Economist Fazil Gasimov and investigative journalist Hafiz Babali, both prominent political prisoners in Azerbaijan, have addressed an open letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This appeal, published on behalf of the Committee for the Defense of Political Prisoners ahead of the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum, aims to draw global attention to the grave human rights situation in Azerbaijan.

In Crimea, police officers issued human rights activist Abdureshit Dzhepparov a warning against violating the law. Law enforcement officials explained the document's origins in connection with the upcoming holiday on May 9th, but such actions typically occur shortly before the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Deportation of the Crimean Tatar People (May 18th).

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed Tbilisi's readiness to take all necessary measures to restore ties with Ukraine as much as possible. Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Yerevan, the Georgian politician emphasized that, despite existing difficulties, relations between the countries have a long history of friendship.

During talks in Yerevan, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed gratitude to European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for their assistance in countering hybrid threats.