rights activists claim that the deportation of the Chechens is a violation of international law.
The French publication Le Monde claims that after the murder of teacher Samuel Paty in France by an ethnic Chechen, a special police group was created in Austria. She is engaged in surveillance of the behavior of people from Chechnya.