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Russia says the International Criminal Court (ICC) showed no interest in Afghanistan until recently. Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev claims this shift came only after Moscow recognised the Taliban.

He accused the ICC of practising “justice after the fact”. Moreover, he said the court had ignored war crimes by Western forces in Afghanistan.

“Entire villages, schools, and hospitals were destroyed. Women and children were killed. But no warrants were issued,” Kosachev wrote on Telegram.

He noted that even minor attempts to investigate U.S. troops led nowhere. Kosachev called the ICC’s actions “a case of double standards”.

ICC Issues Arrest...

On July 8, 2025, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it has issued arrest warrants for two senior Taliban officials, citing grave human rights abuses in Afghanistan since August 2021.

The individuals named are Haibatullah Akhundzada, the Supreme Leader of the Taliban, and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, the Taliban’s Chief Justice. Both are accused of leading a policy of gender-based and political persecution that resulted in widespread crimes against civilians.

The Chamber concluded there are reasonable grounds to believe that the two officials directly ordered, encouraged or facilitated crimes against humanity. These include persecution on...

June 2025 has come to a close, marking the start of summer with weather that was both unusually hot and extremely dry across much of Uzbekistan, Uzhydromet reports. Temperatures exceeded the seasonal average by 1 to 2°C in most areas, and in some parts of Tashkent region the anomaly reached 2.2–2.5°C.

Only the northwest of the country experienced temperatures close to the climatic norm. Meanwhile, the central and eastern regions recorded one of the five warmest Junes since the beginning of systematic observations.

Throughout most of the month, daytime highs ranged from 33 to 38°C, while in the hottest...

On July 8, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a telephone conversation with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing development of bilateral ties. The two leaders reviewed current priorities for strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance between Uzbekistan and Russia.

Particular focus was placed on implementing agreements reached at the highest level, especially those relating to trade and economic cooperation. The presidents emphasised the need to expand trade turnover and push forward joint industrial projects in key sectors. They also highlighted the importance of fostering regional partnerships, cultural exchange and education initiatives.

In...

Uzbekistan’s lower house of parliament approved a bill requiring HIV testing for citizens returning from abroad and for incoming foreign workers. The law passed its third reading and now awaits Senate review.

Who Will Be Tested

The rule targets Uzbek citizens aged 18 to 60 who have spent more than 90 days overseas. Foreign nationals and stateless persons residing in Uzbekistan must also take the test. It applies to all foreigners entering the country for work.

Who Will Pay for HIV Testing

Testing for Uzbek nationals will be free and funded by the state. Foreign citizens must...

On July 4 in Rome, Uzbekistan was unanimously elected to the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for the 2028–2029 term — the first such achievement in the country’s history, MFA of Uzbekistan reports.

The FAO Council is composed of 49 member states, elected for up to three years with balanced geographical representation. It plays a critical role in reviewing FAO’s budget and programmes, and in making key recommendations and decisions for the organisation’s Conference.

Uzbekistan’s election reflects growing international recognition of the country’s reforms in agriculture and food security under the leadership...

From August 1, 2025, the United States will impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Kazakhstan, according to an official letter sent by President Donald Trump to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The White House released the text of the letter, which states that the new tariff will apply to all Kazakh products, regardless of existing sectoral or industry-specific duties. This decision follows years of dialogue between the two nations on trade issues.

«It is my honour to send you this letter, as it reflects the strength of our trade relations and the fact that...

At the BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro on 6–7 July 2025, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were officially welcomed as partner countries of the BRICS group. The announcement was part of a broader declaration by the bloc, which reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Global South and reforming global governance to better reflect contemporary realities.

The inclusion of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, alongside countries such as Belarus, Bolivia, Nigeria and Vietnam, marks a notable expansion of BRICS’ outreach to emerging economies. While not full members, these nations are expected to contribute to the group’s broader strategic aims — including a...

Uzbekistan is set to introduce a new approach to rice farming in 2026, shifting away from traditional flood irrigation by piloting drip irrigation methods in six regions, lex.uz reports. As part of a broader strategy to conserve resources and modernise agriculture, the project will test more sustainable and climate-resilient practices.

