Armenia

Border Incidents

On January 6, the Armenian Defense Ministry rejected claims by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense that on January 5, between 10:00 p.m. and 10:10 p.m., the Armed Forces of Armenia fired on Azerbaijani positions in the southeastern border region, stating that the claim was false.

The Armenian Ministry of Defense also refuted another statement from Azerbaijan on the same day, which claimed that at approximately 2:10 p.m. on January 6, Armenian forces opened fire on Azerbaijani positions. The Armenian side emphasized that this allegation was likewise untrue.

Furthermore, the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia reiterated its proposal to establish a joint Armenian-Azerbaijani mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations and related incidents. Despite this initiative, Azerbaijan has yet to respond to the proposal.

Azerbaijan

Border Incidents

On January 6, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that on January 5, between 22:00 and 22:10 (local time), Armenian armed forces units from positions in the directions of Tegh and Khanazakh settlements in the Goris region periodically fired small arms at Azerbaijan Army positions stationed in the directions of Zabukh and Jaghazur settlements in the Lachin region.

The Ministry further noted that in recent days, Armenian armed forces units have repeatedly fired at Azerbaijan Army positions, and these incidents have been duly recorded. On January 6, at approximately 14:10, Armenian armed forces from positions near the Tegh settlement in the Goris region once again fired small arms at Azerbaijan Army positions stationed near the Zabukh settlement in the Lachin region.

Major General Gunduz Abdulov Meets Saudi Delegation at Azerbaijan’s National Defense University

On January 8, Major General Gunduz Abdulov, the Rector of the National Defense University, met with a delegation from the National Defense University of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by Major General Nayed Atagan Al-Mutairi, who was visiting Azerbaijan.

The guests were briefed on the history of the National Defense University, its education system, and its main areas of activity. They were also given detailed information on the positive outcomes of the successful reforms implemented in the Azerbaijan Army's military education sector. During the meeting, a comprehensive exchange of views took place regarding the further expansion of military education cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the implementation of joint projects, and other matters of mutual interest.

Azerbaijan Signs Joint Action Plans with Ombudsman and Religious Affairs Committee for 2025 Focused on Rights and Radicalism

On January 10, the Ministry of Defense and the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed a joint action plan for 2025 focused on "Work done by the Ombudsman institution for the protection of servicemen's rights" and the study of the state of human rights protection. The plan outlined the venue, date, and responsible persons for the events scheduled for 2025. A series of meetings on protecting servicemen's rights and studying human rights will be held, with reports on various topics and detailed exchange of views during events in military units, including special educational institutions of the Ministry of Defense.

On January 11, the Ministry of Defense and the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations signed a joint action plan for 2025 to combat religious radicalism within the Azerbaijan Army. The document outlined the venue, date, and responsible persons for events in military units and educational institutions. The events will focus on Azerbaijanism, preserving and developing national-moral and cultural values, combating radical religious movements and extremism, fostering cooperation between cultures and religious denominations, and other related topics.

Georgia

Georgia's Defense Minister Chikovani Attends the 25th Ukrainian Defense Contact Group Meeting Focused on Coordinated Military Support

On January 9, Irakli Chikovani, the Minister of Defense of Georgia, participated in the 25th meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group at Rammstein Air Base in Germany. The meeting was attended by defense ministers and senior officials from over 50 countries supporting Ukraine.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin opened the meeting, where participants discussed the need for coordinated military support amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also joined the discussions, focusing on Ukraine's urgent and long-term military needs. Secretary Austin also addressed a forthcoming aid package for Ukraine, noting that it would be his final participation in this format.

The Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, established in April 2022 at the initiative of the United States, brings together more than 50 nations committed to supporting Ukraine.