Caspian Sea

Japan has pledged US$3 million to support Kazakhstan’s efforts to address the Caspian Sea’s water level decline through a partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative aims to promote cooperation among Caspian Sea littoral states on water resource management and improve monitoring systems.

A senior Azerbaijani water official stated that a legal framework could be established this year to monitor and adapt to the rapidly shrinking Caspian Sea through regional cooperation. The framework aims to address accelerating water level declines in the Caspian Sea.

Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight, triggering air raid alerts in Kyiv and multiple regions. Ukraine’s Air Force reported ballistic threats from the east and northeast, drone attacks, missile strikes on Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia, and Kalibr cruise missile launches from the Caspian Sea.

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Moscow, targeting critical infrastructure including a semiconductor plant, oil refinery, and fuel pumping station. Ukrainian forces also made territorial gains near Lyman and Zaporizhzhia, struck Russian naval assets in the Caspian Sea, and reduced Russian fuel production by 20%.

Kazakh CPC oil exports are expected to drop, leading to tight supplies in Europe. The decrease in oil exports is related to the Kashagan oil field located off the coast of Kazakhstan. This will impact Europe's energy supply.

The Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water, is retreating at an alarming rate with visible consequences including stranded buildings and disappearing habitats. Scientists warn that the sea may be approaching a critical tipping point that could have severe environmental and ecological consequences.