The initiative will be rolled out in Karakalpakstan, and the Khorezm, Bukhara, Namangan, Syrdarya and Surkhandarya regions, where pilot plots of at least 10 hectares will be established. Main goal is to reduce water usage, increase yields and improve crop resilience under changing climate conditions.

Drip irrigation, which delivers...

Kazakhstan will start producing paper from hemp for official documents. The material will be used for passports, ID cards and other secure papers, the Ministry of Agriculture announced.

Production has not started yet. The investor is still choosing land and technology. But the government says the process is already underway.

The hemp will be grown in North Kazakhstan. Only approved varieties with low THC will be used. This means the crop will not have any drug-related effects and will meet legal standards.

The project targets exports. But the paper will also be used inside Kazakhstan — including for printing...

Uzbekistan could lose up to $5 bn annually by 2050 due to the growing impact of climate change. The findings come from a national report published in June 2024. The study was prepared by the Ministry of Ecology of Uzbekistan and the State Center for Climate Change.

Which sectors are most at risk

The agriculture sector alone could suffer up to $2.7 bn in yearly losses. Other vulnerable sectors include water supply, energy, infrastructure, and public health. Without adaptation, total losses could reach 3% of Uzbekistan’s GDP every year.

Why are the risks increasing

The report points to two key threats: rising...

On July 7, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a progress report on the ongoing reforms in Jizzakh region, focusing on the implementation of development plans and the resolution of pressing local issues.

The session followed a presidential decree issued on December 31 last year, aimed at accelerating the region’s socio-economic development. The decree outlined key goals for 2025, including attracting $2 bn in investment, raising exports to $285 mn and securing employment for 168,000 people.

Over the first six months of the year, 200 projects have already been implemented across industry, services and agriculture in the region, with total investment...

Uzbekistan’s trade with EAEU countries reached $7.2 bn from January to May 2025. The data comes from the State Statistics Agency.

In the first two months of the year, the EAEU accounted for 23.6% of Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade.

Russia Leads Among EAEU Partners

From January to February, trade turnover with EAEU countries reached $2.56 bn. Exports amounted to $882.4 mln. Imports stood at $1.67 bn.

Russia remained Uzbekistan’s key partner. Trade volume reached $1.62 bn, with $1.07 bn coming from Russian imports.

EAEU Enables Free Trade Zone

The EAEU includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. The union operates as a single economic area.

It ensures free...

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have officially submitted a joint bid to host the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, UFA reports. FIFA has begun reviewing potential host candidates for the tournament, and the bid reflects growing ambitions among Turkic states to play a larger role on the international football stage.

The national football associations of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan noted the progress both countries have made in recent years, including major reforms in the sport, infrastructure improvements and a stronger international presence. The joint application expresses confidence in their ability to host the tournament at the highest standard.

Both nations are now...

Uzbekistan still plans to send cosmonauts into space. This announcement was made by Muhiddin Ibragimov, Deputy Director of UzSpace. He addressed the topic during a recent episode of the Ucast podcast.

A Dream with Scientific Purpose

“Sending astronauts to the International Space Station is, of course, a dream. But it must be a clear, conscious goal with defined scientific objectives.” Ibragimov said.

He said sending a cosmonaut could be done within a year. The candidate must be healthy, and funding must be secured. A full-scale mission would cost around $50–60 mln.

Planning...

China has launched the installation of a record-setting impulse turbine at the Datang Zala Hydropower Station in the Tibet autonomous region, marking a major step in its push for clean energy and carbon neutrality. The 500-megawatt turbine, developed domestically, holds the title for the largest single-unit capacity of its kind globally, according to SCMP.

Two of these colossal turbines will be installed at the power station, located on the Yuqu River – a tributary of the Nu River that flows through Yunnan province into eastern Myanmar and eventually the Andaman Sea. The turbines are made of martensitic steel, chosen...

