The “open war” declared by Pakistan against Afghanistan in late February is escalating tensions along the southern borders of Central Asia. While no direct military threat exists, the conflict presents serious risks for the region, with the distance from the clashes along the Durand Line to Termez being only about 600 kilometers.
Moscow Deputy Mayor for Transport Maxim Liksutov announced that approximately 15,000 electric bicycle couriers have been suspended from work in the capital due to non-compliance with established standards. This move is part of efforts to regulate courier activities and enhance road safety in the city, amid growing concerns over traffic incidents involving delivery personnel.
A delegation from Namangan Region, led by Governor Shavkat Abdurazzakov, has made a visit to Afghanistan. During this visit, meetings, conferences, and negotiations were held aimed at expanding bilateral trade-economic cooperation. The delegation includes deputy governors and over 30 domestic entrepreneurs and investors, which serves to strengthen practical aspects of the partnership.
The International Discussion Club "Valdai" and the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan will hold an annual Russia-Uzbekistan conference on March 30–31 in the city of Termez. Titled "Russia – Uzbekistan: Strategic Partnership in the Eurasian Space," the meeting will delve into various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including transport logistics and regional risks, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Russian government has decided to temporarily suspend gasoline exports from April 1 to July 31. This restriction was announced following an order from Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak to the Ministry of Energy, during a meeting addressing the situation on the domestic fuel market.
Relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have followed a complex trajectory since independence. The early years were marked by the Tajik Civil War (1992-1997), which created regional instability. Uzbekistan, aiming to secure its southern borders, supported the government in Dushanbe but also implemented stringent measures, including border mining and the introduction of a visa regime. During this period, contacts were regular but not systematic.
▪️ The Russian government is planning to introduce a ban on gasoline exports for producers starting April 1, 2026, as announced following a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. Novak instructed the Ministry of Energy to prepare the corresponding draft resolution, with the measure aimed at stabilizing prices on the domestic market and ensuring priority fuel supply within the country.
The Russian government is tightening its control over what citizens can access online, making it increasingly difficult for outlets like BBC Russian to reach their audiences. Recent restrictions have included widespread mobile internet outages and reported plans to block the Telegram messaging app. These measures mark a new chapter in the long history of the BBC Russian service, which began in 1946.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's state visit to Uzbekistan officially concluded in Bukhara. During the visit, the leaders of the two nations – Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon – held narrow-format talks in Tashkent and signed a substantial package of bilateral documents. These documents aim to expand cooperation between the two countries, covering economic, cultural, and technical spheres, but their practical implementation and long-term effectiveness remain uncertain, raising questions about the tangible benefits for regional stability.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon toured a modern textile production facility in the Bukhara Region and discussed prospects for expanding industrial cooperation between the two countries. The heads of state visited the Nigora textile factory, part of the Merganteks cotton-textile cluster. The $35 million enterprise provides a full production cycle, from cotton processing to the output of finished fabrics and clothing.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan arrived in the city of Bukhara to participate in the events of the second day of the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan summit. According to the presidential press service, the head of state welcomed Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon at Bukhara International Airport. A ceremonial welcome took place, featuring national songs and dances performed in honor of the distinguished guest.
A court in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk has ordered the removal of the documentary film 'Mr Nobody Against Putin' from three online video platforms. The ruling states that the film "propagates extremism and terrorism."