Category Archives: Politics

Mirziyoyev congratulates Zelenskyy on the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, Zelenskyy responds with thanks

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Ukraine and Uzbekistan

On August 24, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people on the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. As in the previous year, Zelenskyy publicly thanked Mirziyoyev for the congratulatory message. In 2026, both presidents emphasized the further development of bilateral relations, while Zelenskyy specifically highlighted trade and economic …

Treaty on Eternal Friendship: Why Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Tashkent could mark a new chapter in Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan relations

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Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on August 23, 2026

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan elevated their bilateral relations to a new level on August 23 by signing a Treaty on Eternal Friendship. At the same time, the two sides signed a package of agreements covering trade, investment, culture, tourism, and social security, aimed at the long-term development of bilateral relations. The Treaty on Eternal Friendship was …

Zakharova criticizes Hakimov’s opponent after Tashkent court verdict

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Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova’s statement on the case of Uzbek blogger Aziz Hakimov showed that the verdict handed down in Tashkent remains a matter of attention for Moscow even after the completion of the trial at the court of first instance. While in July Russian diplomacy limited itself to calls for a “fair …

Lifetime immunity and the Security Council: What the new law on Uzbekistan’s Presidential Administration changes

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Saida Mirziyoyeva and Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, March 2026

Uzbekistan has adopted the Constitutional Law “On the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan,” which for the first time comprehensively defines the status, powers, and structure of one of the country’s key state institutions. The document signed by the president does more than describe the functions of the Presidential Administration. It turns the Administration …

Aziz Hakimov sentenced to 4 years and 2 months in prison by Tashkent district court (updated)

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Aziz Hakimov. Screenshot from a video on the Comrade Aziz YouTube channel

The Shaykhantakhur District Criminal Court of Tashkent has convicted blogger Aziz Hakimov, known online as Comrade Aziz. The court found him guilty of inciting national hatred, defamation and insult, sentencing him to four years and two months of imprisonment. The information was announced on August 11 by Hakimov’s lawyer, Sergey Mayorov, following the verdict. According …

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan sign alliance treaty, settle long-disputed border spring issue

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Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Sadyr Japarov in Cholpon-Ata on July 30, 2026

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a Treaty on Allied Relations following talks between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Sadyr Japarov held on July 30 in Cholpon-Ata on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. The talks took place at the Rukh Ordo cultural center. The package of signed documents also included an agreement on the joint use of …

The Aziz Hakimov case: from a Tashkent courtroom to debates about Central Asia in Moscow

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Aziz Hakimov, Sergey Mayorov, and the Ridus Roundtable

On July 24, the fourth court hearing was held in Tashkent in the case of blogger Aziz Hakimov (Comrade Aziz), who is charged with war propaganda, defamation, insult, and incitement of ethnic hatred. Details of the proceedings remain unknown because the trial is being conducted behind closed doors. However, beyond Uzbekistan, the case has already …

Military exercises and combat readiness inspections held in Nukus and Termez

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Exercises in Termez in July 2026. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan

In recent days, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Defense has reported on several military training activities conducted at the Nukus and Termez training grounds, as well as in the Termez garrison. According to the ministry, regular field training exercises were held at the Nukus training ground of the Northwestern Military District. Service members carried out combat training …

Head of Uzbekistan’s Presidential Security Service replaced

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Rustam Jurayev. Photo: Ministry of Internal Affairs

Presidential Press Secretary Sherzod Asadov announced personnel changes in the State Security Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Under presidential decrees, Rustam Mirzayevich Jurayev was appointed chairman of the service and awarded the special rank of Lieutenant General. At the same time, Alisher Abrorovich Usmanov has been relieved of his duties as …

Lawyer comments on Aziz Hakimov’s condition after latest court hearing

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Aziz Hakimov. Screenshot from a video on the Comrade Aziz YouTube channel

Another hearing in the case of blogger Aziz Hakimov (Comrade Aziz), who is charged under several articles of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, was held on July 17 at the Shaykhantakhur District Criminal Court in Tashkent. As before, the proceedings are being conducted behind closed doors. After the hearing, defense lawyer Sergey Mayorov declined to disclose details …