Uzbekistan has appointed its first-ever ambassador to Serbia, Oybek Shakhavdinov, according to a statement by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on social media. The diplomat formally presented his credentials to President Vučić, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries.

Serbian side welcomed the appointment, describing it as a step that would inject new momentum into the full range of Uzbek-Serbian cooperation. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to expand Uzbekistan’s diplomatic presence in Europe and deepen engagement with key regional partners.

Ambassador Shakhavdinov will reside in Budapest, serving concurrently as Uzbekistan’s envoy...

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov has welcomed Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin as Indonesia’s newly appointed Ambassador to Uzbekistan. The meeting marked the formal start of her diplomatic mission to the country.

During the discussion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation. Saidov highlighted strong momentum in political dialogue and growing engagement in economic diplomacy.

«There are many untapped opportunities to deepen Uzbekistan–Indonesia ties across various sectors,» Saidov wrote on his official Telegram channel. He noted the ambassador’s experience and expressed confidence in her future contributions.

Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin brings significant diplomatic background to the post, with her appointment...

US President Donald Trump criticised Elon Musk for launching the «America Party» and opposing the administration’s new spending package.

In a Truth Social post, Trump called Musk a «train wreck» and said third parties only create disruption and chaos. He added that Musk’s plan to form a third party is ridiculous and not viable in the US political system.

The clash follows Musk’s announcement that the America Party would oppose the recently signed bill, which removes tax incentives for electric vehicles. Trump defended the move, stating the EV mandate was ridiculous and harmful to consumers.

Trump also...

Uzbekistan’s external debt rose to $68.4 bn in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest external sector report from the Central Bank. The figure reflects both public and private sector borrowing and highlights the country’s continued access to international financing amid strong investor confidence.

Of the total, $35.8 bn corresponds to public debt, while $32.6 bn is held by private (corporate) borrowers. Despite the increase, the report notes that most of the debt is concessional and considered moderate in terms of debt sustainability.

Investment and Exports Support External Stability

Foreign investment remains a core source of...

Full-scale construction of the international China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is now underway, according to Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobaev. Speaking on July 3, 2025, he announced that building works began on June 30, marking a major milestone in the long-anticipated transport project.

Although official construction was launched on 27 December 2024 with addresses from the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, China and Uzbekistan, on-the-ground implementation has now entered an active phase.

The railway line will stretch over 304 kilometres across Kyrgyzstan. Valued at $4.7 bn, the project involves major infrastructure components, including 29 tunnels—three of which will be among the longest...

Uzbekistan plans to launch its own ferry operations in the Caspian Sea to accelerate external trade shipments, according to Minister of Transport Ilhom Makhkamov. In an interview with Uzbekistan 24, he emphasised the strategic importance of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent visit to Azerbaijan in boosting both economic and transport ties.

The Middle Corridor, a key trade route for Uzbekistan, passes through Azerbaijan and remains vital for export and import flows. Makhkamov confirmed that preferential tariffs for container transport via Azerbaijan have been extended until the end of 2026, offering up to 70% discounts.

Joint ferry operations and regional...

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov will make a state visit to Tajikistan on July 8–9 at the invitation of President Emomali Rahmon, the Kyrgyz presidential administration has announced.

The official programme includes high-level talks between the two presidents, as well as meetings with the speakers of both chambers of parliament and the prime minister of Tajikistan. According to Sagynbek Abdumutalip, head of the foreign policy department in the Kyrgyz Presidential Administration, the visit will cover a broad agenda, from regional security to economic cooperation.

The parties are expected to sign a joint communiqué and a number of bilateral agreements...

Tajikistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in transport and logistics following a bilateral meeting on 2 July during the 12th Meeting of SCO Transport Ministers in Tianjin.

The talks were held between Azim Ibrohim, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Liu Wei, Minister of Transport of the People’s Republic of China. The two sides discussed a wide range of collaborative projects designed to improve cross-border connectivity, logistics efficiency and regional transit potential.

Key topics included the creation of vehicle maintenance facilities for electric cars in Dushanbe, allocation of temporary storage facilities in...