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Tuesday February 17 2026
Verdict on Ruben Vardanyan: How a billionaire’s political gamble led to the dock

Verdict on Ruben Vardanyan: How a billionaire’s political gamble led to the dock

Ruben Karlenovich Vardanyan known with his full name, the Russian-Armenian oligarch did not arrive in Qarabag by chance. Amid the unfolding political process, he assumed the self-styled position of “state minister” of the so-called regime, entering Azerbaijani territory illegally, reportedly with the backing of Russian peacekeepers, according to some sources.

Nation
President Ilham Aliyev sends congratulatory letter to Xi Jinping

President Ilham Aliyev sends congratulatory letter to Xi Jinping

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, AzerNEWS reports.

Oil & Gas
Azeri Light prices rise in global markets

Azeri Light prices rise in global markets

The price of Azerbaijan’s flagship “Azeri Light” crude rose in key export hubs, reflecting broader gains in global oil markets, AzerNEWS reports.

Business
Smartphone imports to Azerbaijan fall, but spending rises as market shifts to higher-end models

Smartphone imports to Azerbaijan fall, but spending rises as market shifts to higher-end models

Azerbaijan imported 1.34 million smartphones in 2025, marking a nearly 11% decline compared to 2024. Despite the drop in volume, the total import value increased to $457.3 million, up from $439.95 million a year earlier, reflecting around 4% growth. This trend indicates a clear shift in the market toward more expensive devices, AzerNEWS reports.

Analysis

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
Press conference held in Yerevan after Azerbaijan–Armenia civil society talks [VIDEO]

Press conference held in Yerevan after Azerbaijan–Armenia civil society talks [VIDEO]

A press conference was held on February 14 in Armenia following a roundtable discussion between representatives of Azerbaijani and Armenian civil society under the framework of the “Peace Bridge” initiative.

Armenian Aggression
Ruben Vardanyan sentenced to 20 years in Azerbaijan war crimes case

Ruben Vardanyan sentenced to 20 years in Azerbaijan war crimes case

The final court decision is being announced in an open hearing in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism and other serious offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

World
ASCO’s “Balakən” ferry returns to service after major overhaul, sets sail for Kazakhstan

ASCO’s “Balakən” ferry returns to service after major overhaul, sets sail for Kazakhstan

The “Balakən” vessel-ferry operated by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), part of AZCON Holding, has successfully completed scheduled repairs and returned to service.

Travel
Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport

Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport
Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month

Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month
Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]

Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]
Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture

Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture
Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park

Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park
Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Lifestyle
Ring of Fire: Annular solar eclipse to be visible across Antarctica and beyond [PHOTO]

Ring of Fire: Annular solar eclipse to be visible across Antarctica and beyond [PHOTO]

The first eclipse of the year will be an annular solar eclipse, set to begin on February 17 at 13:56 and conclude at 18:27, AzerNEWS reports citing the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory.

Culture
Azerbaijan Film Days held in Berlin [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan Film Days held in Berlin [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan Film Days have been held in Berlin through the joint organization of the Azerbaijan Film Agency, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Germany, and the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Berlin, AzerNEWS reports citing the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

Events
Applications open for Urban Expo at WUF13 in Baku

Applications open for Urban Expo at WUF13 in Baku

Applications are now open for participation in the Urban Expo, one of the flagship events of the World Urban Forum’s thirteenth session (WUF13), which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026, AzerNEWS reports.

Sports
Azerbaijani referee receives new CEV appointment

Azerbaijani referee receives new CEV appointment

International referee Eldar Zulfugarov has received a new appointment from the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), AzerNEWS reports citing the Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation.

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