The United Russia party nominated Ramzan Kadyrov as its candidate for a new term as head of Chechnya. After his nomination, Kadyrov stated that he was running "under duress" and that, if the decision were entirely up to him, he would nominate another candidate. Learn more in our video.
Despite the absence of diplomatic relations and an unfinished peace process, trade between Azerbaijan and Armenia continues to grow. In the first six months of 2026, Azerbaijan exported goods worth $17.1 million to its neighbor. These figures come from Azerbaijan's State Statistical Committee.
The bulk of these shipments consists of petroleum products—specifically gasoline and diesel fuel. Exports began in late 2025, when a consignment of Azerbaijani fuel arrived in Armenia by rail via Georgia for the first time in decades.
Meanwhile, shipments in the opposite direction remain virtually non-existent. From January to June, indirect imports from Armenia to Azerbaijan totaled just $960; in June, according to the agency, no goods from Armenia entered the country at all.
Overall, Azerbaijan's foreign trade volume reached $24.7 billion in the first half of the year, a 1.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Exports rose by 26.7% to $16.3 billion, while imports fell by 27.6% to $8.3 billion. As a result, the country's foreign trade surplus nearly sextupled compared to the previous year's figure, reaching $7.98 billion.