Russia’s declining influence across the post-Soviet space is becoming particularly evident in the economic sphere. The erosion of political authority, the growing maturity of former Soviet republics, and favorable geopolitical conditions for a relatively smooth separation have allowed what were once considered permanent partners to start looking in other directions.

Editor’s note: Moses Becker is a special political commentator for News.Az. He holds a PhD in political science and specializes in interethnic and interreligious relations. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the position of News.Az.

Brazil’s Ministry of Labor and Employment has added the local subsidiary of Chinese automaker BYD to a registry of employers found to have imposed conditions analogous to slave labor.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described his country’s role in hosting talks between the United States and Iran as a “proud moment” not only for Pakistan but for the wider Muslim world.

The United States reported a higher budget deficit in March, as increased tax refunds and relief payments outweighed modest gains in revenue, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

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Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project at International Crisis Group, has warned that negotiations between the United States and Iran are starting from a deeply negative level of trust, making any diplomatic breakthrough extremely difficult.
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Russia’s foreign trade surplus fell sharply in the first two months of 2026, highlighting weakening export performance and shifting global trade dynamics.

FC Barcelona will look to bounce back quickly from a damaging midweek defeat in the UEFA Champions League as they prepare for a crucial La Liga derby against RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on Saturday.